Exotic Cat Breeds

          From domestic shorthairs to oriental mixes to maine coons, common cats breeds vary in body shape, size, facial features, coat texture and color, and behavior. While the Cat Fanciers' Association recognizes 40 pedigreed breeds, the breeding of new hybrid felines are slowly increasing in popularity. Here is a breakdown of the most popular new breeds of cats:

          #1 Savannah: Savannah cats are crossbreed hybrids of a domestic and a serval, a wild African feline. They are gold with black spots and markings and are extraordinarily large for housecats because of their wild ancestry. Savannahs weigh up to 30 pounds and can jump up to 8 feet in the air. They are known for being highly intelligent, social, and loyal. Savannahs are easily trained to walk on a leash, fetch, wake up owners, and perform tricks on command. Their personalities are often compared to dogs. Purebred savannahs (50-50 ancestry) cost up to 25,000 to purchase from breeders. The most notable thing about Savannahs is that they are simply HUGE!

A small Savannah cat plays with a domestic shorthair.

     

          #2 Bengal: The Bengal cat is a cross between a common domestic shorthair cat and an Asian Leopard Cat. Despite their name, they are not closely related to the Bengal tiger. Bengals are of similar size and temperament to regular housecats, but they have exotic spotted markings.

Bengal cats are known for their exotic markings.

  

          #3 Safari: Safari cats are a cross between the South American Geoffroys cat and a domestic housecat. They are large in size and have exotic markings, resembling a small leopard. Safaris are extremely rare as only 80 are currently registered with The International Cat Association. Like Savannahs, they are difficult to breed and very expensive to come by.

Safari cats closely resemble wild felines.