Since felines tend to have more similarities in appearance than the variety of unique canines that exist, it is difficult to measure “ugliness” in the same way. However, both hairless and fur-covered felines have been striking fear into human hearts for centuries, often inspiring both worship and terror. Look at the breeds below to see why:

Ukrainian Levkoy: These eastern European felines looks closely related to the hairless Sphynx, but is actually a breed crossed from the Scottish Fold and the Donskoy (the Russian hairless cat). Though the lack of enormous ears gives this skin-clad cat a softer appearance than the extreme Sphynx, the severe cheekbones and long nose is accentuated without the large ears to balance this breed’s features. Many feel that the small, bent ears look stranger and less cat-like than other hairless breeds.

Ukrainian Levkoy

Ukrainian Levkoy (Wikipedia)

Peterbald: Boney, wrinkly with sharp pointy ears- this cat has all the ugly traits! The breed is a combination between the Donskoy and the Oriental shorthair, making for angular bone- structure and an extremely wrinkled appearance. One of the most shudder-worthy features is the rat-like tail, and the pinched, squinty expression of this breed, could literally be described as ultimate sour-puss.

Peterbald

Peterbald

Bambino: Named for the word “baby” in Italian, this breed of cats has a more gentle appearance than the others. Thicker and meatier than the skeletal Peterbald or other unsightly hairless cousins, the Bambinos look more like baby hairless mice with the head of a feline. The Bambino is a crossbreed of the Sphynx and the Munchkin cat. Their shortened legs give an eerie appearance compared to the long and lithe felines we may be used to.

Bambino

Bambino

Elf Cat: Hairless feline breeds now come in every variation of ear-shape, from long and triangular, to tiny folded clumps, and now arched and twisted ears that resemble those of an elf. Having bred a Sphynx with an American Curl, dedicated cat breeders have created a rare hybrid bound to have as much success as their Sphynx relatives. However, we think these elf-eared kitties look more like wizened old aliens rather than cats!

wrinkly hairless cats elf domestic feline pet

wrinkly hairless cats elf domestic feline pet

LaPerm: Compared to the fur-free kitties we have listed these next two breeds swing to the other end of the pendulum.   LaPerms look like they have experienced a salon visit horribly gone wrong. The fur can either grow thick and curly, matting into heavy tangles, or it can piece-off and look as if someone accidentally let the cat out during a hurricane or rainstorm. When groomed, these frizzy felines do not look half bad, but quicker than any other breed, LaPerms get bedraggled and mangy when left au naturale.

Laperm

Laperm (Wikipedia)

Selkirk Rex: Many find the dense coat of the Selkirk Rex to not only be appealing, but also have an aristocratic style. Unlike its other attractively-challenged cousins the Devon and Cornish Rex, this cat actually possesses all the same coat layers as other cat breeds. The result looks as if a house cat tried on a Poodle’s coat and decided to never give it back. Though the plush waves and curls might sway some cat owners, it just looks like a messy mop or tangled mess.

Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex

Other ugly cats: Some describe the Savannah cat with its unusual head shape to be considered ugly. Similarly, the Cornish and Devon Rex cats have boney bodies and a strange consistency of fur, due to the lack of outer or inner layer of hair. The strange-looking Pallas’ Cats have thick beaver-like coats and wide tails. Both Caracals and the Turkish Lynx cats are fierce hunters with long ears standing taller because of the unusually long tuffs of black hair that top their pointing ears. So many cats look unusual, but we love them all!