Statistics show that there are well over 300 million cats that are household pets all around the world. This astonishing number only proves that people appreciate this animal a lot and are willing to make them part of their lives.
This number also proves that cats are one of the most beloved pets in the world. For the record, only dogs are ahead of them in this regard.
Many people and families around the world are on the verge of getting a feline companion – adopted or purchased. However, many of them do not know so much about the breeds available.
Some that know a bit are only aware of some very common ones like Maine Coon, Bengal, Siamese, Scottish Fold, Ragdoll, and several others. For more information on these common feline breeds, you can check here.
Well, this article intends to make you understand that you have a choice beyond the common feline breeds. This is because there are some rare ones that you may have heard nothing about. You should keep reading as we discuss some of them.
Norwegian Forest Cats
For the record, this feline breed is on this list because it is not quite common in the USA and neighboring regions. On the other hand, the same cannot be said about Scandinavian regions and some parts of Europe like France.
That being said, you should know that these good-looking cats have been around for quite a while. We are talking of no less than 1000 years. They have featured in many Nordic Vikings tales and this suggests their ancient status.
As with many other cats, the females have less body mass than their male counterparts. At full maturity, the weight of females is within the 7.5 – 10 pounds range. For the males, it is within the range of 12 – 16.5 pounds.
The genetic peculiarity of the Norwegian Forest cat is what determines the features of the coat. However, the fur coat will either be medium or long.
These cats have a build and energy level that allows them to do rugged things. But even at this, they love the company of humans and would be happy to just sit still around their human companion.
You should know that they tend to take very long naps after burning pent-up energy. So, this should not come as a surprise.
Sphynx
This article will feel odd if Sphynx did not end up on this list. This is because of its rare peculiarity in every sense of the word. For one, some people find it difficult to admit that it is a feline breed because of its looks.
For such people, this cat does not fit the ideal description of a cat in terms of appearance. Its lack of coat is one reason for this. Be that as it may, you should know that it is a cat based on selective breeding yardsticks.
And about that, the Sphynx came to be when a female cat (that is shorthaired) was crossed with a male kitten (that is hairless). The result is explainable as the Sphynx is hairless.
Unlike the Norwegian Forest Cat explained above, the Sphynx is not an ancient cat. This is because the selective breeding that gave rise to it happened in the mid-1960s in Canada.
Some benefits come with having this rare cat breed. Their affectionate behavior, charm, and intelligence can be very thrilling. However, having them comes with some likely downsides especially as it concerns their health.
Their lack of a fur coat makes them highly susceptible to UV rays. Sunscreen might be needed as a result. Also, they might need extra clothing to cope with the cold period as well.
Furthermore, you would need to bathe them as often as possible because of their physical peculiarity. If you would like to know more about this rare breed, you can visit: https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/sphynx
Devon Rex
If you think that the Sphynx explained above is weird-looking, this is quite understandable. However, it is because the apple does not fall far from the tree. The Devon Rex cat was a major part of the selective breeding process that gave rise to the Sphynx.
This explains why the offspring has such a look as even the Devon Rex has the look of an elf (especially because of the ears). This breed has even been nicknamed “alien cat” in some quarters mainly because of how it looks.
That being said, you should know that this feline breed with a unique appearance is extremely intelligent. This is why feline owners can teach them some complex tricks. These are tricks that you would only think canines can perform.
Other than this, Devon Rex cats have a thing for jumping. So, you need to provide the environment that helps them do this as safely as possible.
Peterbald
What this feline breed should teach you is that rarity does not always mean unwanted. You should know that its rare status is also because it is a relatively new breed.
However, those that understand what this cat breed has to offer are very keen on having them. Speaking of that, they are very affectionate, playful, and intelligent. They also blend in easily when kids and other pets are involved.
Wrap Up
There are very common cat breeds that you may already know. However, there are some rare ones that you may need to know as well. You are advised to consult a detailed cat breed guide to know all the feline breeds. You can make use of the holistapet cat breeds guide for this reason
This article has identified four of the rare feline breeds here and some facts about them. In addition to what you know about common breeds, this puts you in a better position to choose the ideal cat breed. So, you should make good use of this information and cat breed guides when you need to get a cat.
