Cats come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors – but have you heard of the ugliest cat in the world? Although many cats typically have a fluffy appearance and nonchalant demeanor, some of these pet felines stand out due to the “unique” way they look.
We’ll be taking a closer look at this unusual and extraordinary creature and how it differs from the typical feline.
But, as we all know, though, beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. These peculiar kitties are nonetheless great cuddlers and beloved family members across the world.
Follow along as we explore why this particular kitty has won the title of ‘The Ugliest Cat In The World.
10 Ugly Cats
Before we discuss the number one contender on this list, here are nine other atypical cats.
#10 ELF Cat
A regal-looking yet slightly offbeat cat breed is the Elf Cat. This special breed has an angular face resembling an elf’s profile. They have huge and pointed ears, granting them their name and peculiar look.
What sets this cat apart from other cats even more is its bright green eyes – like emerald beads set against a snowy white coat – and delicate pink nose that contrasts with the rest of its features. They also tend to be quieter than other cats and have very little body odor due to their lack of fur.
#9 Ukrainian Levkoy
The Ukrainian Levkoy is an atypical cat with a peculiar, almost alien-like appearance. This unique feline has folded ears and a flat face, which strongly resembles Yoda from Star Wars.
It stands out among its species due to its distinct looks. It has an elongated body, large eyes, and a wide forehead. Its muzzle is often wrinkled or scrunched up, making them look like an old man even when they’re newborn.
#8 Peterbald
This unique-looking feline has become one of the most sought-after breeds in recent years due to the very reason that it’s often called ugly – its lack of hair. They originated in St. Petersburg in Russia, which is the reason for their name.
Other than their baldness, they can easily be distinguished by means of their abnormally large ears, which are set wide apart from each other. They need extra care and protection against cold temperatures compared to regular felines since they lack a fur coat.
#7 Donskoy
The Donskoy is an interesting-looking Russian breed that has been gaining popularity recently because of its unusual appearance – it’s hairless! The Donskoy has a personality that is more similar to dogs than cats. They are known to be extremely loyal to their owners and not very independent. Moreover, they are unable to retract their claws as ordinary felines do.
Its body may give off an unappealing vibe at first glance due to its minimal fur coat. But, you will find that these cats are quite friendly and loveable if given proper attention from their owners.
#6 Exotic Shorthair
Next up, we have the Exotic Shorthair. This breed resembles the Persian cat, but have a short coat rather than long fur. It’s low-maintenance pet, and don’t require much grooming or attention. Their flat noses and squashed faces give them a permanently grumpy expression.
Exotics are known for being very loving creatures that enjoy time spent with their owners. They can sometimes be aloof around strangers though.
#5 Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is another unusual-looking cat breed. This feline has a petite body with large ears and eyes, making them look much like an elf. They are known to be playful and energetic cats with an inquisitive nature.
Their short coats come in different colors and patterns but often appear sparse due to their lack of fur. Despite their strange appearance, their loyal and affectionate personalities make them great family pets.
#4 Devon Rex
It is a breed of cat known for its short and wavy coat and large ears. These cats are smaller-than-average in size, with sweet-tempered personalities and strong appetites. They are also very active and make excellent companions. The Devon Rex should perhaps be considered to have a unique appearance rather than an ugly one.
#3 Siamese
The Siamese is a cat characterized by its blue eyes and pointy ears. The breed originated in Thailand, which was previously known as Siam – hence their name. Siameses are typically medium-sized cats and have an iconic point coloration.
#2 Scottish Fold
This breed of cat is characterized by its annoyed expression and folded ears. As the name implies, these cats commonly live in Scotland. Scottish Folds are medium in size and have a variety of colors and patterns.
#1 Sphynx
The Sphynx is a breed of cat that is deemed the ugliest cat in the world. This breed originated in Canada, but since its “accidental” creation, it has become popular worldwide. Sphynxes are typically small to medium-sized cats, lack hair, and have webbed paws.
A Closer Look At The Ugliest Cat Worldwide
Although there are many odd-looking cats out there, the sphynx is the cat that is repeatedly voted the ugliest cat in the world – mostly because of its naked body. However, its baldness is likewise the reason why many enthusiasts love this breed. The sphynx is a rare breed of domestic feline noted for its hairless appearance and curious temperament. It has become a very well-known breed of cat.
More than just interesting looks, these cats are known for their intelligence and friendly nature. They bond very easily with humans and are typically better at communicating with their owners than other breeds of cats.
These cats can live up to upwards of about 15 years with an optimal diet and a healthy environment. Although they may look intimidating at first glance, owning a sphynx cat may be an enjoyable experience that cat lovers will appreciate.
What Is Unique About This Cat?
The sphynx is a unique-looking cat, to say the least. They are completely naked, but their hairless skin still feels warm and soft. Breeders created this unusual-looking feline by combining the recessive genes of other cats and generations of selective breeding. What makes the Sphynx truly one of a kind is its big personality.
This breed loves to cuddle and communicate with its owners through purring, chirping, meowing, and even engaging in playful gestures like chasing their tails! Despite requiring frequent grooming and bathing for dead skin cells, these curious cats make excellent companions as they are affectionate, loving, friendly, alert, entertaining, and loyal.
History of the Sphynx
The Sphynx is a hairless cat that has been around since 1966. The breed stems from a kitten called ‘Prune,’ who was born from the first litter of kittens born from two cats born naturally hairless. Big thanks to Prune and her breeders for introducing what is now a beloved breed!
As previously mentioned, sphynxes originated in Canada and not in Egypt, which is a common belief. Before it was officially named “Sphynx,” it went by the name of “moonstone” or “Canadian hairless.”
Since then, the sphynx has been slowly gaining worldwide recognition, becoming one of the most unique cats. While its unique look may be off-putting to some people, its intelligence, affectionate personality, and willingness to form strong relationships have earned it devotion among cat fanatics everywhere.
Health and Care of the Sphynx
Taking care of a sphynx cat requires some special considerations and a lot more patience and effort than the average cat. Due to their lack of fur, these cats need additional attention regarding skin care. Because they don’t have any hair to absorb the oils their skin produces, there is a build-up of oil, which means they need frequent baths. The absence of hair also causes them to produce significantly more ear wax than other cat breeds. Consequently, their ears should be cleaned out weekly – preferably just before their bath time.
Regularly bathing your sphynx in warm water and then rubbing unscented lotion into the skin afterward can help prevent flakiness, dryness, and other skin problems. Between baths, clean them with a cloth dampened with warm water. Please pay careful attention to the area where tear stains can form around their eyes. As always, use healthy pet products without harsh chemicals or detergents.
Another factor to consider is temperature regulation – their home environment should not be too cold or hot, as they have very few insulating hairs, making them sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Further, because hairless cats require more frequent activity and exercise than others, invest in a scratching post and toys for their entertainment.
As they don’t receive the same protection from sunlight as other cats, they are particularly prone to skin cancer. Ensure that your kitty doesn’t spend lots of time in direct sunlight. If this can’t be avoided, protect their skin with sunscreen or a light jacket.
It’s essential not to forget about dental hygiene; Sphynx cats are prone to a buildup of plaque and tartar, so their should be brushed teeth daily with special feline toothpaste. All these health and care considerations will ensure your Sphynx stays happy and healthy for years to come!
Behavior of the Ugly Cat: the Sphynx
It is said Sphynxes have behavior similar to kittens even in adulthood; their goofy antics can entertain their owners for hours. In addition to being small and cuddly, they are also known for being very energetic, agile, adventurous, and curious about everything.
They are extremely affectionate and like to interact with their owners as much as possible. Although some may consider them an “ugly” cat breed because of their hairlessness, these devoted animals are sure to charm you in a hot second.
Many Sphynx owners suggest that they are dog-like in their behavior. They demand lots of attention and affection, which at times might even become annoying and overwhelming. These cats want to be included in everything and anything that is happening at home. Whether you like it or not, you will have a permanent companion in everything that you do – from doing the dishes or laundry to movie nights or bath time.
Do Cats Feel Hatred?
Ugly cats may or may not feel hatred; this is an interesting question with no simple answer. Studies on the range of emotions experienced by cats are limited. However, cats likely have at least a basic set of emotions, just like us humans do.
We know cats experience anxiety, fear, and joy. Because hatred can be categorized as anger, it seems plausible to suggest a cat may experience feelings of hate if it has been in a situation where it may react angrily, such as being scared or feeling threatened.
Ultimately, understanding how cats experience and express emotions remains largely a mystery, so whether or not cats are able to feel hatred is difficult to determine until more studies on animal emotional states are conducted.
Why People Don’t Like Ugly Cats
For many people, cats provide a certain level of comfort and joy in their lives. Unfortunately, not everyone loves cats; some can even find them quite off-putting. There are several reasons people shy away from these kinds of cats, ranging from physical characteristics to strange behavior habits.
To name a few, people sometimes don’t like “ugly” cats that lack fur or have squished faces. Intense behaviors (such as excessively meowing or non-stop running), an unpleasant smell that may come from poor hygiene or illness, or lack of human interaction are other reasons people are not “team-cat.” Despite these limitations, ugly cats have just as much love to give as any other cat and often require a bit more special care – but which undoubtedly comes with added rewards and extra love!
You Can Help an Ugly Cat Find a Forever Home
Sphynx cats, unfortunately, often struggle to find forever-homes. One of the best ways to help these cats find their perfect matches is through word-of-mouth and community outreach.
The best way to help an ugly sphynx cat in finding a home is to promote them through online platforms and social media. Several Facebook groups and websites are dedicated to finding homes for sphynx cats, and by posting about them on these platforms, you can help raise awareness and find them a loving home.
Another way to help an ugly cat sphynx find a home is to contact rescue organizations and local shelters. There may be an organization in your area that specializes in rehoming sphynx cats, and they can provide you with more information on how you can help.
You can also help an ugly sphynx cat find a home by reaching out to breeders. Some breeders have sphynxes that they cannot sell, and they may be willing to give them away to a good home. It is an excellent option if you are looking for a specific type of sphynx.
Several organizations provide financial assistance for those looking to adopt a sphynx. These organizations can help with the cost of adoption to make it more affordable for people interested in giving one of these cats a forever home.
Moreover, you can help a sphynx find a home by spreading the word about them. Talk to your friends, family, and co-workers about these unique cats, and tell them what amazing companions they make. The more people know about their affectionate traits, the easier it will be to find them the perfect forever home.
Shelters That Adopt Ugly Cats
Shelters that adopt ugly cats provide a unique service to pet lovers. These shelters specialize in helping cats who may have been overlooked or even abandoned by another animal shelter due to their unappealing features.
These cats sometimes have bald patches, discolored fur, or disfigured features. Many potential adopters mistakenly pass them over for the more aesthetically pleasing cats with healthy and glossy coats. However, these overlooked cats often possess a loving and sweet disposition that weighs way heavier than their physical appearance.
Adopting an ugly cat from a shelter isn’t just about contributing to the greater good – it will bring incomparable joy to the life of you and your family, as this type of cat is usually extraordinarily affectionate and bonds quickly with its human caretakers.
Read about how a woman adopts an ugly cat from a shelter who was ignored.
Key Points
| While cats are usually known for their fluffy appearance and calm demeanor, some special felines stand out from all others – due to their lack of fur. |
| The sphynx is a breed of cat that is often deemed the ugliest cat in the world. |
| The sphynx is a hairless cat that has been around since 1966. It was popularized by a kitten named ‘Prune,’ who was born from the first litter of kittens from two cats born naturally hairless. |
| Sphynxs are extremely affectionate and like to interact with their owners as much as possible. |
| Shelters that adopt ugly cats provide a unique service to pet lovers. These shelters help cats who may have been overlooked or even abandoned by another animal shelter because of their unappealing features. |
It’s A Wrap!
The world’s ugliest cat is a title given to many different cats over the years. However, the Sphynx is the cat that is most frequently granted this title due to its lack of fur and wrinkly skin. While some might see them as oddities because of their baldness, it is also the very reason that many find these cats irresistible.
Thank you for reading this article on the ugliest cat in the world! If you’re a fellow feline-lover you should also take a look at our post about whether Snake Plants Are Toxic to Cats. If you’re more of a dog person, read about the Cane Corso vs Dogo Argentino.
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