Those of us who would describe ourselves as "cat people" know that all kitties are perfect in their own way. But even though we might love our furry friends exactly the way they are, we also know that some of them are a bit… unique-looking. Cats with crooked tails, criss-crossing eyes, and strange fur might not appeal to everyone, but they definitely have their own special charms. And believe it or not, some kitties are part of a whole breed that carries their unique genes.
While many of the cats that come to mind when we think of these animals are furry, cute, and have a bit of a superiority complex. But just like humans, each cat has plenty of characteristics that set it apart from the crowd. For example, this not-so-fuzzy sphynx cat is so cuddly with his owner, you'd almost think he was a dog dressed in a feline costume!
But sometimes, the attributes that make a cat look cuter or more interesting also come with some serious health problems. This famous little kitty was born with a few physical defects, but luckily, he's overcome them and is known around the world for being adorable! If you have your heart set on getting one of these "fancy" cats from a breeder, make sure you do your research beforehand so your kitty can have the longest, healthiest life possible.
Take a look at some of these strange-looking cats, and don't feel bad if you raise your eyebrows at a few of them — a couple have some pretty crazy appearances! But don't let that deter you from having one in your home. Number 10 looks positively bizarre, but they're actually super fun to have around!
Make sure you SHARE these unique kitties with all the cat lovers in your life!
1. Ragdoll
If you want an easygoing pet, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better option than a ragdoll cat. They may look normal, but these friendly felines are known for following their humans around like dogs, and even though they're unusually muscular for cats, they get their name from the way they tend to go limp as soon as they're picked up.
2. Munchkin
These little kitties are just too cute for words! Munchkin cats stand out from the crowd thanks to their relatively long bodies and short, stubby legs. While many people have voiced concerns over the health problems resulting from these cats' short stature, the most common health problems associated with the breed (curvature of the spine and a hollowed chest) appear with about the same frequency as they do in other cat breeds.
3. Sphynx
Even though it's far from hairy, the sphynx is not a truly hairless cat thanks to the tiny, soft hairs that are found on its body. Because of its nearly bald nature, though, these cats should always be kept near a heat source to keep them warm, and any sun exposure can cause them to get burnt or even get skin cancer.
4. Selkirk Rex
These curly-haired kitties have thick, plush coats that are distinguished by their unique texture. They're a fairly new addition to the feline world, with the first one being born as recently as 1987.
5. Scottish Fold
As you might imagine, the Scottish fold gets its name from its naturally folded ears and the fact that it originated in Scotland. Their appearance isn't the only thing that makes them unique, though. They're also known for their wide array of vocalizations and their habit of sitting with their legs stretched out and their paws resting on their bellies.
6. Japanese Bobtail
The first thing you might notice about the Japanese bobtail is that its tail does indeed look more like it belongs to a rabbit than a cat. However, this cat's behavior is also unique. Japanese bobtails are easier to train than most cats, and they adapt well to human-taught activities such as walking on a leash.
7. American Curl
When an American curl cat is first born, you might not notice anything different about it. After about two and a half months, though, their cute ears will begin to curl backward from their head. It's not a health problem; it's just the breed's defining characteristic. Those curly ears are fragile, however, and they require frequent cleaning to prevent infections.
8. Maine Coon
These smart, independent, and friendly cats can be identified by their abnormally large bodies. They can reach up to 18 lbs and 16 inches in height when on all fours. These kitties also enjoy water and snow, probably due in part to their water-resistant fur.
9. Turkish Van
Turkish vans have a unique coat pattern: The tops of their heads and their tails are colored, while the rest of their bodies are white. Their coats are also unusually silky, and like Maine coons, they're water-resistant. Many Turkish van owners have also reported that their cats have an unusual love for water.
10. Javanese
These cats are known for their long, narrow faces and large ears. They're chatty kitties, and they enjoy playing so much that they might become depressed if their humans neglect to entertain them.
11. Devon Rex
These cats are famous for having an alien-like appearance. Their large ears are set low on their heads, and they have large eyes and upturned noses. They also have a curlier coat than most cats, and at times, their whiskers are so curly you might not even be able to see them. They're also extremely intelligent and can be trained to do just about any trick that a dog can do.
12. LaPerm
These kitties are pretty "average" when it comes to their behavior and personality, but a closer look will reveal that they're anything but average. LaPerms have very curly coats that have a rough texture that almost resembles mohair. The lack of a thick undercoat also enables the coat to stand away from the cat's body, giving it a bit of a frazzled look.
13. Cymric
This cat's body tends to turn heads thanks to its odd appearance. Some Cymrics are born with no tail at all, some are born with a short, stumpy tail, and yet others are also born with normal, full-length tails. These cats also have stocky bodies with abnormally short necks, and they're often described as having a "round" appearance.
14. Peterbald
These Russian cats are often born with hair, then lose it as they grow older. However, their hair quantity can range from completely bald to having only slightly thinner hair than normal. They have long faces with almond eyes and large ears, and if you look at their toes, you'll see that they're webbed!
15. Exotic Shorthair
These funny-faced cats are known for looking like they ran into a wall a bit too hard, just like their Persian cousins. Their biggest health risk is that of kidney disease, though they also have issues with their tears spilling over and wetting their faces, just like other animals with short muzzles. This however, is more of an aesthetic issue than a medical one, and the tears can be wiped away with a damp cloth.
16. Cornish Rex
The Cornish rex is known for its coat, which lacks the middle and top layers that most cats have. The result is that the rex only possesses an undercoat, which can vary in texture and leave the cat chilly in cooler climates. These felines are extremely active and have a distinctive "galloping" gait when they run.
Make sure you SHARE these unique breeds with all the cat lovers in your life!
