The Rarest Domestic Cat Breed In The World Is A Smart And Family-Friendly Feline With A Tabby Coat

If you've ever visited an animal shelter, you likely have seen many cat breeds with tabby coats, but you've probably not seen them all — including one very elusive feline friend. The rarest domestic cat breed in the world, referred to as the Sokoke, shares these physical coat characteristics, but with more of a wild twist due to its origins.

Sokokes originated in the 1970s from other Kenyan breeds found in the Arabuko Sokoke National Forest in Africa (hence the name). The breed further developed outside of Africa thanks to intrigued cat enthusiasts in Europe and the United States. As these cats are so closely linked to their African heritage and the habitat they originate from is undergoing change, conservationists are working to preserve both. There is currently an effort to limit breeding to the specific lines they originated from — which makes the breed even rarer. Allowing Sokokes to cross-breed would also remove a lot of the heavily desired characteristics of such a unique cat.

As with any rare cat, breeders are few and far between, making these some of the most expensive pets you can buy. Certain Sokoke breeders also limit how often kittens are available, driving the cost up to $1,300 to $2,500. If you can find one, however, you'll be rewarded with an adorable, family-friendly feline.

Sokoke cats are often described as energetic, highly intelligent, curious, and affectionate, making them great companions. They're also very sociable with strangers and their families alike, so they benefit from being in a home with active children, dogs, and other animals. Sokoke cats are also more "dog-like" in that they are less skittish than the average feline. 

However, it's important to note that this social nature and high intelligence make the Sokoke especially curious. Luckily, owners often report that their Sokokes are just as trainable and will do their best to people-please. In fact, some have trained their Sokokes to play fetch and follow certain commands. 

With everything in mind, a Sokoke may seem like the perfect pet for your household. However, figuring out how to adopt a cat as rare as this can be a rather rough experience because the breed may be nearly impossible to find. If you do manage to get your hands on one of the rarest domestic cat breeds out there, count yourself very lucky.