by Alicia Kort, | April 8, 2024
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Spotted house cat breeds really are rare little gems. We’re used to seeing common cats — the American Shorthair or a cheeky calico — in homes. But when a spotted cat is waltzing around a two-bedroom apartment, you probably wonder (at least for a second) how that little leopard got in.
If you didn’t already know, some domestic spotted cats are even related to wild cats (more on that later). Cats with spots definitely aren’t as common as your striped or solid-colored kitties. So, we rounded up eight spotted house cat breeds; you can learn more about these rare domestic cats. These kitties make great pets, but certain breeds are better suited for families and households with other pets.
What cat breeds have spots?
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1. Bengal
This hybrid cat breed is usually a mix of an Asian leopard and a domestic cat. They’re famous for their beautiful, thick, and visually stunning spotted coats, which are contrasted by their bright gold or green eyes. Despite the fact that they look like a jungle cat, the Bengal is a social, talkative pet who wants to be around their pet parents constantly. If socialized young, Bengals can be great for families with children. They do have a high prey drive, which means they’ll be watching birds out the window all day, and are highly intelligent and high-energy. Just a note that Bengals are banned in certain places, such as New York City and Hawaii, so make sure to do some research before opting for this breed.
Weight: 12 to 20 pounds
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Breed type: Hybrid
Search for Bengal cats available for adoption.
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2. Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is aptly named, because this noble domestic cat is the closest thing to a direct descendent to the cats depicted in Ancient Egyptian art. Their foreheads usually boast Scarab-beetle-esque markings and their short fur can be a variety of colors. This breed is one of the few spotted domestic breeds out there, though they’re not the chillest of cats. These intelligent animals have a lot of energy and love to play. They’re one of the fastest cats in existence and boast a pretty high jump. If they’re socialized from a young age, they can get along with children who have been taught how to interact with cats and other family pets.
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Lifespan: Up to 13 years
Breed type: Domestic
Search for Egyptian Mau cats available for adoption.
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3. Serengeti
Although the Serengeti breed might seem like it came from Africa, it was actually created in California by mixing Bengal cats and Oriental Shorthairs. This kitty can vary in appearance considerably — they can be spotted or solid black — and is famous for their chattiness. They were bred from two talkative breeds, so be prepared to have arguments over dinnertime. Like many other cats on this list, the Serengeti cat is very active and needs a lot of playtime or could become destructive. That said, they make the perfect addition to families with other pets and children if they’re socialized young enough.
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Breed type: Domestic
Search for Oriental Shorthair mixes available for adoption.
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4. Ocicat
Much like the Serengeti, the Ocicat is just bred to look like a wild cat, though they are technically a domestic cat. This cute cat breed was created by crossing an Abyssinian and a Siamese cat. Ocicats usually have brown or gold spots, though their color underneath the spots can vary. The Ocicats’s ideal pet parent is a homebody, because they can develop separation anxiety easily and become destructive. This breed thrives in homes with children and other pets. They can live in small spaces and are adaptable, though they do love to climb, so they should have at least one cat tree and several high places to perch.
Weight: 6 to 15 pounds
Lifespan: Up to 18 years
Breed type: Domestic
Search for Ocicat cats available for adoption.
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5. Savannah Cat
The Savannah Cat certainly looks like they wandered from the desert straight into your living room, and that’s because they are a cross between the wild Serval and domestic Siamese. They’re beloved for their brown-black spots against their yellow-ish coats and their large, pointy ears. The Savannah Cat is extraordinarily athletic and social — they’ve got a nearly eight-foot jump to prove it. This kitty will retrieve toys for you, swim in the bathtub, and go on leashed walks. They’re loyal to their families and get along well with children but can be aloof and suspicious of strangers, so it’s important to socialize them early.
Weight: 12 to 25 pounds
Lifespan: Up to 20 years
Breed type: Hybrid
Search for Siamese mixes available for adoption.
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6. Pixie-bob
Despite the Pixie-bob’s name and appearance, this breed is not actually related to the Bobcat (even if they do share a bobbed tail). We’re not quite sure which breeds the Pixie-bob originated from, but the breeder sought out cats with bobbed tails and spots to mate together — there are some rumors that the Bobcat was involved, even though DNA contradicts those findings. Pixie-bobs can be either long- or short-haired, so pet parents might be committing to a cat that requires more grooming. This larger domestic cat is dog-like and loves to be taken on walks and spend time with their humans. They make great companions to young children who have been taught how to respectfully behave around cats and other pets.
Weight: 9 to 17 pounds
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Breed type: Domestic
Search for Pixie-bob cats available for adoption.
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7. Oriental Shorthair
The Oriental Shorthair is striking with their bat-like ears, spots, and angular faces, which makes this kitty appear both regal and aloof, but don’t let that fool you — they’re total softies. It’s actually recommended that pet parents have or get a buddy for their Oriental Shorthair because they easily suffer from separation anxiety. They’d prefer for pet parents to never leave the house. Oriental Shorthairs are famous for their honk-like cries and are notorious (and social media-famous) talkers. They’re great pets for allergy sufferers, though they are not technically hypoallergenic) and can thrive in households with children and other pets.
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Breed type: Domestic
Search for Oriental Shorthair cats available for adoption.
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8. California Spangled
The California Spangled, with its spotted and striped coat, and stunning green or yellow eyes looks like they’re from the outside world, but they’re another breed that has been created to look like their wild brethren. This so-called house leopard is usually a mix of Abyssinian, American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Siamese, and Angora breeds. This medium-to-large kitty is adventurous and active — they make the perfect hiking companions — and requires some mental stimulation. Despite this active side to their personality, they do get along with other pets and younger family members if socialized at a young age.
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Breed type: Domestic
Search for Abyssinian cats available for adoption.
Are all spotted cat breeds wild?
Nope, not all spotted cat breeds are wild. If you’re concerned that a cat who looks like a leopard might behave like a leopard in your home, you don’t have to fret. Many spotted cat breeds have been bred to seem as if they are wild but they often come from two domestic cat breeds.
That said, there are a few hybrids on this list, who can require a bit more care and patience, because their wild instincts are closer to the surface. For example, the Bengal, which is a wild hybrid breed, has a high prey drive and can’t be let out of an enclosed outdoor space or let outside or they will hunt.
Commonly asked questions
What cat looks like a cheetah?
The Savannah Cat most closely resembles a cheetah, but, there are multiple cats that look like a mini-cheetah, including the Ocicat, Bengals, Serengeti, and Egyptian Mau.
What cat looks like a bobcat?
The Pixie-bob is the only cat that looks like a bobcat. The Pixie-bob looks so much like a bobcat that if you take it on a leashed walk, your neighbors might do a double-take. The bobcat has a more magnificent mane, more pointed ears, and is at least 10 pounds heavier than a pixie-bob. The Pixie-bob does boast a bobbed tail, spotted coat, and slightly bigger ears. Surprisingly, the Pixie-bob is entirely bred from domestic cats, at least according to DNA testing.
What is a tabby cat with spots called?
A tabby cat with brown and orange spots is called a Tortoiseshell (aka Tortie) because of their resemblance to a tortoise.
Alicia Kort
Alicia Kort is a writer and editor living in Brooklyn. She’s currently the senior commerce editor at Apartment Therapy. She’s been published in StyleCaster, Electric Literature, Newsweek, Interview, Brooklyn magazine and more. In her free time, she runs, reads, and spends time with her dog-nieces, Maya and Lady, and her cat-niece, Pepper.
