Cat lovers everywhere cherish their feline friends, but some breeds are slipping quietly into rarity. While popular breeds like Persians and Siamese thrive, others face declining numbers due to limited breeding programs and changing preferences. Understanding which breeds need our attention can help preserve their unique traits for future generations.
This article is for informational purposes only. Breed population trends vary by region and over time. Always consult reputable breeders and cat registries for the most current information.
1. Turkish Van
Swimming cats sound like a myth, but the Turkish Van breaks all stereotypes with its love of water. Originating from the Lake Van region in Turkey, this breed sports a striking white coat with coloured markings on the head and tail.
Their rarity stems from strict breeding standards and limited availability outside their homeland. Finding a Turkish Van requires patience and dedication from specialty breeders.
2. Egyptian Mau
Spotted coats and lightning speed make the Egyptian Mau a living piece of ancient history. This naturally spotted breed can reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour, making them the fastest domestic cats alive.
Their small gene pool and specific breeding requirements contribute to their declining numbers. Only a handful of dedicated breeders worldwide work to preserve this remarkable feline.
3. Burmilla
Born from an accidental romance between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian in 1981, the Burmilla charms with its shimmering silver coat. Their sparkling appearance comes from a unique tipped or shaded coat pattern that catches light beautifully.
Despite their stunning looks, few breeders specialize in Burmillas today. Their limited popularity outside the United Kingdom threatens their future existence.
4. Korat
Silver blue coats and heart shaped faces mark the Korat as a symbol of good fortune in their native Thailand. For centuries, these cats were given as precious gifts to bring luck and prosperity to newlyweds.
Traditional beliefs restrict their breeding, and authentic Korats must trace their lineage back to Thailand. This careful preservation limits their availability and keeps them rare in most countries.
5. Havana Brown
Rich chocolate coloured fur and vivid green eyes create a stunning combination in the Havana Brown. This breed emerged from deliberate crosses between Siamese cats and domestic black cats in the 1950s.
Their gene pool remains dangerously small, with only about 1,000 cats worldwide. Breed enthusiasts work tirelessly to increase numbers while maintaining the distinctive mahogany coat that defines them.
6. Chartreux
French monasteries once housed these blue grey cats, who earned their keep as skilled mousers. Legends claim Chartreux cats lived alongside Carthusian monks for centuries, though historical evidence remains debated.
World War II nearly wiped out the breed entirely. Modern Chartreux descend from a handful of survivors, and their population grows slowly despite efforts from dedicated French and international breeders.
7. Somali
Imagine an Abyssinian wearing a luxurious fox like coat, and you have pictured the Somali perfectly. Their long, ticked fur creates a wild appearance, while their bushy tails and ear tufts add to the feral illusion.
Breeding Somalis requires patience, as the longhaired gene is recessive. Many breeders focus on their shorthaired Abyssinian cousins instead, leaving Somalis with fewer advocates each year.
8. Tonkinese
Blending the best traits of Siamese and Burmese parents, Tonkinese cats offer a moderate alternative to both extremes. Their aqua coloured eyes are unique in the cat world, ranging from blue green to turquoise depending on coat colour.
Hybrid vigour makes them healthy, but their middle ground status leaves them overlooked. Cat fanciers often choose their parent breeds instead, pushing Tonkinese toward obscurity.
9. LaPerm
Curly coats that range from loose waves to tight ringlets define the LaPerm breed. A single barn cat in Oregon carried the spontaneous mutation that started this entire breed in 1982.
Their unusual appearance attracts attention, yet breeding programs remain scarce worldwide. The curly coat gene is dominant, but establishing breed standards and recognition continues to challenge LaPerm enthusiasts globally.
