Truly Different Breeds of Cats

If you're interested in checking out more than the average tabby, take a look at some of these different breeds of cats. From the wild-look ocicat to the hairless sphynx, these kitties prove that different is beautiful.

First up is the Exotic. If you love everything about a Persian except the grooming, an Exotic might be the better breed for you.

The Egyptian Mau's spotted coat can be attributed to its distant African Wild Cat heritage. Don't worry, though. Today's Mau is an affectionate and devoted cat that's a joy to live with.

The LaPerm is the result of a naturally occuring mutation that was then cultivated into its own breed.

LaPerm coats range from wavy to curly, but the most interesting thing about these cats is that the kittens experience varying degrees of baldness for approximately the first four months of their lives.

The Ocicat may look wild, but it's not. These cats are the result of a breeding program that crossbred Abyssinians, Siamese and American Shorthair cats to establish the Ocicat type.

Wild cat looks combined with the predictable and affectionate nature of a domestic cat have proven to be a winning combination for this breed.

This Asian breed is quite an ancient one. Turkish Vans are primarily white with coloring ideally restricted to their heads and tails. The coat virtually feels like cashmere.

Intelligent as well as curious, Vans make interesting living companions.

The Cornish Rex is prized for its unusual coat. The fur is quite soft to the touch, and it falls in what fanciers describe as "washboard waves."

These cats retain their kittenish personalities throughout their lives, and they are very interested in the lives of their people!

The Selkirk Rex comes in both short and long coats. The fur is plush and curly, although some kittens do have straight hair rather than curls.

This breed is noted for its patient and affectionate nature.

As the name implies, this breed originated in Singapore. These cats are definitely people lovers, so much so that they can be a bit of a pest at times. However, that's a small price to pay for such an outgoing and amusing companion.

There's something a little fox-like about the Somali's appearance. These cats live life to the fullest, and they can be quite playful. One thing is certain; they never miss an opportunity for adventure, and their acrobatics will keep you entertained. Somali cats truly love their human companions and show their affection quite easily.

The Sphynx is one of the most unusual breeds of all. Although it appears hairless at first glance, it's actually covered in a fine down that is best described as peach fuzz. With so little coat for protection, special care must be taken to safeguard these cats from drafts and excessive sunlight.

Now that you've learned about these decidedly different breeds of cats, perhaps you'd like to check out some more traditional housepets like the Persian or the Siamese.