Cats come in all shapes, sizes, colors and temperaments. While there are many popular purebred cat breeds like the Siamese, Persian and Maine Coon, mixed breed cats offer unique traits and advantages. When a cat has parents from two different pure breeds, the result is a mixed breed or hybrid cat that combines qualities from both lineages.
Some of the most popular and best mixed breed cats include:
Savannah
The Savannah is a cross between a domestic cat and a Serval, a wild African cat. This breed began in the 1980s and has grown in popularity for its exotic look and outgoing personality.
Savannah cats have a lean, long-legged appearance reminiscent of their Serval ancestor. They come in shades of brown, ranging from tan to gold with dark brown or black spots and stripes. Their tall, erect ears contribute to their exotic look.
These cats are highly intelligent, curious and energetic. Owners describe them as dog-like, with a strong need for activity and play. Savannah cats bond closely with their families and some even enjoy leash training. Due to their wild heritage, Savannahs like to jump to high places.
Savannah cats are classified into five filial generations based on how close they are genetically to the original Serval ancestor. Early generations tend to be larger with more of the Serval’s wild traits. Later generations have more domestic cat qualities. Kittens can sell from $1,000 to over $20,000 depending on generation and breeding.
Bengal
The Bengal originated when an Asian Leopard Cat was bred with a domestic shorthair cat. The goal was to produce a cat with the Leopard Cat’s exotic look but the domestic cat’s friendly temperament. Bengals first appeared in 1963 but the breed did not gain recognition until the 1980s.
Bengals have a wild appearance with large spots and stripes. Their bodies are long and muscular with rounded heads and small ears. Coat colors include brown, silver and white. Some Bengals have a glittery or iridescent sheen to their coats. These cats are athletic and known for jumping and climbing high.
While they love activity, Bengals are also people-oriented and make very loyal pets. They often play fetch and enjoy leash walks. Bengals are vocal cats that “chirp” and “chatter” to communicate. They thrive when kept engaged with lots of interactive toys and play time.
Kittens range from $800-$5,000 depending on lineage and appearance. Their energetic personality makes them best suited to homes with older children and cat-friendly dogs.
Chausie
The Chausie, also called a Jungle Bobtail, resulted from breeding a domestic cat with the wild Jungle Cat species native to Asia. The intent was to create a medium-large cat with an exotic look but domestic temperament. Chausies first appeared in the 1990s.
These cats have a long, athletic build accentuated by long legs and a short bobbed tail. Their coats come in solid black, brown ticked tabby and grizzled tabby patterns. Chausies have a deep chest, small ears and oblong eyes that give them a panther-like appearance.
Energetic and playful, the Chausie needs extensive daily exercise and interactive toys. They are loyal, intelligent and form close bonds with their human families. Their outgoing personality allows them to get along well with children, dogs and other household pets.
Chausie kittens typically sell for $800 to $1500. They are rare and available from just a handful of breeders in the United States.
Toyger
The Toyger originated in the 1980s with the goal of creating a small cat that resembled a tiger in miniature. Bengal and striped domestic shorthairs were used in the foundation breeding. The breed was recognized for championship competition in 2007.
Toygers have muscular bodies marked with dark stripes and whorls that make their coat resemble a tiger’s pattern. Their heads are round with small ears and they have thick necks and legs. Coat colors include rusty brown, orange and charcoal grey. Eyes are deep yellow or green.
Bred to be companion pets, Toygers are playful, intelligent and love being with people. They get along well with children and other pets when socialized young. Toygers are active and energetic cats that enjoy games, puzzles and high vantage points.
Kittens are available from breeders starting at $800. The limited breeding population makes Toygers one of the rarer hybrid cat breeds.
Conclusion
Mixed breed cats combine the best qualities of their purebred parent breeds. Savannahs have the exotic beauty of African Servals paired with domestic temperaments. Bengals bring together the Leopard Cat’s wild appearance with friendly companionship traits. Chausies have a jungle cat look but make very loyal pets. Toygers resemble tiny tigers but are bred specifically as playful, people-loving house cats.
When choosing a mixed breed cat, it’s important to research their lineage and tendencies. Higher generation Savannahs and Bengals produce kittens that meet most families’ needs for an outgoing, affectionate pet. Exotic cat hybrids also come with higher price tags, specialized diets and unique care requirements. But for the right household, they can make marvelous mixed breed companions.
Tables Comparing Mixed Breed Cats
Here are some tables comparing the origins, appearance, temperament and other traits of popular mixed breed cat types:
| Breed | Origins | Size | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah | Serval x domestic shorthair | Medium to large | Long legs, large ears, spotted coat |
| Bengal | Asian leopard cat x domestic shorthair | Medium to large | Thick coat, spotted or marbled |
| Chausie | Jungle cat x domestic shorthair | Medium to large | Solid, ticked or grizzled coat |
| Toyger | Bengal x domestic shorthair | Small to medium | Striped coat, whorls |
| Breed | Temperament | Energy Level | Coat Grooming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah | Intelligent, curious, outgoing | High | Low maintenance |
| Bengal | Playful, vocal, people-oriented | High | Low maintenance |
| Chausie | Loyal, intelligent, adventurous | High | Low maintenance |
| Toyger | Affectionate, playful | High | Low maintenance |
| Breed | Lifespan | Litter Size | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah | 12-20 years | 1-4 kittens | $1,000-$25,000 |
| Bengal | 10-16 years | 3-5 kittens | $800-$5,000 |
| Chausie | 12-15 years | 3-5 kittens | $800-$1,500 |
| Toyger | 14-15 years | 3-4 kittens | $800-$5,000 |