19 Rarest Cat Breeds You'll Be Lucky to Spot in a Home

Norwegian Forest Cats live in forests, and they have thick, water-resistant coats that help them survive harsh winters. Despite their wild appearance, they make great family pets.

Cornish Rex cats have a curly coat that feels like soft velvet. This uncommon breed is known for its energetic nature.

One of the rarest bobtail cats, the American Bobtail cat is known for its short, fluffy tail and dog-like personality. These wild-looking cats are highly intelligent and form strong bonds with their owners.

Balinese cats are a long-haired variation of the Siamese cat known for striking blue eyes and silky fur. This outgoing breed thrives on attention.

A symbol of good luck in Thailand, the Korat cat has a striking silver-blue coat and bright green eyes. It also had a heart-shaped face.

Japanese Bobtail cats are a rare breed distinguished by their short, pom-pom-like tails. Their playful nature and unique tails make them a favorite among cat lovers.

A newer breed from Russia, the Peterbald is a hairless cat with an elegant, slender body. Unlike some totally hairless breeds, Peterbalds can have a fine layer of fuzz on their skin.

The Highlander is an unusual breed with curled ears and a bobtail, giving it a unique appearance.

Bred to resemble the Serval, an African wildcat, the Serengeti cat was developed in California in 1994 by crossing a Bengal and Oriental Shorthair. These active, spotted cats are full of energy and love to climb.

LaPerms have curly, wavy fur that sets them apart. Despite their unusual coat, they require minimal grooming, making them great family pets.

Native to Kenya, the agile Sokokes have a distinctive marbled coat and a strong, muscular build. They are intelligent and require plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy.

Known as the "swimming cat," the Turkish Van is a rare breed with a love for water. These striking white cats have colored markings on their heads and tails, giving them a distinct appearance.

A hybrid between domestic cats and the jungle cat, the Chausie has a sleek, athletic build. This uncommon breed is known for being independent, but it requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Originally a cross between Burmese cats and Chinchillas, the Burmilla is a rare breed with a luxurious silver coat. These affectionate, social cats enjoy being around people.

Ojos Azules means "blue eyes" in Spanish. Though their eyes are blue, they can can have coats of any color. They are known for being playful and social.

Often called the "werewolf cat," the Lykoi has a partially hairless body and a wild, scruffy appearance. These friendly cats are still relatively new in the cat world.

Similar to the Peterbald, the Donskoy is a hairless cat breed that originated in Russia. These affectionate cats have a wrinkled, soft skin texture.

A rare natural breed from the Middle East, the Arabian Mau is an athletic, independent cat. These outgoing cats are excellent hunters and adapt well to desert environments. Despite their long history, they are not widely recognized outside their native region. But the recognition is growing over time.

This rare breed from Thailand is known for its striking white coat and dazzling blue or odd-colored eyes. Khao Manee cats are rarer outside of their native country, and they have a long history of being revered as symbols of good luck.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.