Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world, with over 94 million domesticated cats living in households in the United States alone. As cat ownership continues to grow, breeders are consistently developing new pedigreed breeds of cats. While mixed breed domestic cats are the most common, purebred cats are prized for their unique appearances, personalities, and histories. Feline registries like The International Cat Association (TICA) officially recognize over 70 distinct breeds of cats. Let’s explore some of the newest pedigreed cat breeds that have emerged in recent years.
Toyger
The Toyger is one of the most recently established official breeds, gaining championship status from TICA in 2007. As the name suggests, this breed was developed in the United States to have a coat and markings that resemble a tiny tiger. The bold striped tabby pattern on the Toyger’s coat is its most defining feature. Breeders aimed to develop a domestic house cat with the aesthetic look of its wild tiger cousins. To achieve this goal, they crossed domestic shorthairs with Bengals, another wild-looking cat breed. The resulting Toyger has a vivid orange coat with thick black stripes and a white belly, although breeders are still working towards perfecting the colors and patterns. While the Toyger has a striking, exotic appearance, it has a friendly and docile temperament suitable for a household pet. The Toyger remains a relatively rare breed, but its eye-catching coat has made it popular among cat fanciers looking for a truly unique feline companion.
Lykoi
The Lykoi, sometimes referred to as the “werewolf cat,” is a natural mutation that was first observed in domestic shorthairs in 2011. The name Lykoi (meaning “wolf” in Greek) refers to this breed’s unusual partial hairlessness that gives it a werewolf-like appearance. The Lykoi has a sparse coat that leaves patches of skin exposed on the face, body, and legs. The hair they do have is often black and gray, adding to the werewolf effect. In addition to the partial hairlessness, the Lykoi’s face has distinctive wrinkles, high cheekbones, and large owl-like eyes that contribute to its unusual look. The Lykoi was accepted for registration as an experimental breed by TICA in 2011 and later advanced to provisional status in 2015. While still uncommon, Lykoi kittens can now be found through specialty breeders who have been working to establish breeding standards for the mutation. Despite its somewhat spooky and feral appearance, owners describe the Lykoi as friendly, intelligent, and affectionate.
Napoleon
The Napoleon, also called the Minuet, is characterized by its very short, stocky legs, which are caused by a natural genetic mutation. Originating recently in the 1990s, the Napoleon breed was established from a cat named Minuet born to normal domestic shorthair parents. Minuet’s remarkably short legs were caused by a spontaneous genetic mutation that resulted in skeletal dwarfism. Napoleon cats typically weigh 5 to 10 pounds but stand only 5 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder due to their disproportionately short limbs. Aside from the short legs, they have a stocky, muscular build and round head. Their coats come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. While they cannot jump as high or run as quickly as most cats, they are otherwise completely healthy. The Napoleon is registered as a provisional new breed by TICA as of 2015. Their sweet, playful personality and unique look has already attracted a loyal following of breeders and cat fanciers.
Conclusion
Cat breeds are continually evolving, and breeders are hard at work establishing new pedigree breeds that meet registration standards. The Toyger, Lykoi, and Napoleon are just a few of the distinctive new breeds that have emerged in recent decades. While mixed breed domestic cats remain the most popular, new purebreds like these cater to owners seeking a truly one-of-a-kind pet. As breeders refine and standardize their breeding programs, these new breeds will likely continue gaining recognition and popularity in the coming years. No matter their origins, all cats have the potential to be loving, entertaining members of a household when provided with proper care.
| Breed | Origin | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Toyger | United States, late 1990s | Striped tabby coat that resembles a mini tiger |
| Lykoi | Natural mutation, first seen 2011 | Partial hairlessness giving a “werewolf” appearance |
| Napoleon | Natural mutation, 1990s | Short, stocky legs due to dwarfism |
