I have picked 24 rare cat breeds that few people encounter in everyday life.
#1 Ashera
It is an exotic cat breed thatis a mix between an Asian Leopard, a Serval, and a domesticated cat.
The Ashera cat is not a recognized breed by any of the major cat fancier clubs.
Asheras are expensive, sometimes reaching $125K.
#2 Minskin
It is a breed of cat derived from the cross-breeding between the Burmese and Munchkin cat breeds.
Minskins have shortened legs that come from a naturally occurring mutation.
The Minskin lifespan is around 12 to 15 years.
#3 Khao Manee
The Khao Manee is an ancient cat breed from Thailand that features a white coat and blue or odd-colored eyes.
In 2025, the Thailand’s goverment has approved a proposal to recognise Thai cats (including the Khao Manee) as a national pet symbol.
These cats are thought to bring prosperity and good luck.
#4 Burmilla
The Burmilla is a medium-sized cat that resulted from an accidental mating between a Persian and a Burmese cat in the 80s.
In 1984, the Burmilla Cat Club was founded.
#5 Nebelung
The Nebelung has a blue-grey coat and green eyes.
The breed was developed in the 1980s by Cora Cobb.
#6 Thai Cat
The Thai Cat is a medium-sized cat breed that is a natural pointed cat. In Thailand, the breed was revered as sacred companions.
#7 Egyptian Mau
It is a small to medium-sized haired cat breed that probably comes from the street cats of Egypt.
They are smart enough to learn how to turn on the faucet. It is one of the only naturally spotted domestic cat breeds.
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#8 Sokoke
The breed was developed in the late 70s, from the feral khadzonzo landrace of eastern, coastal Kenya. These felines enjoy climbing.
#9 Kanaani
The Kanaani originated in a cattery in Jerusalem, and is very athletic and muscular.
The name “Kanaani” is derived from Canaan.
#10 Ojos Azules
It is a domestic cat originating in the United States, with unusual blue or odd eyes.
In 1992, only ten Ojos Azules cats were known.
#11 Snowshoe
The Snowshoe is a breed of cat originating in the US in the 60s and it was created by Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty from a combination of American shorthair and the Siamese breeds.
#12 Ocicat
The Ocicat resulted from an attempt to cross a Siamese with an Abyssinian.
It resembles a wild cat but has no recent wild DNA. In 1987, the breed earned championship status from the CFA.
#13 Serengeti
It is developed by crossing an Oriental Shorthair and a Bengal. The Serengeti was created in 1994 in the United States.
#14 Toyger
The Toyger is a short-haired cat that resembles a toy tiger. It is a cross between a tabby cat and a Bengal.
The Toyger was founded by Judy Sugden in the US. This cat is intelligent and active.
#15 Savannah
It is a crossbreed between the wild Serval and a domestic cat.
In May 2012, it was accepted by TICA as an eligible championship breed.
Savannahs need a home that provides plenty of playtime and exercise.
#16 Peterbald
It is a hairless cat breed of Russian origin. What Peterbalds lack in hair, they make up for in loyalty.
These cats absolutely crave affection and have a higher metabolism than felines with full coats.
#17 Ceylon
It is a domestic cat native to the island of Sri Lanka. The Ceylon cat gets along well with other pets.
#18 LaPerm
LaPerms have an athletic build and are affectionate. They also have a strong hunting instinct and love to interact and play with humans.
#19 Singapura
It is the smallest breed of cat that is Singapore’s Tourism Board’s mascot.
#20 Pixiebob
The Pixie-bob is a pedigreed breed of domestic cat that looks like the American bobcat.
#21 Chartreux
The Chartreux is a sturdy French breed that was mentioned for the first time in 1558 in a poem by Joachim du Bellay.
According to local myths, French Carthusian monks employed this breed for rodent control in monasteries.
Their short coat does not tangle and is easy to keep clean.
#22 Kurilian Bobtail
The Kurilian Bobtail originated from the Russian Kuril Islands. They love learning new things.
In 2012, the breed was accepted to Championship status by TICA. The Kurilian Bobtail comes in various patterns and colors, including golden, silver, smoke, solid, tortie, patched, and bi-color.
#23 Arabian Mau
The Arabian Mau wasdeveloped on its own in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula.
Their legs are long with oval paws.
#24 Manx
The Manx is known for its lack of a tail. The breed originated on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea.
Its lack of tail is the result of a naturally occurring genetic mutation. These cats get along well with other family pets.