More Unusual Cat Breeds
Unique Cats - American Curl, Sphynx, Korat, Abyssinian & Ocicat
The following quirky cat breeds have unusual appearances, as well as atypical behaviors and personality traits in some cases.
The American Curl
With fluffy tails and tufted ears that curl backward in a windswept look, the American Curl is very affectionate and energetic. Curls love people and usually get along with children and other pets, as well as handling new situations more easily than most cats. Rather than meowing, Curls tend to make trilling or cooing sounds. They are playful and kittenish well into adulthood.
American Curls are born with straight ears, which begin to curl back 3-5 days after birth and are fully curled after 16 weeks. Curls do not shed much and rarely require grooming.
The American Curl is a recent breed, discovered in 1981 in a stray with funny ears, which mooched some food from Grace and Joe Ruga in California. From this little female, the entire breed was born.
The Sphynx
The Sphinx breed, which began as a mutation in 1966 in Canada, is highly robust and usually suffers few health problems. Although thought of as hairless, the cat actually has a very fine down with the texture of a warm peach.
The Sphynx is a physically strong cat that loves attention. It is known to be curious and highly entertaining, and in some cases clumsy. It gets along well with people and usually other dogs and cats as well, and most don’t mind being bathed. Sphynx cats are less likely to provoke allergic reactions in people due to their very short fur.
The Sphynx is rare and breeders tend to have very long waiting lists, with the kittens in huge demand.
The Korat
The Korat’s most notable feature is its enormous green eyes, larger than those of other cats. Korats have particularly powerful hearing, sight and sense of smell. Gentle cats, they are cautious and become anxious at hearing loud or harsh noises. They are so sensitive to sound that it is a good idea to keep a radio on near their sleeping place when they are kittens so that they can become used to it when young.
Korats are exceptionally loyal and affectionate and tend to be very gentle with children. Their silvery-blue-gray hair sheds less than many other breeds and so they are less likely to set off allergic reactions in people.
In Thailand, Korats are considered to be good luck. Giving a pair of Korats to a bride is believed to ensure a fortunate marriage.
The Abyssinian
With batlike ears, large inquisitive eyes and a triangular face, the Abyssinian is among the oldest breeds of cats known. It resembles the cats of ancient sculptures and paintings in Egypt.
Known to be extremely intelligent, Abyssinians, though not lap cats, are very people-oriented, sociable and curious. Extremely loyal and with a talent for training their humans to their own specifications, Abyssinians usually get along well with children and other pets.
The Ocicat
Recognized as an official breed in 1966, the Ocicat, which resulted from matings of Siamese and American Shorthairs, looks just like a small wild spotted jungle cat. This large, active, athletic cat has short shiny fur and though not demanding or clingy, is very devoted to its humans.
Confident and adaptable, many Ocicats can travel comfortably with their owners, a rarity for cats. Because they are very sociable, they should not be left alone very often or for extensive time periods—it is a good idea to have another pet to keep the Ocicat company while its owner is at work.
Ocicats usually get on well with people and other pets, and are more trainable than cats of many other breeds. Ocicats have been trained to walk on leashes, fetch, respond to voice commands and follow household rules.
Ocicats can be found in many different colors, but all carry the distinctive wild spot patterns. This breed is quite long-lived, with many surviving up to 18 years of age.
Further Reading
Information for this article was obtained from The Cat Fanciers’ Association, which provides detailed information on breeds, cat care and other cat-related topics. For more information on cats, please see Unusual Cat Breeds, Cat Nutrition and Home-Made Food and Wild Cats of Canada.
