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Several exotic breeds of cat have been introduced in the last decade or two. Because they’re newer, their human companions—as well as vets—can be caught flat-footed with health and behavior issues. Here’s a short primer. For more about purebreds, visit The International Cat Association (tica.org). For those considering a hybrid breed—a mix between a wildcat and a domestic cat—you might want to contact a hybrid cat rescue organization, both to see what issues led to families giving up their animal and to be sure you have what it takes to provide a suitable home for these beautiful but often high-maintenance cats.
Bengal
• The breed is a cross between the house cat and the Asian leopard cat.
• Though first mentioned in the 19th century, bengals weren’t recognized as a breed until the late 1980s.
• They love water; you’ll find them drinking from the sink—or, if you indulge them, sloshing around in a bathtub filled with water.
• They still have wildcat genes in their DNA. Some bengals have issues with roughhousing, including biting and scratching. Using toys, not hands, for play is always encouraged.
• They want to follow you around the house and do whatever you’re doing.
• Health issues can include heart problems, cataracts, jumpy digestion, and a greater sensitivity to food poisoning.
Chausie
• The breed is pronounced “chow-see.”
• They’re also known as “stone cougars.”
• Chausies are a cross between Felis chaus, a.k.a. the jungle cat, and the house cat.
• These cats are large, and can weigh up to 25 pounds.
• They like walking on leashes.
• They are extremely active, intelligent, and high jumpers (as high as 6 feet).
• They like to steal and hide various objects.
• They form a strong bond with their humans, demand affection, and do poorly when left at home by themselves all day.
• Some Chausies have been known to develop gluten intolerance and may need special diets.
Kurilian Bobtail
• Despite their tiger stripes and signature pompom tail, Kurilians aren’t a hybrid—they’re a natural breed from the Kuril Islands, a volcanic archipelago stretching between Russia and Japan.
• Kurilians are docile and don’t come with the exotic health concerns that hybrids sometimes do.
• No two Kurilian tails are alike.
• These cats also tend to be brawny—meaning heavy!
• They like perching in high places, and often have a yen to go outside. If you don’t have a safe yard or screened porch area for a Kurilian to explore, be aware that they need complex and rich indoor environments.
• No known health problems are specific to the breed.
Savannah
• Savannahs are a cross between African servals and domestic cats.
• This cat has a much longer body than an average cat; it can take three years to reach maturity and its full size.
• Savannahs have “dog-like” temperaments.
• Like dogs, Savannahs need a lot of physical activity, attention, and interaction; they do not enjoy being “lap cats.”
• They can have litter-box, spraying, or other serious behavior issues if they are bored, ignored, or neglected.
• Though the breed has no known specific health problems, Savannahs can play rough, so choose toys carefully, and never use hands to play.
• If you’re not sure you have the time and energy for a Savannah, breeds like ocicats and Serengetis have an exotic look, but a domestic temperament.
Donskoy
• This Russian breed has a singular trait: most are bald (though they do retain a bit of down) and quite wrinkly.
• Kittens are born with coats, with rubber bald, flocked, velour, and brush variants; only the brush type retains his coat, and even then, not all of it.
• They are extroverts.
• Though their lack of fur makes them seem delicate, they’re hardier than they look.
• Health problems can include ectodermal dysplasia, which can cause problems with skin, hair, teeth, sweat glands, and paws.
