Humans and cats have a close relationship that’s thought to date back over 10,000 years, when the first domesticated felines were evolved from African wildcats.
They are now the world’s second most popular household pet, just behind dogs when it comes to the animals we welcome into our hearts.
It means that there are a staggering number of pet cats out there - in the UK alone there are more than 10 million feline friends taking up our rugs, sofas and beds.
There are a huge range of types of cat to choose from, with The International Cat Association recognising 73 ‘standardised breeds’.
Then there a bewildering number of crosses, alongside the trusty Moggy - an indistinct mix of cat that is the most popular type.
Most people who opt for a pedigree cat opt for one of a handful of common breeds - cats like the Ragdoll, Siamese, Burmese, British Shorthair or Maine Coon.
But if you are looking for something a bit different then there are a whole host of rare cat breeds that you may not have encountered before.
Here are 10 of the rarest.
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1. Sokoke
Originating in Kenya, the Sokoke is a rare, distinctively patterned cat that was developed from feral Khadzonzo cats in the 1970s. It is athletic, intelligent, active, and forms very strong bonds with its humans. | Canva/Getty Images
2. Nebelung
A long-haired breed with a shimmering blue-grey coat, the Nebelung is a close cousin of the Russion Blue. Developed in the USA in the 1980s it's not yet recognised by all cat fancier organisations. Particularly rare in the UK, no more than four Nebelung kittens were born in 2023–2024. | Canva/Getty Images
3. Korat
A naturally occurring Thai breed recognized for its silver-blue coat and striking green eyes. Korats are affectionate, intelligent, playful, and relatively rare outside their native Thailand, where they are traditionally given as wedding gifts. In fact, until recently Korats were never sold, but rather gifted. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Turkish Van
An ancient Turkish breed famous for its distinctive colour pattern and unusual enthusiasm for water, the Turkish Van was actually first bred and standardised in the UK in the 1950s. Turkish Vans are energetic, intelligent, athletic cats that enjoy climbing, exploring, and interacting. Vans can have blue eyes, orange eyes, or most strikingly one of each colour, making them the David Bowie of the cat world. | Canva/Getty Images