Finnish illustrator's unconventional cats captivate online fans

Often compared to a vampire, panther, or bat, his first impression can be a tad deceiving. "He wouldn't hurt a fly" asserts his owner, Finnish illustrator Tuomas Ikonen. Tuomas expands on this by saying the kitten is incredibly gentle and amiable to all people and animals he encounters. Indeed, even though Tuomas posts photos of his pet using the hashtag #weirdcat, he concedes that the strangeness is only skin-deep – underneath, he's a welcoming, kind kitten.

Toivo shares his home with his siblings. Though his black fur may make him seem the most formidable, the other cats also arouse interest. Meet Hannu and Marsel, who the owner likens to a squirrel and a rabbit, respectively. With their triangular heads, long, slender bodies, and large, protruding ears, these kitties are impossible to overlook.

Toivo and his clan are Oriental Shorthairs. The behaviour of this breed bears close resemblance to dogs. Playing fetch is one of their top pastimes. Even though it isn't widely well-known, this breed with its distinctive appearance is growing in popularity.

Toivo himself has already graced the covers of international magazines. While it remains unknown if he ever imagined such fame, one thing is for sure - he is content with his owner, proving this by purring in his ear each morning.

"He wants to be part of everything: he trails me wherever I go, observes diligently, and shares our bed. As soon as anyone settles on the sofa, at least one of our cats promptly claims a lap to sit on," Tuomas explains his close bond with his pets.

Would you choose to adopt such a cat?