8 cats that look like leopards, cheetahs, and other wild felines

Dreaming of a (tiny) leopard lounging on your lap? A tiny tiger treading through your living room? You're in for a purrfect treat! 

Here, we’ll introduce some extraordinary feline friends that boast the stunning spots and rosettes of their wild-cat cousins, but with the charm, playfulness (and safety!) of your favorite household kitty. 

Get ready to explore the best of both worlds in our list of eight cats that look like leopards!

1. Bengal

Bengals are the most purr-fectly popular cats that look like leopards. Boasting a paw-some blend of domestic cat breeds and Asian Leopard Cats, Bengals clawed their way to the top of our list.

Their fur-tastic markings and cat-letic builds make them magnificent hunters, so, don’t be surprised if they gift you with their latest "catch of the day”... 

But - a word of warning (to your bank balance, that is) - as these kitties don’t come cheap. In fact, Bengals can cost anywhere in the region of $1,500 to $3,000. Phew! 

2. Savannah cat

Safari, so good — our list of cats that look like leopards and cheetahs just got a whole lot cuter. Please welcome the Savannah cat: a paw-some cross between an African Serval and a domestic kitty.

As one of the largest cat breeds in the domestic-exotic clowder, they’re known for their leaping prowess and natural curiosity. They simply love to pounce into water (yep, how un-kitty-like!), enjoy leashed strolls, and fetch tricks like a pawsome cat-dog combo. 

3. Chausie

The Chausie blends the wild charm of the Asian Jungle Cat into a miniature mountain lion look. With their striking appearance, they’re fur-midable contenders in feline shows, as these colossal kitties can tip the scales at up to 30 pounds, though most average around 18 pounds. 

Due to their feral family tree, only the fourth or fifth generations are suitable as furry family members, or for the show ring. 

4. Ocicat

The Ocicat, named for its wild doppelgänger, the Ocelot, has a camo coat that says "jungle," but with zero wild cat DNA! A mix of Abyssinian and Siamese, this cheetah-print cat flaunts distinct, neutral-colored spots, making it a purr-fectly exotic-looking pet. 

With a pawsitive, outgoing personality, Ocicats love to greet new faces, making them the opposite of aloof or grumpy. 

Developed in 1964 by crossing Abyssinians, Siamese, and American Shorthairs, these social butterflies are like canines in kitty fur, bringing joy to any home. 

5. Toyger

Want a mini tiger at home? The Toyger is the purr-fect answer! This breed, a fabulous mix of Bengals and carefully chosen domestic shorthairs started its journey in the '80s and has now become a roaring favorite among pet lovers and show enthusiasts alike. 

With striking tiger-like stripes and rich colors, the Toyger is a fur-midable cat that looks like a leopard and tiger mix. 

Born from a meticulous breeding process, these kitties adore interactive play but are equally content to lounge (as kitties are wont to do!). 

6. Serengeti

The Serengeti cat is a purr-fect blend of wild beauty — without any wild genes, much like the Ocicat. Designed to mimic the majestic Serval without any actual Serval lineage, this breed takes a different path from most wild-looking kitties, making it one of the most fascinating cats that looks like a leopard.

Created by crossing Bengals with Oriental Shorthairs, the Serengeti boasts a stunning, leopard-like look with brilliant eyes and large, perked ears. 

However, unlike many wild-cat hybrids, Serengetis have a delightfully docile and dreamy nature, making them fabulous feline friends for families — they just love to chat and play all day!

7. Cheetoh

No prizes for guessing which wild cat this kitty looks like. Yep, the adorable Cheetoh is the most iconic Cheetah-looking cat around, known for their ex-purrt jumping and climbing abilities.

A cross between the Bengal and Ocicat (both crosses themselves!), Cheetohs are sharp-minded and quick to learn new tricks, making them one of the smartest cats that look like leopards. 

Despite their wild appearance, they're sweet snuggle-bugs who love cozying up to their two-legged parents. Aww.

8. Abyssinian

The Abyssinian might lack a leopard’s spots, but it purr-fectly captures the wild cat allure with its elegant and agile frame. Sporting a unique red or blue ticked tabby coat, these sleek felines are like living artifacts from ancient Egypt, dating back 4,000 years. 

So, you can see why we simply had to add the Abyssinian to our list of cats that look like leopards.

With powerful hindquarters and boundless energy, Abyssinians are as quick as a whisker twitch. Highly intelligent, they love to explore and need lots of space to roam.