Are you a cat lover? If the answer is yes, then this article is for you. We will discuss some of the rarest species of cats known to man. Hopefully, it can help you understand these particular animals to take care of them better soon as their owner.
The number of existing cat breeds in the world may vary depending on which organization you are relying upon for information. Here are some of those details as follows:
- Cat Fanciers’ Association counted the species at about 44.
- The French organization known as the International Federation of Felines tabulated it at about 49.
- On the other hand, The International Cat Association or TICA has the largest combined count at about 73.
Generally, it can be challenging to track down the specific number of those species because this sort of information is not readily available to the public.
We will be soured information on data provided by the CFA. According to further research, the specific number of cat breeds is recorded based on the distinct number of existing registrations per year. Listed below are 10 of the rarest cats there are.
Don’t hesitate to continue reading if you want to learn more about them.
The American Wirehair
Here is the first on the list. It is considered a rare breed because of a unique genetic mutation. This particular type of mediation causes the cats to have a thin and wiry fur coat, unlike any other breed. It has an average life span of about 14 to 18 years and a price range of $800 to 1200 USD.
Here are some additional details about the American Wirehair.
- Country of Origin: USA
- Average Lifespan: About 14 to 18 years
- CFA Ranking (2017): Number 42
- Top 10 Rarest Breeds of Cats
Aside from being one of them are some breeds of cats existing on the planet, it is also considered to be one of the most ancient. This rare breed has already lived and survived in the Eastern Anatolia Region. This region is now known as Iraq, Iran, the Soviet Union, and Eastern Turkey.
Here are additional details you should know about the Turkish Van.
- CFA Rank Number: 45
- Price Range: $400 to $600
- Average Lifespan: 12 to 17 years
This breed of cats can usually be described as having moderately longhaired coats. It makes them impervious to cold and water. It is this quality that makes them stand out among the rest.
Because of their coats, they enjoy dips in the water, unlike any other cat breed.
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LaPerm
This particular breed has the most beautiful fur type ever discovered. These cats have curly coats that come in different shades. It also has a variety of patterns that will make any owner love this pet even more.
Here are some other details that you should know about the LaPerm Cat.
- Country of Origin: United States of America
- Price Range: 400 to 600 dollars
- Average Lifespan: About 10 to 14 years
- CFA Ranking: 40
According to further research, the curly or wavy hair in the LaPerm can be considered a genetic mutation. This is another reason why did read is considered extremely rare and an expensive find.
Devon Rex
This small and playful cat breed was named after its point of origin: Devonshire, England. It is a rare breed that has distinct identifying qualities as follows:
- Large Ears
- Naughty Face
- Short Whiskers
This feline breed is also known for its likelihood to play with its owners. It is a ball of energy that any cat lover would want to add to their collection. It is also known as Pixie Cat or Alien Cat.
The Kurilian Bobtail
This particular breed is said to hail from Russia. According to The International Cat Association (TICA), it is endangered with only 100 of its kind in the United States alone. Here are some distinct characteristics that are only known to this particular cat breed.
- These cats are notorious shedders. Because of this, they require more maintenance as pets in the house.
- They typically have longed fur coats that usually require hours of care so only take them if you have the time to take on such an enormous responsibility.
- If you have the suspects, it would be like taking care of another human being inside the house.
With these characteristics, you should think about having the Kurilian Bobtails as your pets. Would you have the time or money to take care of them? If your answer is yes, then you should give it a shot as soon as possible.
The Norwegian Forest Cat
This particular breed was nearly declared extinct during World War II. It is seen much more frequently in Europe. Here are some additional details that you should know about this imposing animal.
- They have thick, waterproof coats that help them survive the cold winter months in Scandinavia.
- They have large and hard-looking bodies, which contradicts their sociable and friendly nature.
- These cats are usually not found in the United States.
So, as a cat lover, if you want an imported breed as part of your family, you should get this one right away. However, be aware that there may be concerns regarding been nearly extinct need sure of these cats. It would be best to leave them where they are instead of taking care of them in captivity.
Chartreux
This particular cat breed comes from France. It is known as the “smiling cat” of the country. This specific type of cat also is considered the national animal of France. Here are some additional facts about the Chartreux that might interest you.
- Historically, it was brought to France by the Crusaders.
- These cats lived a quiet life in the Carthusian monasteries.
- Originating from Europe, it can rarely be seen in other countries such as the United States.
It is why having this particular breed as your own would be considered a rarity. It is difficult to find and import specifically in the western regions of the world.
The Tonkinese Cat
This particular breed is known to have a high level of energy, unlike any other animal. They are also highly adaptable and can blend with other species like dogs and even other cats. Here is some additional information about these cats that you should know.
- These cats are known to have affectionate and innocent personalities.
- It is a cross between the Burmese and Siamese cats in appearance.
- Due to their boundless energy, they need to be around animals with similar energy levels.
- It is this characteristic that also tends to annoy more relaxed animals when paired with the Tonkinese cat.
So if you want people-friendly pets, this cat breed is for you. However, you have to make sure that you let your pets get to know each other first. It applies if you have multiple pets inside the house.
The Egyptian Mau
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, only about 6700 of these particular cat species exist worldwide. Go ahead and continue reading to learn more.
- These cats are all the only species known to be the most domesticated spotted animal in the world.
- It is medium size and is extremely playful. If you want an energetic pet that will last in the family, this breed is for you.
- As the name suggests, it originates from Egypt.
This rare breed is beautiful because it is not only docile. It is also adaptable to any environment. You have to know how to take care of it properly.
European Burmese Cat
This particular breed originated from one single cat. Its name is Wong Mau. This specific cat is the first of its kind (Burmese) in the United States. It was partnered with the Siamese cat in 1930 and was brought to the United States.
Further breeding was done in nearby countries such as England and Europe. Because of the crossbreeding experiments, many different breed standards emerged. However, the European Burmese is much rarer compared to the American Burmese.
Here is some additional information about these cat breeds.
- CFA Ranking as of 2017: 35
- Country of Origin: Border of Thailand and Burma (Myanmar)
- Price Range: about $200 to $300
- Average Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
With these bits of information, we hope that you will be able to learn more about the European Burmese cat and take care of it in a much more dignified fashion. This will be one of the most expensive minds that you can have in your home so you have to take care of it as part of your family.
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Additional Information: How to Take Care of Rare Cat Breeds Properly
You need to start things off right when it comes to taking care of your pets. This tip applies in particular to rare cat breeds such as those mentioned above. Fortunately, we had some effective tips on how to take care of these cat breeds as much as possible without incurring more damage down the line.
Brush Their Fur
Make it a point to brush and trim cat fur regularly. It will ensure the minimal appearance of hairballs. That may end up developing inside the digestive tract of the animal. Cats are usually independent groomers, so much so that the owners tend to forget or neglect to brush.
It will help them remove loose fur, which they may otherwise be unable to do by themselves.
Don’t Feed The Animals Too Much Dry Goods
Always remember that meat is an essential part of a cat’s diet. The cats cannot be vegetarians even for shorter periods. Having them eat dry foods regularly may affect their weight. Consuming too many carbohydrates can ultimately be bad for their health.
To address this issue, consult your local veterinarian for more information on animal diets and what you should feed them. This week, you will be able to take care of your pets without much difficulty.
Always Try To Pay Close Attention Whenever Your Pet Is Thirsty
Felines are usually desert dwellers which means that they often need an enormous amount of water to survive. Living prey that they usually get in the wild such as mice and other smaller animals contain at least 70% water.
This means that they need to get most of the water supply that their body would use from their food. Domesticated cats that usually thrive on canned food consumed at least 78% water while dry food can only give out a minimum of 5 to 10%
For these reasons, you have to make sure that you supply your pet cat wave as much water as possible. In addition to this, you should also watch what the animal eats so that you won’t end up with a sickly pet regularly.
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Provide An Enough Number Of Litter Boxes
This tip applies, especially if you’re going to take care of your cats inside the house. It will help you potty train them and allow you to keep the house being while enjoying the company of your pets inside. Usually, the number of litter boxes that you have will depend on how many cats you have plus an additional one more.
It means that if you have four cats in the house, it would be better for you to have at least five litter boxes as insurance.
This way, you will be able to keep the space clean while keeping your pets comfortable at all times.
With these four types, you will be able to make the most out of your experience as a pet owner. You will not only be able to take care of them effectively. You can also allow them to flourish alongside any other pets that you might have inside the house.
Just make sure that you’re able to take the responsibility seriously before you begin buying your exotic pets.
The Conclusion
These are just some of the major cat breeds you need to remember if you are researching such rare kinds. These breeds are high maintenance, so you have to be careful when taking care of them.
Because of their rare species, they can be expensive to have as well. So as a cat owner, make sure that you are determined to have these breeds. As mentioned earlier, it is an enormous responsibility to take care of animals, much more rare cats like those mentioned above.
