We often talk about dog breeds and how one is super cute while the other can be a perfect guarding dog. But on rare occasions, we hear people mention cat breeds in India. At Jaldee Vets, we aim to shed some light on the topic and spread awareness about rare cat breeds in India. And how every species differs in characteristics, looks, personality, etc., just like dog breeds.
Every cat we see on the streets can indeed differ from region to region, and they differ because they belong to different breeds. Pet owners and animal enthusiasts are keen to understand various dog families. It is high time we show some interest in the cat family.
A simple way to explain the difference is when we see a dog belonging to a particular breed, we exclaim enthusiastically, “Look, a German Shepherd”! But a cat is just a cat. And to sort it, we bring a list of rare cat breeds in India.
4 Rare Cat Breeds in India
Bombay
A shocking fact about the Bombay cat breed is that it did not originate in India. Bombay originated in the United States in the 1950s by breeding sable Burmese cats with Black American Shorthairs. As a result, Bombay cats have sleek, black, glossy coats with captivating copper or gold eyes.
Bombays have a reputation for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are generally social and good around people, forming strong bonds with their owners. Bombays are often compared to dogs because they are interactive, enjoy playing fetch, and learn tricks.
And since Bombays have a comparatively shorter coat, they are easy to groom. Ultimately, it can be a great pet option for new owners.
Khao Menee
Khao Menee is a rare cat breed from Thailand but is also available in India. It is an ancient breed that carries auspicious values in Thai culture. Khao Menee is an attractive cat breed with a thick, silky, white coat. The most striking feature of Khao Menee is their captivating eyes, which can vary in shades of blue and green.
Just like Bombay, Khao Menee is friendly, affectionate, and social. And tend to form strong bonds with their owners. Moreover, they are intelligent, playful, and curiously participate in their owner’s daily activities.
Khao Menee is low maintenance. A healthy diet, regular brushing, and scheduled vet care will keep them mentally and physically active.
Peterbald
Peterbald is a unique cat breed originating in Russia and available in India. It was created with selective breeding of Oriental Shorthair cats with hairless cats to produce a hairless or nearly hairless breed. And to no surprise, Peterbald is known for its distinctive baldness. Moreover, their body is elegant, slender, and muscular, with long legs.
Peterbald is another friendly breed of cats, and they are generally outgoing, playful, and enjoy human company. One of Peterbald’s most significant characteristics is their adaptability to different environments.
While people may think Peterbalds are easy to groom, it is quite the opposite. Hairless Peterbalds need extra attention to maintain skin health. Therefore, regular bathing requires moisturizing to prevent dryness and a balanced diet.
Chausie
The Chausie is an intriguing hybrid cat breed from crossing domestic cats with jungle cats., specifically Felus Chaus. Therefore, Chausies have a distinctive wild appearance. They generally have a tall, lean body structure and long legs, reflecting their jungle cat ancestry. Additionally, they have large pointy ears, giving them an alert and expressive look.
Chausies are known to be highly active cats, therefore, require regular exercises for mental and physical stimulation. They enjoy interactive play, climbing, and exploring their environment. Although they may bond with their owners, they still have assertive traits from their jungle cat lineage.
Due to high energy levels, Chausie requires considerable physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. It is advisable to provide them with plenty of toys, scratching posts, and vertical spaces for climbing. It is a perfect breed for people who appreciate the allure of a domestic cat with the touch of the wild.
There are many other cats to add to this list, like Sokoke, Scottish Fold, Minsik, etc. And it is always entertaining for animal lovers to keep exploring new species and breeds. For more such blogs, keep visiting Jaldee Vets!