Sphynx

This curious-looking creature was largely unknown to the general public until the Austin Powers movies made a household name of Mr. Bigglesworth, the pampered pet of Dr. Evil. The breed originated in Canada in 1966, when an almost hairless kitten was born.

The key word is almost: although the Sphynx appears to be hairless, there is in fact a thin coat of very short suedelike fur. The thin coat gives the cat a lanky and bony appearance, with oversized ears to boot, a look that is not to everyone’s taste. Even so, the Sphynx has become popular in recent years, no doubt aided by Austin Powers.