Exotic cats aren’t just confined in zoos and to be marvelled at from afar – you can actually see them up close and personal by adopting one! Many breeds are considered exotic and add a flair of excitement to your family, especially with their unique personalities. Exotic cats are considered rarer than non-exotic breeds, so they’ll certainly become a talking point at your next social gathering.
Exotic cats tend to be more energetic and can even have higher prey drives than other breeds, so it’s important you know what you’re getting yourself in for when considering one. They often need plenty of mental stimulation, playtime, and room to run around. However, some exotic cats can also be more docile – so it’s imperative that you do your research beforehand so you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Exotic cats come in all shapes and sizes, so the good news is that if you don’t think you can handle the needs of one, there are plenty of others to consider.
Exotic cats are legal and available in most parts of the world, including Australia! Of course, we don’t have time to look into every exotic cat breed today, so keep reading to learn more about ten of the most popular exotic breeds available today:
Weight: 5.4 to 11.3 kg
Lifespan: 15 to 18 years
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Starting off strong, the Savannah cat is one of the most beloved and intriguing exotic cats. They’re large and in charge, have incredibly high energy levels, and a super strong hunting drive that they’ve inherited from their ancestors. These cats had to survive for thousands of years on the plains of Africa before they were domesticated, so they still show a lot of their natural instincts at home. Savannah cats are also extremely loyal to their families, so make sure you socialise them with strangers, kids, and pets to prevent any adverse behaviours from rearing their heads.
Weight: 4 to 6 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 17 years
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Persian cats are super affectionate to their owners, but they also love being quiet and living in a peaceful environment. Unfortunately, this means that they’re not the best for households with other rambunctious pets and kids – they’d much prefer to be the only cat in the household. Unlike many exotic pets who are super active, Persian cats prefer lounging around. Persian cats originated in Iran, which was once known as Persia, and were considered regal thanks to Queen Victoria’s fondness for the breed.
Weight: 20.3 to 25.5 cm
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
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Despite their looks, the Peterbald cat is very affectionate and cuddly. They’re also super loyal to their families and can play for hours, making them good for kids and other pets. They love being the centre of attention though, so make sure you keep them happy before they start going to extremes to catch your eye! Some owners even compare the Peterbald cat to a dog, so if you’re looking for a loyal companion who doesn’t need walking, this breed might be the ideal solution. These cats are originally from Russia.
Weight: 3.6 to 6 kg
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
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Russian Blue cats are incredibly popular and are very loyal and loving to their owners. They love the sound of their own voices and will often follow their owners around talking to them after they get home. They tend to have a preference for one family member, but compared to some other breeds, the Russian Blue is still affectionate with other humans if their favourite isn’t available. These cats originated from the Archangel Isles in northern Russia and were quickly imported around the world throughout the 1800s.
Weight: 4 to 5 kg
Lifespan: 9 to 15 years
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The Sphynx is a gorgeous cat through and through, being naturally sociable with a love of vocalising their every thought and feeling to their owners. They’re natural extroverts and love a good cuddle, so make sure you have enough time to dote on them! They tend to be good with children but can become grumpy if their needs haven’t been met. Sphynx cats tend to get cold, so make sure you wrap them up warm to avoid destructive tendencies. Interestingly enough, the Sphynx breed was thought to have originated in Egypt but actually comes from Toronto, Canada.
Weight: 6 to 9 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 17 years
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Ragdolls are perfect for anyone who wants a docile, calm lap cat who enjoys snuggling on the sofa much more than hunting outside or playing with toys. They’re great for busy families – especially as even though they love human attention, they’re not needy. You can leave them at home for hours and they’ll still greet you when you get back as if nothing happened. That’s the perk of them loving to sleep all day! Ragdolls originally came from California in 1963 when a breeder wanted to create a stunning, calm, and loving breed.
Weight: 9 to 10 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
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Despite being one of the largest domestic cat breeds, the Maine Coon is known for a number of nicknames that highlight how much of a pleasure they are to keep: ‘Gentle Giant’ and ‘Clowns of the cat world’ to name just a couple! They love their owners and follow them around, so be prepared to gain a shadow when inviting this breed into your life. Maine Coons originated in Maine, with some speculation of the breed being brought to North America by Vikings. They love water, so maybe there’s some truth to that theory!
Weight: 4.5 to 9.1 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
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The Siberian cat is another breed on the bigger side, but that just means they’re much cuddlier and fun-loving. They tend to hold onto their kitten tendencies and give you plenty of laughs throughout the day, and they’re very sociable with everyone they meet. However, this does mean that they’re best for households where they’re going to have company around the clock, whether that’s from a human, another cat, or even a dog. The Siberian cat dates back to the 13th century with its ancestor, the Russian Siberian forest cat, which originated in Russia. They’re still relatively rare in Australia, making them all the more desirable to cat lovers.
Weight: 3 to 7.2 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
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Selkirk Rex cats are lovers, not hunters – but that doesn’t mean they won’t try and chase any squirrel or small animal they see! They’re not trying to hunt them, but their inquisitive minds kick in. They also love making friends and are very relaxed around strangers, but they’ll always prefer their owners. These aloof balls of fluff and curls originated just 30 years ago in Montana, USA.
Weight: 5.4 to 7.3 kg
Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
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The Norwegian Forest cat loves attention from their families, but they also enjoy spending time on their own away from household noise. They’re more than happy to be left at home while you’re out and you can often find them at the highest climbable point when you get back. Like the Maine Coon, they love water, so if you have any rivers or lakes nearby, beware your cat might come in smelling like freshwater! Unsurprisingly, this breed is thought to have originated in Scandinavia.
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