When you think about cat breeds with wild roots, the first felines that spring to mind are probably lions and tigers — but don't worry, we're not suggesting you turn your living room into a real-life safari park!
Many modern-day breeds have some degree of wild DNA in them, which is a result of crossing a domestic cat with a wild breed, such as the Asian Leopard cat. However, while these hybrid breeds may have more genes in common with wild cats than fully domestic breeds, some are still very well suited to living life alongside us humans.
When pulling together this guide, we included cats that have two kinds of wild roots. Those who actually have proven wild cat DNA in them, and those who have lived for thousands of years and appear to be direct descendants of ancient and wild cats. Let's take a look...
Cat breeds with wild roots
1. Bengal
Developed by breeding Asian Leopard cats with domestic cat breeds, such as the Abyssinian and Egyptian Mau, Bengal cats are definitely wild at heart, but their endless curiosity, athleticism, and entertaining antics make them fantastic family companions.
The perfect mix of brains and beauty, Bengals need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They adore water, love learning new tricks, and take well to harness and leash training. It's worth investing in a few of the best interactive cat toys and a cat puzzle feeder if you plan on welcoming a Bengal into your home, as this will help to exercise both their mind and their body.
You'll also want to have plenty of vertical spaces for them to climb and hang out in, so a good cat tree, scratching post, and cat-friendly shelving are all essential. Bengals can be quite territorial, and they have a high prey drive, so they're not suitable for homes with smaller pets.
2. Toyger
One of the healthiest cat breeds, the toyger (named because it looks like a toy tiger) has been bred from the Bengal, giving this kitty the same wild Asian Leopard cat roots. Medium-sized cats that stand 9-13 inches tall and weigh up to 15 pounds, they're big boned and athletic-looking with a coat that features gorgeous stripes.
However, unlike the Bengal, the toyer is much more laidback and easygoing breed, so you won't catch this cat getting into mischief or climbing every shelf in your home. Instead, the people-oriented toyger would much prefer to play with you or curl up on your lap for a long cuddle.
Toygers want to be with their humans at all times and prefer not to be left alone. They are very social, however, they're still independent enough to play with their favorite toys alone if you're too busy to entertain them. Fun and affectionate, they make great playmates for children, and as long as they get lots of love and attention, they'll thrive in almost any home.
3. Chausie
One of the most interesting and unique hybrid cat breeds, the chausie (pronounced chow-see), first appeared in ancient Egypt thousands of years ago and is a direct descendant of the jungle cat. While their history dates back centuries, they weren't officially recognized as a breed until 1990.
The chausie is a large breed, typically reaching up to 22 inches and length and weighing up to 24 pounds. A statuesque cat with long legs that were built for running and jumping, they are highly athletic and active cats who rarely sit still. Good-natured and affectionate, the chausie develops strong bonds with its humans and loves to play.
If you've ever found yourself asking 'Can cats play fetch?', the answer is a definite yes if you have a chausie in your home. They are very dog-like in nature and tend to also take well to harness and leash training. Because they're so intelligent, they need constant stimulation and do not do well if left alone for long periods.
4. Serengeti
The Serengeti has Asian Leopard cat blood, thanks to being a cross between the Bengal and the oriental shorthair. A medium-sized cat with long legs and a strong and muscular build, the energetic and active Serengeti loves climbing to high places (a good cat tree is a must) and racing around the house at full speed.
Serengetis tend to be self-assured, confident, and social cats who are known for being their owners' second shadow. They tend to be very vocal, so if you're keen for a chatty companion, the Serengeti could well be the kitty for you!
Great for families with lots of energy, they're a devoted and loving breed who enjoys both play time and cuddle time. They can be a little shy in new situations or when meeting new people, but once they've found their feet, they quickly become outgoing.
5. Egyptian Mau
One of the oldest cat breeds still in existence, the Egyptian Mau has been around for more than 4000 years. An elegant cat with an alert appearance, the Mau originated from small wild cats, and their trademark silver, bronze, or smoke coat with dark spots makes them easy to recognize.
The Egyptian Mau bonds deeply with their humans, and while they get along with all family members, they tend to have a favorite who they attach strongly to. They can be shy where strangers are concerned and may run and hide when visitors appear, but they soon come out of their shell and will approach cautiously to see if this new person may be keen to give them a cuddle.
Deeply sensitive cats who can become easily upset by loud noises and sudden movements, the Egyptian Mau is very aware of what's going on around them. Quiet cats who enjoy curling up on a warm lap, they're also very playful and need lots of options to burn off their energy.
6. American Bobtail
Legend has it that the American Bobtail came to be when a wild bobcat was crossed with a domestic cat. These medium to large cats come in both longhaired and shorthaired varieties and are known for their gentle and loving temperament.
Athletic, muscular and powerful, the American Bobtail is an outstanding hunter and they possess an unusually high level of intelligence. They're a great choice if you're after a non-clingy yet still affectionate kitty as while they adore their humans, they're also independent enough to be perfectly content doing their own thing.
A good selection of cat toys is a must for this breed as they love stalking and capturing 'prey' and they also love interactive games that they can play with their favorite people. Easygoing and tolerant, the American Bobtail is one of the best cats for families with children and they get on well with other pets as well.
7. Ocicat
The ocicat is full of wild blood thanks to being a cross between the Bengal and the Abyssinian. This spotted kitty is definitely not for the faint of heart, as they have very strong and active personalities.
Super social, ocicats are spirited, confident, and highly extroverted, and these charming cats won't hesitate to take over your home. They are deeply devoted to their owners but independent enough not to be clingy, and they're always happy to welcome strangers into their home in the hope of making another friend.
Training your cat is relatively straightforward if you have an ocicat, as not only are they very bright, but they love to learn, and most will be quick to learn the household rules. They also tend to travel well, so they can be a great choice if you're looking for a kitty companion to accompany you on adventures.
8. Savannah
With their dog-like demeanour and bucket loads of energy, there's never a dull moment when you have a Savannah in your home! A cross between a serval and a Siamese, the Savannah sports a stunning jungle cat-like coat and is sweet-natured and family-oriented.
A large cat breed that can measure 17 inches in height and weigh up to 25 pounds, they are outgoing and active kitties who like to run, climb, jump, and play. A large cat tree, a tall cat scratching post, and lots of cat-friendly shelving are essential if you plan on adopting a Savannah.
One thing to love about Savannah cats is that they are no couch potatoes and can often be found zooming around the house after their favorite toy. They need lots of mental and physical stimulation each day to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive, however, as long as you can provide them with this, you'll find the Savannah makes for a loyal and loving companion.
9. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is a descendant of wild hunting cats and is believed to have existed for thousands of years. While images resembling the Abyssinian have been found on ancient Egyptian art, genetic research shows that this kitty actually originated in Southeast Asia.
Intensely curious cats with a natural knack for problem solving, Abyssinians are very energetic and are always exploring and on the go. Because they're so active and love to play, they are an excellent choice for families with young children.
Agenda-driven and affectionate cats, they are not fond of being left alone, so if your home is on the quieter side, it would be beneficial to get two of these cats in order for them to have company. They also love to climb and be in high places, so perches and cat-friendly shelving are a must.
10. Highlander
What do you get when you cross the desert lynx and the jungle curl? Why the Highlander, of course! A medium to large cat with a muscular body, the gentle and extroverted Highlander loves being the center of attention.
The majority of Highlanders are born with curled ears and a short, bob-style tail. They come in both long-haired and shorthaired varieties and are known for their wild appearance.
For those who love cats and dogs, the Highlander offers the best of both worlds. Highly intelligent, these cats can play fetch, walk on a leash, and will often greet you at the door with a toy in their mouth. They are also very affectionate, patient with children, and get along well with other pets.
11. Pixiebob
The origins of the pixiebob are still very much debated, with some saying they're wholly domestic and others claiming that they're the result of natural mating between bobcats and wild domestic cats. We may never know for sure, but these kitties certainly look like they've just wandered out of the mountains.
Sturdy cats with dog-like personalities, pixiebobs are medium to large in size and have distinctive lynx-tipped ears. They are playful cats while at the same time being very gentle and undemanding. Affectionate companions who communicate using sweet trills and chirps, they are very social and enjoy following their humans from room to room.
One of the best cat breeds for dog owners, thanks to their adventurous spirit and willingness to walk using a harness and leash, they're one of the few breeds that are more than happy to jump in the car and head off for a day of exploring. At home, pixiebobs are independent enough to amuse themselves when their owners are too busy to play, and most are eager learners who are easy to train.
12. Cheetoh
A cross between the ocicat and the Bengal, the cheetoh is a hybrid breed that looks like a wild cat thanks to their Asian leopard cat DNA. They have a curious and affectionate personality that makes them a wonderful companion.
Developed in the United States in 2003, the cheetoh is an energetic and playful kitty who has a knack for getting into mischief! However, they are also wonderfully gentle and social felines who love being with their humans, and they do well in active families.
Highly intelligent, they're a dream to train because they pick up new commands, tricks, and skills quickly. They absolutely adore attention, so be prepared to have a second shadow if you choose to welcome one of these cats into your home. Extroverts who like busy homes, they get on well with other pets as long as they're equally energetic.
13. Jungle curl
The jungle curl is a cross between the American Curl and the African Jungle cat, and their appearance can vary wildly depending on which genes are dominant. Some cats will have a much wilder look to them if they inherit more genes from their African Jungle cat ancestors, while others will look almost exactly like an American Curl.
A rare cat breed, the jungle curl is known for being highly affectionate and loving. Agile, playful, and very curious about their surroundings, they need plenty of attention and mental and physical stimulation to help them thrive.
Another cat breed that loves a game of fetch. These cats are very dog-like in nature, and any sort of interactive play with their favorite humans is sure to go down a treat. It's worth bearing in mind that while they can be good family cats, they don't have a lot of patience with small children and don't enjoy lots of handling.
14. Somali
Because they're a long-haired version of the Abyssinian, the Somali shares the same history of descending from wild hunting cats. However, they're much newer on the scene than the Abyssinian, having first appeared in the 1940s. Relatively small cats who stand 7–11 inches tall and weigh 6–10 pounds, they come in a range of colors and have a lean and athletic appearance.
Playful, clever, and curious, the Somali is high-energy and very social. If you're looking for a quiet and chilled-out companion, the Somali is definitely one feline you'll want to steer clear of. But for the right family, these true companion cats will ensure they're a huge part of your life.
Somalis are prone to separation anxiety, so they do best in homes where there's someone around all day to keep them company. They need a lot of play time and interaction, so if you're going to be out a lot, it's worth adopting two so they can keep each other company.
15. Norwegian Forest cat
Believed to have been brought to Norway by the Vikings in 1000 AD, the Norwegian Forest cat is an ancient breed with a stocky build and a hardy and heavy coat that helps them withstand even the coldest of temperatures. With their beautiful, voluminous ruff and large, almond-shaped eyes, and family-oriented nature, these cats are beloved in their home country and are a popular choice of companion.
Moderately active, Norwegian Forest cats (or Wegies, as they're affectionately known) are gentle, mild-mannered, nurturing, and patient, which makes them a great choice for all homes but especially those with young children. Friendly, adaptable, and easy-going, they get on well with everyone, including strangers and other pets.
Slow to mature, this breed tends to retain their kitten-like energy well into their adult years, and while they do want to be friends with everyone they meet, they're never demanding of attention.
16. Siberian Forest cat
The Siberian Forest cat is one of the oldest cat breeds and thought to have been in existence for roughly 1,000 years. Originating in the harsh forests of Siberia, where their thick coats helped protect them in an unforgiving landscape, these cats are likely descendants of the Norwegian Forest cat and other ancient and wild cats found in the Middle East.
This breed is slow to mature and tends not to reach its full 15-pound weight until it reaches around five years of age. Most Siberians are very affectionate, enjoy a cuddle, and make good lap cats, although they can still be very playful.
Gentle, adaptable, and highly intelligent, Siberians tend to take well to training and enjoy learning new tricks. Their long coat can be quite high maintenance as it requires daily grooming with a good cat brush, but as long as you don't mind that, these kitties make for very sweet companions.
17. Kurilian Bobtail
Hailing from the Russian Kuril Islands, the Kurilian Bobtail has existed for around 200 years and is thought to be a descendant of the Siberian Forest cat. They are highly intelligent and easygoing cats who have a peaceful nature and adapt easily to almost any living situation.
Independent, clever, and inquisitive, they are social cats who are very devoted to their humans. They typically get on very well with children and other pets, and they have a clownish personality, which makes them a lot of fun to be around.
Kurilian Bobtails love to climb and jump, so it's worth investing in a good quality cat tree and some cat-friendly shelving if you plan on welcoming one of these laid-back kitties into your life.
18. Chartreux
One of the best cats for introverts, the quiet, low-key, and thoughtful Chartreux is a French cat with a friendly demeanour and sharp mind. References to this kitty appear as early as the 16th century, and it's believed that this breed is a descendant of wild and feral cats from Syria.
A muscular and sturdy cat with a soft, grey-blue coat, the Chartreux is low maintenance in every way and is ideal for anyone looking for a calm and sweet-natured companion.
Outstanding mousers, Chartreux cats remain playful throughout their lives, so it's a good idea to have a few of the best automated cat toys and other interactive options on hand that they can amuse themselves with.
19. Turkish Angora
When it comes to the smartest cat breeds, the Turkish Angora is near the top of the list. These kitties are remarkably intelligent and show amazing problem-solving skills, which makes training them relatively easy compared to most breeds.
One of the most ancient breeds still in existence, the Turkish Angora is believed to be a direct descendant of the African wildcat. Originating in the Ankara region of Turkey, these cats appeared around the 15th century, but it wasn't until 1962 that the first breeding pair arrived in the United States.
Turkish Angoras are outgoing cats who delight in being involved in everything their humans do. They love to supervise what's going on in their home, and at the end of a long, hard day, they like nothing more than to snuggle up in bed with their favorite people. These cats will happily live with other pets, as long as they understand that the Turkish Angora is always in charge.
20. Maine Coon
There's some debate about the history of the Maine Coon, with some arguing that they're the result of a domestic cat breeding with a bobcat and others suggesting they're more likely descendants of the Norwegian Forest cat. Whatever the case, they have gone on to become one of the world's most beloved breeds.
A gentle giant who stands around 16 inches tall and weighs up to 18 pounds, the Maine Coon has a big, lovable personality and plenty of dog-like mannerisms – including their love of water and their tendency to play fetch.
Hugely family-oriented, these mellow cats love being around children and are very affectionate. Sweet-natured and playful, they are chilled and placid cats who are deeply loyal to those they love.
Read next: Most popular cat breeds
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.
This feature was last updated in July 2025 by Kathryn Williams.
