The rarest cat breed in the world is often considered to be the Serengeti cat. The Serengeti cat is a relatively new breed that was developed by crossing Bengal cats with Oriental Shorthairs. It is known for its striking appearance, resembling a miniature leopard with its large, rounded ears, long legs, and sleek spotted coat. The breed was created in the 1990s with the goal of producing a domestic cat that closely resembled the wild serval while maintaining a friendly and affectionate temperament.

Due to the relatively small number of breeders and the specific breeding requirements necessary to produce Serengeti cats, they are considered rare. The breed is recognized by some cat registries, such as The International Cat Association (TICA), but it is still relatively uncommon compared to more popular breeds like Persians or Siamese cats.

It’s important to note that rarity is subjective and can vary depending on location and individual perspectives. There are other rare cat breeds as well, such as the Turkish Van, Sokoke, and the Peterbald, each with their unique characteristics and limited population.