From the exotic Bengal cat to the cuddly Munchkin, these spotted cat breeds will amaze and delight you. Read on and find your perfect new kitty companion!
Spotted Cat Breeds
Cats with spots—especially cats with leopard spots—are unique and absolutely gorgeous. If you’re searching for a cat that looks like a leopard, keep reading.
1. Egyptian Mau
source: wikipedia.org
| Lifespan | 9–13 years |
| Average Height | 7–11 in |
| Average Weight | 8–12 lbs |
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the word mau is of ancient Egyptian origin and can mean either cat or sun.
Maus are one of the rare grey-spotted cat breeds. This domestic cat breed is known for its distinct leopard-like spots. These rare cats are one of the world’s oldest known domestic cat breeds (at least 3,000 years old).
They are also one of the few naturally spotted cat breeds, and they come in three colors: smoke, silver, and bronze.
Besides their exotic looks, these cats are are known to form strong bonds with their owners. Maus are very affectionate and make great family pets.
2. Bengal Cats
source: wikipedia.org
| Lifespan | 12–16 years |
| Average Height | 13–16 in |
| Average Weight | 8–15 lbs |
Bengal cats are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. They’re a relatively new breed developed by crossing an Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat. These cats have the beautiful exotic markings of a leopard cat called rosettes, and they come in a few colors, including bronze, gray, silver, golden, and more.
The Bengals are very active and love to play. They are also very intelligent and can be trained to do tricks. Their wild side means they need a lot of stimulation and activity, so they are not the best choice for someone looking for a super introverted cat.
The Bengal is worth considering if you are looking for a spotted cat that is unique and full of personality.
3. Ocicat
source: wikipedia.org
| Lifespan | 15–18 years |
| Average Height | 9–11 in |
| Average Weight | 6–15 lbs |
The Ocicat is a domestic cat breed accidentally developed in the 1960s by crossing an Abyssinian and a Siamese. These cats have the beautiful spotted coat of an ocelot, hence their name. They come in many colors, including chocolate and silver.
Ocicats are very affectionate and make great family pets. They’re energetic and have a muscular physique and athletic abilities. They are also known for being outgoing and getting along well with other pets and strangers.
With patience and positive reinforcement, you can also teach them some tricks—this will help prevent behavioral issues.
4. Savannah Cat
source: wikipedia.org
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Average Height | 14–17 in |
| Average Weight | 12–25 lbs |
The Savannah cat is one of the most expensive cat breeds. It’s a hybrid of a domestic cat and an African serval. These cats are tall with long legs, big ears, and spotted coats—the spots can be oval, round, or elongated.
Savannahs can vary significantly in size, even within the same litter. They are taller, longer, and heavier than the average house cat.
Because of their wild side, these are not considered typical lap cats, so make sure you develop a daily exercise routine and give it enough high-quality cat food to keep it healthy and prevent behavioral problems.
5. Pixiebob
source: wikipedia.org
| Lifespan | Up to 15 years |
| Average Height | 12–13 in |
| Average Weight | 9–17 lbs |
The Pixiebob is a small, spotted cat breed developed in the 1980s by crossing American Bobtail cats with other stubby tail cats. These cats have a brown tabby pattern with spots ranging from light brown to red.
They also have several features that make them unique—some Pixies have lynx tufts on their ears, making them look even more exotic. Most notably, its spots should be small and muted, and its eyes typically brown or green. Their tail is surprisingly long—at least two inches in length but can be even longer in some cases.
6. Munchkin Cat
source: wikipedia.org
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Average Height | 6–9 in |
| Average Weight | 4–9 lbs |
The Munchkin cat is a breed characterized by its short legs. However, don’t let that fool you—these cats are super active.
Their coats can be short or long and come in many colors, including brindle and spotted. In addition, calico specimens (with orange, black, and white markings) are common and are usually female.
Despite their small stature, Munchkins are very social creatures that love to play and be around people. While they are relatively easy to care for, make sure you give them plenty of toys to keep them entertained.
7. Oriental Shorthair
source: wikipedia.org
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Average Height | 9–11 in |
| Average Weight | 8–12 lbs |
The Oriental shorthair was developed in the 1950s by crossing Siamese and other short-haired cats.
These cats are known for being talkative and come in many colors and patterns, including pointed, tabby, tortoiseshell, and solid. They are also available in colorpoint, which means they have Siamese-like markings on their faces and bodies.
Orientals are very affectionate and love to play with kids and other pets—plus, they’re one of the cheapest cat breeds available. Make sure you keep them company because they do not like to be left alone for long periods.
8. Serengeti Cat
source: wikipedia.org
| Lifespan | Up to 15 years |
| Average Height | 8–10 in |
| Average Weight | 8–15 lbs |
Serengeti cat is a domestic cat breed developed in the 1990s by crossing a Bengal and an Oriental shorthair. The breed is most well-known for its soft coat that ranges in colors from beige and gray to silver.
The Sergenti’s other standout features are its gold or amber eyes and large, round-tipped ears. The spots on the fur are typically black or dark brown.
This breed is vocal and loves to play. They are also very active, so provide them with plenty of toys and space to run around. The Serengeti is, at heart, a hunter that needs to expend lots of energy—it loves to run, jump, and play.
Key Takeaways
If you want a cat that looks like a cheetah, we hope some of these beautiful spotted cat breeds have inspired you. All breeds we’ve highlighted are loving, intelligent companions who will bring joy into your home for years to come.
Whether you go for a Bengal cat or an Egyptian Mau, you won’t be disappointed. Do you have a spotted cat at home? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
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