Hairless cats, curly cats, Viking cats and miniature leopards. No, we are not describing the cast of a fantasy movie.
They are all part of the feline world, and you can meet them at the 2026 Melbourne Cat Lovers Festival Breed Showcase.
Here are five extraordinary breeds to look out for this October alongside loads of other rare and popular breeds.
1. Sphynx: The Not-Quite-Naked Cat
Plot twist: the Sphynx is not actually bald.
Most have a fine layer of fuzz that can feel like warm suede or the skin of a peach. They are also famously friendly, curious and always looking for the warmest place in the house, which may explain why many end up beneath the blankets with their humans.
Despite the name, the modern Sphynx did not originate in Egypt. The breed’s story began in Canada.
Meet them with Born Bold Cats and Botox Sphynx.
2. Devon Rex: The Curly Little Mischief-Maker
With enormous ears, wide eyes and a soft, wavy coat, the Devon Rex has serious main-character energy.
The breed can be traced back to one curly-coated kitten named Kirlee, born in Devon, England, in 1960. Today, Devon Rex cats are known for being playful, intelligent and determined to be involved in absolutely everything.
Do not be surprised to find one sitting on a shoulder, learning to fetch or inspecting the highest shelf in the house.
Meet them with CurlyDepot Devon Rex.
3. Norwegian Forest Cat: The Viking Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat looks ready to star in its own Nordic legend, and it practically does.
Known in Norway as the skogkatt, or “forest cat”, this large breed developed a thick, water-resistant coat to survive Scandinavia’s harsh climate. It is also believed that their ancestors travelled aboard Viking ships to help keep rodents under control.
They are strong climbers, slow to mature and may take up to five years to reach their full majestic size.
Meet them with Forelsket.
4. Bengal: The Mini Leopard
The Bengal looks wild, but beneath those spectacular markings is an intelligent and energetic domestic cat.
Bengals are the only domestic breed with true rosette markings like those seen on leopards and jaguars. Some also have a “glitter” effect that makes their coat shimmer in the light as though it has been dusted with gold.
They can learn to fetch, walk on a harness and, unlike many cats, may even enjoy playing with water.
Meet them with Marvelcats Bengals and Ddlionsdolls.
5. Maine Coon: The Gentle Giant
Maine Coons are among the largest domestic cat breeds, with huge paws, tufted ears and magnificent tails.
But their voice does not quite match their size. Rather than producing a mighty roar, many communicate with soft chirps and trills.
These gentle giants are friendly, playful and known for following their humans around the house. Some Maine Coons are even born with extra toes, which may once have helped their paws act like natural snowshoes.
Meet them with Kifayah Maine Coons Australia and Soulheart Maine Coons.
Meet Your New Favourite Breed
From peach-fuzz skin and curly coats to sparkling rosettes and giant paws, these five breeds are only the beginning.
Meet beautiful cats, chat with responsible breeders and discover even more fascinating breeds at the Melbourne Cat Lovers Festival, happening Sat 17 & Sun 18 October 2026 at Melbourne Showgrounds.
