There is no denying the link between our domestic cats and their large, wild cousins. Big cats and small house cats have so many things in common, it would be hard to tell them apart if it weren’t for the major size difference. They’re built the same way, they act the same way and when it comes to some domestic cats, they even look the same. These cat breeds are the splitting images of their big cat cousins, so if you’re looking for a more exotic feline, check them out!
#1 – Bengal
Bengals are a beautiful leopard-like domestic cat created by crossing various domestic cat breeds with the Asian Leopard Cat, a cross that TICA recognized as an official breed in 1986. They come in very rich colors with unique spotted and striped patterns that resemble the leopard more than any other domestic feline we can think of. They have the temperament of your average domestic cat, which means they are certainly a lot of fun to be around.
#2 – Savannah
The Savannah started as a mix between a domestic cat and a Serval, with kittens labeled by generation, F1 through F5, depending on how many generations removed they are from that serval parent, according to TICA. Servals are a medium-sized wild cat from Africa and much of their appearance has remained in the Savannah breed. They are quite large for domestic cats and are more often related to dogs when their temperaments are being discussed. Savannahs are very active, love going on walks and even playing fetch with their owners.
#3 – Abyssinian
The Abyssinian has no close relationship or crossbreeding with any wild cats, but it looks very much like a lion, one of several regal-looking cat breeds prized for a striking, wild-cat resemblance. It’s golden, ticked-tabby coat and striking eyes make it look like it belongs in the African wild. They are very intelligent and social cats and are noted to become depressed when they are unable to see or interact with their owners for an extended period of time.
#4 – Bombay
The Bombay is the black panther of the domestic cat world. In fact, developed by a breeder in the United States who crossed Burmese and black American Shorthairs, they were created to resemble a miniature black panther, per the Cat Fanciers’ Association. They have muscular bodies, sleek coats and striking eyes. Bombays are very social cats that seek human attention regularly. In fact, they are highly recommended for children because of their playful nature.
#5 – American Bobtail
American Bobtails look like smaller versions of the North American Bobcat, sharing that same short, stubby tail and sturdy, muscular build. That resemblance is coincidental, though: the breed’s short tail comes from a naturally occurring spontaneous genetic mutation, not from crossbreeding with wild bobcats, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association. It’s one of several cat breeds with unusually short tails. They are very affectionate cats that enjoy spending time with their owners, and American Bobtails are known for getting along well with dogs and other members of the family regardless of species. With their wildcat looks, it can be quite amusing to see them carry toys around like freshly caught prey.
#6 – Toyger
They Toyger, as its name suggests, resembles a toy tiger. Their striking colors and stripes make them look identical to the giants of the big cat world, joining a handful of cat breeds with unique spotted or striped fur patterns. The breeds creator has said she developed the breed to bring more acknowledgment to the conservation of tigers in the wild, since they are quickly moving towards extinction, a goal credited to breed creator Judy Sugden according to TICA. Toygers are intelligent and affectionate cats that enjoy being with their owners. They like play but are a relatively laid-back breed.
#7 – Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is one of the few naturally spotted domestic cat breeds and they look just like miniature cheetahs or leopards. They are a relatively rare breed but are growing in popularity due to their unique looks. The Egyptian Mau is known for being the fastest of domestic cat breeds, running over 30mph, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association. They are known for being extremely agile, playful and talkative.
Wild at Heart, Home on the Couch
From tiny tigers to pint-sized panthers, these wild-looking cat breeds bring a touch of the untamed into our living rooms-without the danger of claws the size of steak knives. Whether their wildcat appearance is born from ancestral ties or simply a twist of selective breeding, these exotic-looking felines are a reminder of the deep-rooted connection between domestic cats and their majestic, wild cousins. So if you’ve ever dreamed of living with a leopard or cuddling a cheetah, these breeds prove you don’t have to go on safari to bring home a little bit of the wild. Just prepare for a whole lot of purr-sonality.