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12 Strange Looking Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Donskoy cat standing on stones

All animals are amazing and beautiful in their own way, especially our beloved cats. But sometimes, you might find a cat that looks a little different. They are a little odd-looking compared to the traditional cats most owners are used to.

So, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the stranger-looking cats that are out there. Although they look odd, they make excellent pets for devoted owners.

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Top 12 Strangest-Looking Cat Breeds

1. Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex
Image Credit: Grigorita Ko, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 9 to 13+ years
Temperament: Devoted, athletic, sweet-natured
Colors: All patterns and colors
Size: Small

The Cornish Rex is unusual due in part to their unique coat, which has a strong wave pattern in addition to curly whiskers and very large ears. However, their coat doesn’t shed much and is easy to maintain.

The Cornish Rex is a very playful and active breed that acts like a kitten for most of their life. They are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate cats who prefer to spend as much time as possible with their families. If you spend a lot of time away from home, be prepared to find your Cornish Rex a companion in the form of another cat or a cat-friendly dog.


2. Devon Rex

Devon Rex
Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 14 to 17+ years
Temperament: Loyal, active, playful
Colors: All colors
Size: Medium

It should be no surprise that the Devon Rex is on the same list as the Cornish Rex. They both share a similar unique appearance, primarily in the wavy coat, curly whiskers, and very large ears. They are also very easy to groom and only need occasional brushing.

The Devon Rex is an active and intelligent cat that gets along very well with children and other pets. They are very social cats and prefer to spend lots of time with their families, particularly on laps and sometimes even shoulders!


3. Donskoy

smart Donskoy Sphynx
Image Credit: BLACKDAY, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 12 to 15+ years
Temperament: Gentle, friendly, playful
Colors: Bald but with a variety of colors
Size: Medium

The Donskoy is a Russian hairless cat. They have wrinkled skin and are usually completely hairless, but some sport peach fuzz or patchy fur and need a fair amount of grooming.

The Donskoy loves being the center of attention and is a very social and playful cat. They prefer to be around people most of the time, so they don’t do well with families that are away often. They get along with other pets and children and are very smart and curious cats.


4. Elf Cat

Lifespan: 8 to 14 years
Temperament: Social, intelligent, playful
Colors: Bald and all patterns and colors
Size: Medium to large

Thanks to their Sphynx and American Curl heritage, the Elf cat is one of the most peculiar-looking cats on this list. They’re hairless, have large, curled-back ears, and are quite wrinkled.

The Elf is still a relatively new and rare breed that gets along very well with everyone, even other pets in the household. They are very social and gentle cats that need to be kept as indoor cats because of their hairlessness. The Elf is highly intelligent and requires lots of time with their families, and they do best in a home with another cat.


5. Highlander

a highlander cat lying on grass
Image Credit: SUSAN LEGGETT, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 10 to 15+ years
Temperament: Friendly, active, intelligent
Colors: Most colors and patterns
Size: Medium to large

The Highlander is a cross between the Jungle Curl and the Desert Lynx. They have ears that curl back (some curl back more than others), a tail that is only 2–6 inches long, and they are typically polydactyl (they have extra toes).

The Highlander loves being the center of attention, is smart, and can be easily trained. They are affectionate, sweet, and playful cats and make excellent pets.


6. LaPerm

Lilac tabby LaPerm kitten
Image Credit: Nynke van Holten, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 12 to 15+ years
Temperament: Active, sweet, intelligent
Colors: All patterns and colors
Size: Small to medium

The LaPerm is another curly-coated cat. They can be long and short-haired and sometimes even have straight hair. Like the Devon and Cornish Rex, the coats are easily maintained, and they don’t shed as much as the average cat.

The LaPerm loves a warm lap and enjoys spending time with children just as much as a person who lives alone. They are intelligent and active cats that will always be looking for something to do and will probably follow you around the house. While they can be independent, the LaPerm thrives with a companion if you spend a lot of time away from home.


7. Munchkin

Munchkin
Image Credit: MDavidova, shutterstock
Lifespan: 15 to 18+ years
Temperament: Intelligent, curious, loving
Colors: All colors and patterns
Size: Medium

The Munchkin is pretty adorable but has tiny legs. Even with the short legs, Munchkins still grow into average-sized adult cats.

Munchkins are very friendly and curious cats. They enjoy a good play session and will explore every nook and cranny. Munchkins get along well with other pets and children and love to cuddle.


8. Peterbald

Peterbald
Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 12 to 15+ years
Temperament: Smart, social, devoted
Colors: All colors
Size: Medium

The Peterbald can sport everything from a full coat to being completely hairless. They also have huge ears and triangular-shaped faces. While their appearance might suggest an Oriental blend, they originated in Russia.

Peterbalds are extraordinarily social and will follow you around and chat with you on the way. They are intelligent and athletic and enjoy a challenge but equally love to spend time on your lap. They get along with everyone they meet, including children, pets, and strangers.


9. Pixie Bob

Pixie Bob Cat_PxHere
Image Credit: PxHere
Lifespan: 13 to 15+ years
Temperament: Active, devoted, easygoing
Colors: Brown with spots
Size: Medium to large

The Pixie Bob can be short or long-haired, but what places them on our list is the combination of their short tail (a minimum of 2 inches), spotted coat, and the fact that they’re polydactyl. Some Pixie Bobs also have lynx-like tufts on their ears, which makes them resemble miniature bobcats.

Pixie Bobs are very devoted to their families and are loving and intelligent. They get along very well with pets and children and form a very strong bond with their families. While the Pixie Bob is active and playful, they are also easygoing and laid-back.


10. Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold
Image By: Karin Wördehoff, Pixabay
Lifespan: 11 to 14+ years
Temperament: Curious, sweet, loyal
Colors: Multiple colors and patterns
Size: Medium

The Scottish Fold is well-known these days thanks to social media, and many might think they’re not so strange looking. However, if you’re not used to seeing these unique cats, their large eyes and folded ears might seem unusual. It’s not often you see a cat that resembles an owl!

Scottish Folds love their families and tend to be very loyal, curious, and smart. They aren’t quite as active as the others on this list and love food, so obesity is a concern. They get along very well with pets and children and need their people to stay home with them most of the time. Please note that Scottish Folds have specific health issues, including a condition that causes cartilage and bone problems. If you have questions about their care needs, speak to a veterinarian in person or through a telehealth service.


11. Sphynx

Sphynx
Image By: Igor Lukin, Pixabay
Lifespan: 15+ years
Temperament: Outgoing, devoted, loving
Colors: Large variety of colors and patterns
Size: Medium

The Sphynx is another hairless breed with very large ears and wrinkled skin. Their bodies are covered with a very light down, which makes them feel a little suede-like.

The Sphynx is a very affectionate cat that is intelligent and curious. They enjoy cuddling with their owners and will stick to you like glue as often as they can. They are also very lively and active, and they get along very well with everyone they meet.


12. Ukrainian Levkoy

Ukrainian Levkoy
Image By: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 9 to 15+ years
Temperament: Curious, playful, social
Colors: Multiple colors and patterns
Size: Medium

The Ukrainian Levkoy originated in Ukraine and is hairless, wrinkled, and has ears that curl inwards. They are a rare and mixed breed that resulted from the crossing of the Scottish Fold and Donskoy (both of which are on this list).

The Levkoy is a highly curious cat that enjoys exploring and playing. They get along very well with pets and children and need a companion if left alone throughout the day.

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Conclusion

We’ve learned that no matter how peculiar the cat looks, they can be an amazing companion for the entire family. Every cat on this list is social and enjoys spending time with people of all ages and other pets. They certainly would be turning heads if you take your cat out for a walk!

We still love them in all of their unique and odd-looking glory. After all, aren’t we all a little unique, and some of us even a little strange-looking in our own way?


Featured Image Credit: Kekyalyaynen, Shutterstock

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