Cats have been all over the world for thousands of years and different breeds have developed in different places. Here we’ll cover some unique cat breeds originating in Europe.
#1 – Birman
The origins of the Birman are relatively unknown, but it’s thought that the breed was developed primarily in France. The breed’s ancestors are though to come from Burma (now Thailand), giving the breed its name. Those cats were imported to France where the breed standard was created, formalized in the early 1900s according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association’s Birman breed profile.
#2 – Chartreux
The Chartreux is a domestic cat breed from France. The first Chartreux was mentioned in a1558 poem and the first documented mention was in the 18th century, according to TICA’s Chartreux breed history. The breed is rare today and not recognized by all breed clubs. They are intelligent cats that make great family companions.
#3 – German Rex
The German Rex was developed in Germany with a curly coat that appeared from a natural genetic mutation. There are various mentions of Rex-type cats in Germany going back decades, but the first two cats intentionally bred to establish a standard were paired in 1957, according to TICA’s German Rex breed history. The German Rex remains the only cat breed with documented origins in Germany; no other breed on any major registry traces its development to the country. They’re playful, intelligent cats that adapt well to indoor life.
Austria, Germany’s southern neighbor, has never produced a cat breed of its own. No major registry, including the CFA and TICA, currently lists a breed native to Austria. Austrian cat owners most commonly keep established European breeds instead, among them the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Chartreux, or unregistered domestic shorthairs.
#4 – Aegean Cat
The Aegean Cat is a naturally occurring domestic cat from the Cycladic Islands of Greece in the Aegean Sea. They are common feral cats in Greece but are also considered one of the most ancient domestic cats. The breed is a Greek national treasure, according to the World Cat Federation’s Aegean breed standard.
#5 – Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a naturally developed domestic cat from Norway. Its long, thick coat protects it from the harsh winter environment. They were commonly used as farm cats because of their excellent hunting skills, a working history documented by the Cat Fanciers’ Association’s Norwegian Forest Cat breed profile.
#6 – Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora is an ancient, natural breed of cat from Turkey. It has been documented as far back as the 1600s and is thought to be the ancestor of many white and long-coated cats, per the Cat Fanciers’ Association’s Turkish Angora breed profile. They are playful and intelligent cats that bond closely with their owners.
#7 – Ukrainian Levkoy
The Ukrainian Levkoy is a unique breed of domestic cat developed in Ukraine. It has little to no hair and ears that fold forward towards the face. It was created by crossbreeding Donskoy cats to Scottish Folds, according to the World Cat Federation’s Ukrainian Levkoy breed standard. They are active and intelligent cats that make excellent family companions, even enjoying the company of other household pets.