From the archive
Cat Breeds You May Have Never Heard Of
You might know a Siamese when you see one. But would you recognize a Korat, or know why a curly-haired cat is called a LaPerm? There are many cat breeds whose names and faces are less familiar.
The four below have some unusual features, from the Devon Rex's large ears to the Egyptian Mau's spots. We'll look at those features and a little of each breed's history. They aren't ranked by rarity here, and their typical personalities are only a guide. Every cat will have its own habits.
The Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is named after Devon, England, where the breed began with a curly-haired kitten called Kirlee. These cats have a distinctive look, with big ears, wide cheekbones and soft, short, wavy hair. The Cat Fanciers' Association compares their appearance to an elf or pixie.
These cats are known for being silly and enjoying time with people. The association describes them as affectionate, playful companions who like to follow their owners around the house and take an interest in whatever they're doing.
Korat
The Korat is a Thai breed with a history tied to good luck. Its short blue coat has silver tips that give the fur a shimmer. Silver-tipped blue is the only coat color accepted by the Cat Fanciers' Association for this breed.
The association also explains the nickname “cat with five hearts.” Two heart shapes can be seen in the head, another in the nose and one in the chest. The fifth is the heart inside the cat. Korats are known for being playful and affectionate with their people.
LaPerm
The LaPerm's name suits its coat: the curls can make this cat look as though it has had a perm. The breed began with a kitten born on an Oregon farm in 1982. She was initially hairless, then grew a curly coat. Her owner named her Curly.
That naturally occurring coat mutation became the basis of the breed. LaPerms can have short or long coats, with curls and waves rather than one uniform hairstyle. The Cat Fanciers' Association describes them as affectionate cats who enjoy human company.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau's coat has natural spots scattered over the body. Its tail is banded, with a dark tip, and mature cats have the gooseberry-green eyes described in the breed standard.
Maus have a reputation for being active cats that become close to their familiar people. Their history is often linked to spotted cats shown in ancient Egyptian artwork. That connection doesn't mean you can trace an individual Mau's pedigree all the way back to a pharaoh's cat. Nor does the breed's reputation tell you exactly how any one pet will behave.
Cat Fanciers’ Association: Devon Rex
Cat Fanciers’ Association: Korat
