There are hundreds of different cat breeds, but some are more rare than others, thanks in part to their unusual appearance, unique behavior, genetic makeup, or all of the above. Put your skills to the test and see how much you know beyond the basic tabby!
Rare Cat Breeds Quiz
Which breed exhibits quirky behavior described as part dog, part monkey and part toddler?
Elf
Twisty
Cashmere
Honeybear
The Elf cat, a cross between an American Curl and Sphynx, is a relatively new hybrid first established in 2007. In addition to their distinctive personality, these felines are also unique in appearance, with curled ears and a hairless body (though it’s actually not completely hairless, but rather covered in peach fuzz).
The markings of the Sokoke cat are often compared to which of the following?
Serengeti
Savannah
Sterling
Siamese
The Savannah and Sokoke share a distinctive resemblance not only in terms of their coat color and pattern, but even with their posture and the curve of their spines. However, the Savannah is the larger of the two.
The Aegean cat is considered the only breed native to which country?
Italy
Denmark
Greece
Turkey
This naturally occurring breed first originated in the early 1990s in the Cycladic Islands of Greece. Aegeans are considered very intelligent in character and skilled hunters, especially for pest control in rural areas.
The coat of the Chantilly/Tiffany cat was originally seen in only which color?
White
Black
Orange
Brown
Initially found in chocolate only, the Chantilly/Tiffany has a striking, full, silky, semi-long coat that now comes in a range of rich shades and patterns, including blue, cinnamon, fawn, ticked and spotted tabby.
Which of the following rare breeds is the fastest among all domestic cats?
Devon Rex
Desert Lynx
California Spangled
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau has been clocked at speeds of more than 30 miles per hour. It is also the only naturally spotted domestic cat.
How often should the hairless Sphynx cat be bathed?
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Never
A weekly bath is key for this breed, as it has no coat so body oils that would normally be absorbed by fur instead have a tendency to build up on the Sphynx’s skin (which can also sunburn easily).
Turkish Vans often exhibit a thumbprint-like marking located where?
On top of their forehead
At the tip of their tail
Between the shoulder blades
On their hind legs
Thought to be a sign of good luck, the marking is sometimes referred to as "the thumbprint of Allah’s right hand," as some people believe the Turkish Van was blessed by Allah as it left Noah's Ark.
Which of the following is NOT an actual name of a rare cat breed?
Jagwire
Toyger
Cheetoh
RagaMuffin
While there's no such thing as a Jagwire in the cat world, all the others are very real. The Toyger was named in honor of its resemblance to a toy tiger, the Cheetoh is actually a cross between a Bengal and an Ocicat, and the RagaMuffin is known for its rabbit-like fur.
Instead of meowing, first-generation Caracats make a sound that most resembles what?
Chirp
Screech
Burp
Nothing - they are silent
This hybrid of a Caracal Lynx and Abyssinian not only screeches, but hisses at anyone or anything that comes too close for comfort.
Cymrics are fascinated by:
Light
Trees
Water
Holes
Though water is usually regarded as a cat's mortal enemy, the Cymric (like its cousin, the Manx) actually loves to splish-splash.
Bad Kitty
Oh no -- were you taking a catnap during the quiz?
Cat's Out of the Bag
You’re on the right track!
Purr-fect
Your rare cat breed knowledge is off the charts!
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