Updated at: 13-09-2023 - By: petstutorial

Cats are known for their grace, beauty, and elegance. However, not all cats are created equal in the looks department. In fact, some cats are downright ugly. 

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there are certain breeds of cats that are widely considered to be the ugliest. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 ugliest cats according to various sources. From the hairless Sphynx to the strange-looking Lykoi, these cats are sure to make you do a double-take. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of the ugliest cats.

Top 10 Ugliest Cats

Lykoi

The Lykoi is a unique breed of cat that is known for its wolf-like appearance. This breed of cat is derived from a natural mutation that causes a form of hypotrichia found in domestic short-haired cats. 

The Lykoi is a naturally occurring gene in the feral cat population, and the breed was founded in 2011 by Johnny Gobble, Brittney Gobble, and Patti Thomas when two unrelated litters of kittens were presented to the founders as unique cats. 

The Lykoi sheds a lot when older, but regrows its hair later in life depending on the season. The missing coat of the Lykoi’s face gives the breed a wolf-like appearance. 

Despite their unique appearance, Lykoi cats are said to be friendly and unchallenging in their behavior. They display a high level of affection for their owners and are known for being extremely outgoing and sociable. The breed is also known for getting along well with people of all ages, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. 

In The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), Lykoi of all colors are accepted and competing in Provisional as of 2022. They are expected to be accepted as a Championship Breed in 2023-2024.

Elf Cat

The Elf Cat is a unique and rare breed of cat that was developed in 2004 by Karen Nelson and Kristen Leedom. This breed is a hybrid of the Sphynx and the American Curl. 

The Elf Cat is known for its hairlessness and curled ears, which give it a distinctive and unusual appearance. This breed is also known for its muscular and athletic build, as well as its intelligence and playfulness. 

Elf cats are said to be extremely affectionate and loving towards their owners, and they are known for their outgoing and sociable personalities. As hairless cats, Elf cats require special care to keep their skin healthy and protected from the sun. They also need regular baths to keep their skin clean and free of oils. 

Despite their unique appearance, Elf cats are still a relatively rare breed, and they can be difficult to find. If you are lucky enough to own an Elf cat, you are sure to have a unique and special companion.

Sphynx

The Sphynx is a unique breed of cat that is known for its hairlessness and distinctive appearance. 

The Sphynx has a sleek, muscular body with wrinkled skin and large ears. They vary in the degree of hairlessness, with some having a very fine ‘peach fuzz’ all over and others just a fine fuzz over the extremities.

They have a wedge-shaped head with large eyes and ears, quite long legs and tail, and neat rounded paws. Due to the lack of fur, the Sphynx cats bone structure and musculature is there for all to see, and this is a remarkably robust cat, built on elegant long lines, with somewhat loose skin that forms wrinkles in some places.

Sphynx cats are highly active and inquisitive cats that require a high level of enrichment, including simulated hunting games and interactive play. They are sociable and dependent cats that are very talkative and love to be around people.

Sphynx cats are known for being exceptionally friendly, affectionate, and cuddly. They are outgoing and playful felines that generally enjoy the company of other cats, dogs, and children, making them a great choice for a family pet.

Sphynx cats require grooming once a week to keep their skin clean and free of oils. They are indoor cats and are not ideal for family homes. Sphynx cats are prone to seeking out warm places due to their lack of fur, making them both warm to the touch and in need of protection from the sun.

Donskoy

The Donskoy, also known as the Don Sphynx or Russian Hairless, is a hairless cat breed of Russian origin. 

The Donskoy is a medium-sized cat with a hard, muscular body, well-rounded belly, and wrinkled skin that’s velvety to the touch. They have a triangular head, large ears, and large almond-shaped eyes that give them an elf-like appearance.

The Donskoy’s hairlessness is caused by a dominant mutation, unlike the Sphynx cat whose characteristic hairlessness is caused by a recessive mutation in the keratin 71 gene. The Donskoy cat ranges from completely hairless to some having hair with bald spots. They require frequent grooming, in spite of their lack of coat, and over-bathing can cause the skin to become very oily.

The Donskoy cat is extremely social and intriguing, and they are known for being soft-hearted and inquisitive. They are typically active and require sufficient enrichment to keep them entertained The Donskoy cat is notably intelligent, making them easy to train.

Peterbald

The Peterbald is a cat breed of Russian origin that was created in St. Petersburg in 1994 from an experimental breeding by Olga S. Mironova. 

The Peterbald is a medium-sized cat with a muscular, athletic build and a long, elegant body. They have a wedge-shaped head, large ears, and almond-shaped eyes that give them an exotic appearance.

The Peterbald’s coat can vary from completely hairless to having a short, fine coat that feels like suede. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, and tortoiseshell.

The Peterbald is a friendly, sweet-tempered, and incredibly rare breed of cat that makes a loyal pet and forms deep attachments to their people. They are highly intelligent, social felines that get along well with other cats, pets, and children.

Peterbalds are playful and athletic cats that enjoy investigating everything, helping their favorite humans with chores, and looking for tall places to perch. They are also known for their curiosity and affectionate nature, and they tend to follow their owners around and want to be with them.

The Peterbald requires minimal grooming, but hairless cats should be bathed regularly to keep their skin clean and free of oils. They are indoor cats and should be kept in a safe and secure environment. Peterbalds are prone to sunburn, so it’s important to protect them from the sun and provide them with a warm place to snuggle up in.

Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a breed of cat that is known for its unique appearance and playful personality. 

The Devon Rex has a distinctive appearance, with large eyes, short muzzle, prominent cheekbones, and huge, low-set ears that create a characteristic elf-like look. They have a slender, muscular body, long legs, and large toes. 

The Devon Rex has a curly, soft, and wavy coat that comes in every feline color or pattern. They are often thought of as one of the most hypoallergenic cats available because of their type of coat.

The Devon Rex is a highly intelligent and playful breed that enjoys interactive play and simulated hunting games. They are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, and they love to be around people.

Devon Rex cats are highly trainable and can even learn how to jump, heel, or fetch on command. They are also known for their mischievousness and can be quite curious, so it’s important to keep an eye on them to prevent them from getting into trouble.

The Devon Rex requires weekly grooming to keep their coat clean and free of tangles. They are indoor cats and should be kept in a safe and secure environment.

Devon Rex cats are prone to slipping into tight, narrow places, so it’s important to keep tabs on them to prevent them from getting stuck. They are also known for their large appetite, so it’s important to monitor their food intake to prevent obesity.

Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex is a breed of cat that is known for its unique appearance and playful personality. 

The Cornish Rex has a distinctive appearance, with an egg-shaped head, large ears, and a curly, soft, and wavy coat that comes in every feline color or pattern. They have a slender, muscular body, long legs, and large toes. The Cornish Rex is surprisingly heavy and warm to the touch.

The Cornish Rex is a highly intelligent and playful breed that enjoys interactive play and simulated hunting games. They are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, and they love to be around people.

Cornish Rex cats are highly trainable and can even learn how to jump, heel, or fetch on command. They are also known for their mischievousness and can be quite curious, so it’s important to keep an eye on them to prevent them from getting into trouble.

The Cornish Rex requires weekly grooming to keep their coat clean and free of tangles. They are indoor cats and should be kept in a safe and secure environment.

Cornish Rex cats are prone to slipping into tight, narrow places, so it’s important to keep tabs on them to prevent them from getting stuck. They are also known for their large appetite, so it’s important to monitor their food intake to prevent obesity.

Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair is a breed of cat that was developed in the United States as a short-haired version of the Persian.

The Exotic Shorthair has a similar appearance to the Persian, with a flat nose and face, but with a short, dense coat. They have a heavily boned, well-balanced body with a sweet expression and soft, round lines. The Exotic Shorthair’s coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including black, white, golden, silver, smoke, bicolor, and Himalayan.

The Exotic Shorthair is a cool, calm, and collected breed of cat that tends to be friendly and affectionate towards their owners. They are generally livelier than their long-haired ancestors, with a playful and curious personality.

Exotic Shorthairs are known for being friendly to other cats and dogs, but they don’t like being left alone and need the presence of their owner. They tend to show more affection and loyalty than most cats, making them a great choice for a family pet.

The Exotic Shorthair requires minimal grooming, but they should be brushed once or twice a week to keep their coat clean and free of tangles. They are indoor cats and should be kept in a safe and secure environment. Exotic Shorthairs have a relaxed and easygoing attitude, making them a great choice for people who want a low-maintenance pet.

Ukrainian Levkoy

The Ukrainian Levkoy is a relatively new breed of cat that was developed in Ukraine between 2000 and 2011 by a breeder named Elena Biriukova. 

The Ukrainian Levkoy is a medium-sized cat with a long, muscular body and soft, elastic skin that gives them a wrinkled appearance. They have a unique appearance, with inward-folding ears and little to no hair.

The Levkoy’s peculiar features include a special angular contour of its head and “stepped” profile (dog-face appearance), folded ears, and large, but not wide almond-shaped eyes.

The Ukrainian Levkoy is known for being friendly, gentle, and loyal. They are intelligent and curious cats that enjoy exploring their surroundings and playing with toys.

The Ukrainian Levkoy is a social cat that enjoys interacting with its owners and other pets. They are also known for being affectionate and loyal to their owners, making them a great choice for a family pet.

The Ukrainian Levkoy requires minimal grooming, but hairless cats should be bathed regularly to keep their skin clean and free of oils. They are indoor cats and should be kept in a safe and secure environment. The Ukrainian Levkoy is a relatively new breed, and not much is known about their health issues.

Minskin

The Minskin is a relatively new breed of cat that was developed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1998 by Paul Richard McSorley. 

The Minskin is a short-legged dwarf cat with a very short coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. They have a small to medium-sized semi-cobby muscular body, a rounded head, large ears that are wide at the base, a short broad muzzle with prominent whisker pads, and large, round eyes that are spaced well apart.

The Minskin’s coat is denser on the points (fur-points) on the mask, ears, legs, and tail, with a noticeably more sparsely coated torso, neck, and belly.

The Minskin is known for being outgoing, affectionate, and playful. They are highly intelligent and curious cats that enjoy exploring their surroundings and playing with toys.

Minskins are social cats that enjoy interacting with their owners and other pets. They are also known for being loyal and affectionate to their owners, making them a great choice for a family pet.

The Minskin requires minimal grooming, but hairless cats should be bathed regularly to keep their skin clean and free of oils. They are indoor cats and should be kept in a safe and secure environment. Minskins are prone to sunburn, so it’s important to protect them from the sun and provide them with a warm place to snuggle up in.

FAQS

1. What makes a cat “ugly”?

Beauty is subjective, and what one person finds unattractive, another may find endearing. However, some cat breeds are commonly considered “ugly” due to their unique appearance, such as hairlessness, wrinkles, or unusual facial features.

2. What are the top 10 ugliest cat breeds?

The top 10 ugliest cat breeds, according to various sources, are:

  1. Lykoi
  2. Elf Cat
  3. Sphynx
  4. Donskoy
  5. Peterbald
  6. Devon Rex
  7. Cornish Rex
  8. Exotic Shorthair
  9. Ukrainian Levkoy
  10. Minskin

3. Are these cats actually ugly?

Beauty is subjective, and while these cats may be considered “ugly” by some, others may find them unique and endearing. All cats are special in their own way, regardless of their appearance.

4. Are these cat breeds healthy?

Like all cat breeds, these cats can be prone to certain health issues. It’s important to research the specific breed and consult with a veterinarian to ensure that you are providing the best care for your cat.

5. Are these cat breeds good pets?

Yes, these cat breeds can make great pets for the right owner. It’s important to research the specific breed and consider their personality traits, grooming needs, and any health issues they may be prone to before adopting a cat.

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