While millions of cats find loving homes every year, there are many that don’t get picked out at shelters and have high stray populations. These breeds are often overlooked and, as a result, can be severely underloved.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just common or mixed-breeds that struggle to find families – some of the most fascinating and genetically unique felines are also some of the least adopted. Factors for the underadoption could be unusual appearances, misunderstood temperaments, and special care requirements.
Let’s delve into some of the least adopted cat breeds and hopefully inspire a new appreciation for these breeds that deserve just as much love as any other breed.
Sokoke
The Sokoke is a beautiful and natural breed of domestic cat that’s native to the Arakuko Sokoke Forest in Kenya.
They are believed to be the world’s rarest domestic breed of cat and have a wild aesthetic and boundless energy that can turn away potential adopters, who may think their independence is aloofness.
Lykoi
The Lykoi is a misunderstood breed of feline that has a unique appearance, with patchy fur and strange yellow eyes that give it a kind-of werewolf look.
This natural mutation is so rare that only a few Lykoi exist in the world, and many adopters mistake their look for some kind of disease when they are perfectly healthy.
Khao Manee
The khao Manee is a striking feline that is known as the “white gem” of Thailand. This breed has an amazing pure white coat and bizarrely colored eyes.
Although they are quite stunning cats and have royal lineage, they are rare, and adoption fees normally mean that more common cats are picked over them when adopters don’t understand their unique history.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is one of the only breeds with natural spotted coats and is renowned for their dexterity and speed. They are shy felines and have a reserved side to them, which can make them seem uninterested in shelters compared to other breeds.
This leads to them staying in shelters for long periods of time before being adopted. There are fewer than 7,000 of these cats in the world, making them one of the rarest and most underloved.
Korat
The Korat is another breed that comes from Thailand. They are a symbol of prosperity in the country, but in other regions, are often overlooked.
They have a subtle blue-gray coat and a reserved demeanor. Korats can have health complications due to their genetics and require regular dental care compared to many other breeds. They are a hidden gem and have a loyal, loving nature that makes them a great pet for patient families.
American Wirehair
The American Wirehair is named for its uniquely crimped fur. They are among the rarest breeds in the United States and many people mistake their distinct coat for a health issue, leading to low adoption rates.
If adopted, these breeds are playful and can be happy in many different environments, making them great companions for people who understand that their unique coat isn’t a health issue.
Chartreux
The Chartreux is a breed that hails from France and is known for having a dense blue coat and a reserved, observant nature. Chartruex cats are rarely found in countries outside of Europe, and due to their reserved demeanor, other cats around them are often adopted first.
These cats are surprisingly affectionate, low-maintenance, and can form extremely strong bonds with their owners.
Chausie
The Chausie is a unique cat that was originally bred from wild jungle cats. Their wild lineage means that they have a lot of energy and let their curiosity get the better of them with their adventurous spirit.
They have a wild look to them and demand exercise, which can put off potential adopters who want a lower-maintenance pet. For the right person, Chausies can be loyal, intelligent pets that love their owners.
Serengeti
The Serengeti is a hybrid breed that is crossed between a Bengal and an Oriental Shorthair. Their lineage is shown off through their spotted fur and long legs.
They are vocal cats with energy that can be too much for some owners, leading to fewer adoptions. They can thrive in active families and are very playful and affectionate to those around them.
Minskin
The Minksin is a dwarf cat breed with sparse fur and short legs. Their unique appearance means that at a glance, adopters may think they have genetic complications or some kind of illness.
They are frequently overlooked in shelters despite being loving cats because of their physical traits, when in reality, there is nothing wrong with them. They thrive when they are around humans with whom they have bonded.
Tennessee Rex
This breed was only discovered somewhat recently. The Tennessee Rex boasts a satin-finish coat, which is rare among cat breeds. This unusual texture to their fur and lack of breed recognition has caused many adopters to go for something more familiar when they go to shelters.
This means that the Tennessee Rex is often left behind, which is a shame because of how affectionate they can be and how owning one can be an amazing experience for people who want something new.
Aphrodite
The Aphrodite is a breed that originally comes from Cyprus. They are a large breed, but are especially affectionate and gentle. Their large size often means that potential adopters can be intimidated and go for a more traditionally sized feline.
In the correct environment, Aphrodite cats can excel and be just as good as any normal household cat. Their sheer size sets them apart from other breeds, meaning they give adopters who are willing a unique experience.
Ocicat
The Ocicat looks quite different from traditional housecats. They look exotic and wild, which many people believe is the case. In reality, these cats are completely domesticated animals and have an energetic personality.
They need physical stimulation through exercise to truly thrive, which many people are put off by because they prefer low-maintenance animals. In the right environment, they are loving cats.
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