As admitted cat lovers, we’ll take any excuse to ogle at cats that look like tigers, leopards, lions, and bobcats. If you want every day to feel like a visit to the zoo—one where you can cuddle the animals without worrying for your safety—adopt one of these exotic cat breeds!
A few things to know about exotic cat breeds
Before we dive into our handpicked list of fantastic, adoptable exotic cat breeds, let's pause for a moment. These aren't just rare cat breeds and they certainly aren’t your everyday house cats; being an exotic cat owner might be a slightly different pet parenting experience than you're used to:
Legal consideration
Before you start daydreaming about having one of these exotic felines roaming around your home, it's important to get the legalities straight.
Certain breeds, especially those with a wild streak like the Savannah cat, come with specific rules and regulations. For example, if you're in the U.S., many states require that Savannah cats must be at least four generations removed from their wild African serval ancestors before they can be kept as pets.
But the considerations don’t stop there. If you're renting or part of a housing community, there could be restrictions on specific breeds due to their size or behavior. So, it's worth doing a thorough check before you welcome one of these exotic beauties into your home. You wouldn't want any unexpected surprises, would you?
Activity and stimulation needs
Exotic cat breeds aren't just about the looks; they've got the energy to match. With their wild ancestry, these cats love to play, explore, and keep their minds active. So, you'd best be prepared with a stash of interactive toys, puzzle games, and maybe even a leash for outdoor adventures. Breeds like the Bengal and Chausie wouldn't have it any other way!
Mental stimulation is just as important for these smarty cats. Puzzle toys, training sessions, or even cat-friendly apps can keep them engaged and out of mischief. Remember, a bored cat is a recipe for a scratched-up couch and more. So, if you're planning on adopting an exotic breed, get ready for lots of playtimes and plenty of purrs.
Litter box preferences and cleaning requirements
When it comes to their private quarters (read: litter box), exotic cat breeds can be a bit picky. Due to their bigger size, a large litter box is a must for their comfort. And cleanliness? Non-negotiable. Frequent cleaning is a must.
There's more to the litter story, though. Some of these fussy felines may prefer a specific type of litter, be it unscented or a particular texture. And given their larger size and active nature, they might visit the litter box more often, leading to quicker waste build-up.
So, not only will you need to clean more frequently, but you might also need to refresh the litter more often to keep things in tip-top shape. After all, who doesn't love a clean bathroom?
Cats that look like tigers
Toyger
The Toyger may not approve of their punny name, but they sure look dapper with their orange and black stripes. Rest assured, there’s no wild blood running through those veins: The Toyger came about in the 1980s when breeders crossed a Bengal with a striped Domestic Shorthair cat.
The Toyger is truly a miniature version of the world’s largest feline, weighing up to 15 pounds. Unlike their ferocious namesake, the Toyger is as friendly and lovable a pet as they come. This high-energy breed can even be taught to do tricks.
Cats that look like leopards
Bengal
Unlike the Toyger, the Bengal cat has some wild parentage. As a cross between an Asian Leopard cat and a domestic shorthair, the Bengal is impressive in many ways: They are highly intelligent, love to play in water, can learn tricks and walk on leashes, and, best of all, adore their humans.
Bengals are muscular cats and can weigh up to 18 pounds. Their adventurousness and need for attention mean that if you’ve got time on your hands and are looking for a pet that will keep you active and entertained, then the Bengal cat is a great option for you.
Ocicat
The devoted, energetic Ocicat was created by accident in the 1960s when breeders were trying to develop a Siamese with points the same color as an Abyssinian. They continued to breed the Ocicat after a geneticist noticed their intriguing looks and crossed them with an American Shorthair to introduce more coat colors.
The Ocicat can weigh up to 15 pounds and display a variety of spotted coat colors: Tawny spotted is perhaps the closest in appearance to a leopard. Despite their wild looks, Ocicats are friendly and outgoing. They love to be involved in their humans’ daily lives.
Cheetoh
Chester, is that you? The Cheetoh’s parent breeds are the Ocicat and the Bengal. This is a muscular, large cat that walks as though they were stalking prey while on the hunt. Luckily they’re also fun-loving, playful, and full of snuggles.
The Cheetoh is one of the rarest breeds on our list, being among the newest cat breeds in existence. In fact, it’s not yet recognized by many cat associations and breed registries. This uncommon kitty can weigh up to 20+ pounds, one of the largest exotic cat breeds on our list. They are highly trainable and enjoy walking on a leash outdoors.
Egyptian Mau
Of all the cats that look like leopards, the Egyptian Mau may be closest to the snow leopard. These exotic cats are the only naturally spotted breed of domestic cat, and can run up to 30 mph! Their ancestors are also highly visible in ancient artwork found throughout Egypt.
It’s likely that the cat that the Egyptian Mau is a predecessor of is the breed of domestic cat that lived with the ancient Egyptians for hundreds of years. This also makes the Egyptian Mau one of the oldest known domestic cat breeds. "Mau" is actually the Egyptian word for cat!
Highlander
With the Highlander, you get two exotic cats for the price of one. Their spotted or marbled markings bring out the leopard in them, while their bobtail calls to mind a lynx or bobcat. They also have the curled ears of one of their parent breeds, the Jungle Curl.
The Highlander is a playful, energetic cat that can weigh up to 20 pounds. This cat breed is man-made and definitely one of the rarest, having originated as a cross between the experimental Desert Lynx breed and the Jungle Curl.
Savannah
The Savannah cat may be the truest representation of exotic cat breeds as it’s one of the wildest cat breeds on this list. This breed is highly active, adventurous, and can grow to be 25 pounds. Their hunting instincts are so strong that they may not be suitable for households with pets like fish, hamsters, and birds.
That said, Savannah cats are clever and known for their dog-like loyalty to their humans. This breed resulted from crossing a female Siamese cat with a male African serval—a small wildcat weighing between 20 and 40 pounds. Many U.S. states require that Savannahs be at least four generations removed from their African serval parentage in order to be owned as pets.
Serengeti
Speaking of African servals, the Serengeti may actually look more like the Sub-Saharan wildcat than the Savannah does. However, the Sergeneti does not have serval blood. This breed was developed by crossing a Bengal and an Oriental Shorthair.
The Serengeti is much less common than most domestic breeds. This cat can jump an incredible 7 feet into the air! They may start as a shy cat, but will quickly adapt as a lovable, extremely playful pet. This breed can weigh up to 15 pounds and is recognized as a preliminary breed by The International Cat Association.
Bombay
The Bombay cat pays homage to the Indian black leopard. With a shiny, jet-black coat and big copper eyes, they are the epitome of a house panther. The Bombay loves to play and learn tricks, and greets their family and visitors alike at the door.
The Bombay was created to look like a Burmese cat, but with a sleek black coat. Although developed in the U.S., this breed was named after the “land of the black leopard”—Bombay, India. They can weigh up to 15 pounds. These cats are incredibly people-oriented, so if you don’t want a little shadow, the Bombay cat might not be for you.
Cats that look like lions
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian cat is thought to be one of the oldest breeds of domesticated cats, having possibly originated in old Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) around the time of the ancient Egyptians. And if you saw one slinking through your yard, you’d probably think they were a mini mountain lion! This is thanks to their ticked tabby pattern. They’re very energetic and affectionate, but not a lap cat.
This is a relatively small cat breed, weighing between 7 and 10 pounds. Abyssinians are a curious breed that relishes their independence, while also thriving on attention. They are intelligent and will play games with their humans; they need fun puzzle toys and lots of places to climb.
Chausie
Among cats that look like lions, the Chausie has a strong boast: These rare cats were bred from the Jungle Cat and have a proud, active nature reminiscent of their wild ancestors. This ancient parent breed is thought to have been domesticated by the Egyptians, and has even been found mummified in Egyptian tombs. In fact, “Chausie” is actually derived from the Latin name for Jungle Cat, felis chaus.
The Chausie cat can grow large, up to 25 pounds. Small for a lion, sure, but big enough for a domestic housecat to make you blink. This breed loves to meet new people, walk on a leash, and even learn to play fetch. Lion, dog, or some combination thereof? You decide.
Cats that look like bobcats
American Bobtail
The short tail of the American Bobtail cat developed naturally as a means to improve survival in their native environment of the American Southwest. Although they look similar to a bobcat, they’re very domestic: This is a devoted family pet that even plays fetch.
This breed takes a while to fully mature (up to 3 years), and can weigh up to 16 pounds. As their origin suggests, they are adaptable cats and do well in a variety of environments. Their bobtail doesn’t hinder them in any way (but gives them a leg-up in the cuteness department, in our opinion!).
Kurilian Bobtail
The Kurilian Bobtail is a natural but fairly uncommon breed that was found on Russia’s Sakhalin island and Kuril archipelago. They were brought to central Russia in the mid 1900s. The Kurilian Bobtail looks similar to a lynx and are known for their adorable “pom-pom” tails.
This breed loves playing in water. They’re good mousers and cuddly lap cats. Easygoing, sociable, and gentle, there’s an unstoppable combination of traits you could use to describe the Kurilian Bobtail.
Manx
The tail-free Manx was born and bred on the Isle of Man, for which the island is known. Because they began life as a mouser, they have retained these top-notch hunting skills. However, when they’re not on guard they are affectionate, people-oriented cats.
Unfortunately this tail-free mutation in the Manx breed can cause severe developmental abnormalities and even death in kittens and cats. If you are looking to have a Manx as a pet, be sure to adopt from a rescue group rather than perpetuate inhumane breeding practices.
Pixie-bob
Of all the cats that look like bobcats, the Pixie-bob has the most conflicting origin stories. One legend says that they can trace their roots to American bobcats. In actuality, the breed is simply a domestic cat with a tail mutation.
This breed was further bred to resemble the wild Coastal Red Bobcat found in the coastal mountains of the state of Washington. It is the only breed that accepts polydactyly (cats with extra toes) and comes in two coat lengths.
Haven’t had your fill of exotic cats? Visit your local shelter, zoo, or animal sanctuary!
Photo credits:
- Toyger: © Heikki Siltala / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0
- Cheetoh: © Chris Rue / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-4.0
- Highlander: © DigitalDirt / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-4.0
- Chausie: © Wilczakrew / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0
- Kurilian Bobtail: © TRUE KURILIANS / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-4.0
- Pixie-bob: © Donna Cox / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-3.0
