Own One of the World's Rarest Living Treasures

The Kanaani – documented by Official World Records as the rarest officially registered cat breed on Earth. Fewer than a handful of verified breeders exist globally. Secure your place on our waiting list today.

The Kanaani is not merely a pet — it is a living connection to the ancient land of Canaan. Originating in Israel in the 1990s, this extraordinary breed carries the bloodline of the African wildcat (Felis lybica), the same species that roamed the deserts of the Negev and Galilee since biblical times. Recognized as one of the rarest documented domestic cat breeds in the world, the Kanaani represents a rare convergence of origins that are usually separated by time. Each kitten is a piece of living heritage, a companion unlike any other, and an opportunity to participate in the preservation of a breed on the very edge of existence.

With an extremely limited number of officially recorded individuals and very few dedicated breeders worldwide, acquiring a Kanaani means joining an exclusive circle of preservationists.

Unlike most modern breeds, the Kanaani is not the product of commercial breeders or genetic manipulation — it was born from an act of mercy. On the outskirts of Jerusalem, German-Israeli artist Doris Pollatschek (also known as Dorothea Polaczek), a Holocaust survivor, cared for rescued street cats. Through a hybrid cross between a rescued African wildcat and a local domestic stray, the foundation stock of the Kanaani breed was developed.

 The breed's name derives from the land of Canaan, the ancient designation for the region encompassing present-day Israel and its neighbouring territories. The Kanaani was developed to resemble the native wild steppe cat of that historic region.

Our breeding programme operates under the custodianship of Rabbi Mikhail Salita (Brooklyn, New York, USA) — recognised by Official World Records as the sole officially registered breeder and custodian of the Kanaani's documented revival. Working in partnership with Lyudmila Vlasova (custodian and preservation advocate of the Kanaani breed in Israel), our programme maintains the highest ethical standards for this endangered lineage. Today, the Kanaani is supported by a growing circle of individuals working across Israel, Ukraine, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

The Kanaani is a medium to large-sized cat of slender, muscular and athletic build, combining strength with an overall elegant appearance. The WCF standard describes a cat that is "muscular and athletic, yet elegant."

The Kanaani offers a unique temperament that balances affection and independence — ideal for owners who appreciate an intelligent, active companion that doesn't demand constant attention.

This breed thrives with owners who can provide ample exercise, vertical space for climbing, and engaging play sessions. Their energy levels remain high even when not in the presence of their owners.

Due to extreme rarity and the ethical standards of our preservation programme, Kanaani kittens are by application only. We maintain one of the few dedicated breeding programmes globally, with kittens primarily found in Israel and the United States.

What's Included with Each Kitten:

✓ TICA Foundation Registry (Experimental New Breed) documentation
 ✓ WCF-recognized pedigree
 ✓ Complete veterinary health record and vaccinations
 ✓ Spay/neuter agreement (for pet-quality placements)
 ✓ Microchipping
 ✓ Lifetime breeder support
 ✓ Kanaani care guide and preservation information

Due to extreme rarity and our commitment to ethical placement, kittens are released only to approved homes ready to embrace the responsibility of preserving this living heritage.