The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) only recognizes 40 breeds, although the International Cat Association (TICA) now recognizes 71 cat breeds, excluding the ordinary domestic shorthair cat.
All purebred cats can be regarded as uncommon, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), as new cat breeds are developed every day.
The top 7 rarest cat breeds in the world are shown below.
- Sokoke Cat
The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) of the United Kingdom claims that the Sokoke Cat is the rarest domestic cat breed in the world.
These cats, which are native to the woodlands of Sokoke in eastern Kenya, were once thought to be a hybrid breed created by crossing two wild cats, but DNA tests have disproved this hypothesis.
The Sokoke is a lively, family-oriented shorthaired breed that is “peace-loving, keenly aware, and intelligent, forming close bonds with both feline and human family members,” according to the GCCF.
“The Sokoke features a see-through ticked tabby pattern with ticking in both the ground colour and pattern itself, even at the tail tip. Outlining can also be used as part of this camouflage design over the shoulders and below the spine. When they are enthusiastic, their tip-toe movement at the back becomes more obvious. They are moderately energetic and simple to maintain. They are leggy with huge erect ears.
- Devon Rex
The United Kingdom’s Devonshire, where the Devon Rex cat originated, gave the breed its name.
“The Devon Rex breed has a distinctive appearance. According to Petfinder, the breed’s wide eyes, small muzzle, high cheekbones, and enormous, low-set ears give it a distinctive elfin appearance.
- Kurilian Bobtail
According to TICA, the Kurilian Bobtail cat is an extremely rare breed, with only about 100 cats existing in North America alone.
The Kurilian Bobtail is a wholly natural breed with no two tails that appear identical, in contrast to many breeds whose distinctive characteristics are produced with human intervention and manipulation. They are distinguished by their incredibly short tails, which is a genuinely distinctive feature of the breed’s physical look.
- Norwegian Forest cat
The Norwegian Forest, a native of Norway, is exceedingly energetic and active and is renowned for its sense of humour.
This breed has a strong sense of family and can form relationships with multiple persons at once.
These cats are said to be exceptionally docile, clever, and kind towards other animals, according to Petfinder.
Although fairly uncommon, this cat breed is mostly found in Europe.
- Minskin
This feline’s short legs and stocky build have drawn comparisons to the Corgi dog.
These cats make great indoor pets since they are outgoing and affectionate. The Munchkin and Burmese cats were crossed, together with the Devon Rex and the Sphinx, to create the Minskin cat.
- Egyptian Mau
One of the rarest cat breeds in the world, Egyptian Mau cats have only 6,700 CFA registrations.
According to Pet finder, it is also the only naturally domesticated breed of spotted cat. This medium-sized cat has very well-developed muscles and is exceedingly lively, active, and energetic.
- Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats are more innocent-natured and are known for being very energetic and adaptable to both other animals and people.
Tonkinese cats are extremely friendly and attention-seeking. However, because they prefer to be around animals of a similar activity level, they may bother more laid-back pets.
These bright, loud, and entertaining cats, who are a mix between the Burmese and Siamese, are intelligent.