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Home > Cats > 12 Strange Looking Cat Breeds (With Pictures)

12 Strange Looking Cat Breeds (With 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 still gorgeous in a unique way but are definitely a little odd-looking compared to the traditional cats we are used to.

So, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of some of the stranger-looking cats that are out there.

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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 looking due in part to her unique coat, which has a strong wave pattern in addition to her curly whiskers and very large ears. However, their coats have the advantage of being very low maintenance and are low shedding.

The Cornish Rex is a very playful and active breed that essentially remains kittenish throughout her entire life. They are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate cats that prefer to spend as much time as possible with their families. Be prepared to find your Cornish Rex a companion in the form of another cat or a cat-friendly dog if you spend a lot of time away from home.


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 come as 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, only needing the occasional brushing of your hand over the coat.

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, which is, unsurprisingly, why she is on our list. Hairless cats are beautiful but definitely rather odd-looking, especially to those of us used to fluffy cats. These wrinkled cats 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. This means they also prefer to be around people most of the time, so they don’t do well with families that are away a lot of the time. 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 her Sphynx and American Curl heritage, the Elf cat is more than likely one of the most peculiar-looking cats on this list. She’s hairless, her ears are very large and curled back, and she’s quite wrinkled. All of this combined is what has given her the name Elf.

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 and has many features that have placed her on this list. 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 and is smart, and can be easily trained. They are affectionate, sweet, and playful cats and would make a great addition to many families.


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, making her not so strange to look at but definitely unusual. They come 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 they enjoy 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 there is a certain level of independence, the LaPerm does best with a companion if you spend time outside of the 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 it’s her tiny legs that place her on this list. Even with the short legs, Munchkins will still grow into an average-sized adult cat, so viewing one of these cats for the first time might surprise a few people.

Munchkins are very friendly and curious cats, and they enjoy a good play session and will explore every nook and cranny. Munchkins get along very well with other pets and children and love a good 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 of fur to being completely hairless. They also have huge ears on a triangular-shaped face. While their appearance might suggest an Oriental blend, they actually 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 her on our list is the combination of her short tail (a minimum of 2 inches), spotted coat, and the fact that she’s polydactyl. Some Pixie Bobs also have lynx-like tufts on their ears, which makes them resemble a miniature bobcat from which they were named.

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 very active and playful, she is 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 a little 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 quite smart. These cats aren’t quite as active as the others on this list and tend to enjoy mealtime, so obesity is a concern. They get along very well with pets and children and need their people to be at home with them most of the time.


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 that also sports very large ears and wrinkled skin. They do have a very light down covering their bodies, making them feel a little suede-like in texture.

The Sphynx is a very friendly and 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, quite 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 and will do well with interactive toys and cat trees. They get along very well with pets and children and will need a companion if left alone throughout the day.

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Conclusion

One thing we’ve learned is that no matter how peculiar the cat looks, she tends to be an amazing companion for the entire family. Every cat on this list is social and enjoys spending time with people of all ages as well as 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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