A little about curly-haired cats
Curly-haired cats, like the standout Selkirk Rex, need some extra brushing to keep their wild coats looking sharp. We’ll get into a few more breeds with that wavy fur in a sec. And if you think adorable cats like the Selkirk and LaPerm aren’t total hits with cat fans, think again—they’re loved for a reason. Don’t let anyone tell you these unique kitties only pop up on Instagram; sure, that’s where folks love showing off their fluffy fur and silly antics, but they’re out in the real world too. Lately, more people are bringing these cats home because their oddball looks and cool tabby swirls are just too good to pass up. They’re not your everyday housecat—rarer for sure—but man, do they liven up a place. If you’re even dreaming about breeding them, hold up—get the scoop on the different types first, their quirks, temperaments, all that jazz. At first, they might throw you off since they come in all kinds of sizes, shapes, colors, and curly vibes, making them tough to pin down right away.
Reasons for a cat to have curly hairs
These cats may be missing at least one layer of their natural hair because curly-haired cats are pretty and uncommon, often prone to matting. Cats with curly hairs have an outer layer of stiff hair known as “guard hair” to ward off the rain, the leading layer, known as awn hair, and the short, soft layer, known as down hair. A cat’s hair is possible to be wavy when one of these layers is not available. Single cats rarely exhibit this characteristic; even when they do, breeding for this trait hasn’t always been successful. Curly-haired cat breeds are, therefore, considerably more uncommon. However, there are some. In actuality, four species of cat are known to have curly hair, which may be prone to matting and tangling if not groomed properly.
Furthermore, most of the four recognized breeds with curly hairs belong to the Rex class. Surprisingly, cats with curly hair do not shed at all or very little. As a result, some people consider them as hypoallergenic. Moreover, the allergy patients may choose to keep one of these breeds as a safe way to do so without dealing with the symptoms of cat allergies.
Curly hair kittens
Curly-haired kittens are just stunning—total one-of-a-kind pals. Big groups like the Cat Fanciers’ Association and the International Cat Association give their stamp of approval to these curly breeds, and we’re talking the Selkirk Rex, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and LaPerm. Take the LaPerm—it’s got that name because of its wild, curly fur, all thanks to a random natural tweak that makes it look cool and keeps it healthy. These cats aren’t exactly popping up everywhere; they’re pretty rare, and how tight those curls are depends on the breed. The Selkirk Rex, though, stands out with its super plush, rex-style coat that’s hard to miss. Some of these cats are born with that wavy look baked in, while others end up curly because they’re missing an undercoat—leaves their fur like a fun, messy mat that’ll tangle if you’re not careful. Either way, these beauties can totally steal your heart with their cute faces and standout coats.
Curly-haired cats breed
The following are different cat breeds, including distinctive curly types like the Cornish Rex and LaPerm.
1. LaPerm – A Cat Breed with Curly Fur
LaPerm is at the top of the list of curly-haired feline breeds known for their wavy hairs and unique aesthetic. It initially took place in 1982 on a farm when a cat gave birth to a kitty without hair. The strands of a cat start growing as the cat matures, and some may develop curly or wavy hair as a result of genetic mutations. The owner was surprised to see the soft and curly hairs of the cat, which gave it a unique appearance. It was unusual for him to encounter such a playful and affectionate cat.
Later, this kitten gave birth to a litter of curly-haired Kittens with the same distinctive coats, which came to be known as the first La Perm kittens. Ten years after its founding, LaPerm cats were produced, quickly gaining recognition in the CFA and TICA communities as a result of a genetic mutation. They are still a rare and pricey breed that exists today, known for their unique appearance. These cats can be identified by their distinctive permed haircuts, which many owners adore, as well as their coat that can be long or short.
2. Selkirk Rex – The Famous Curly-Haired Breed
Then there’s the Selkirk Rex, another curly-haired gem that comes in all sorts of colors and patterns. A lot of folks reckon it’s the prettiest of the curly bunch, with this soft, lively coat that’s just bursting with texture—some even mix it up with the LaPerm, though it’s its own thing. The Cat Fanciers’ Association and TICA both give it the nod, all thanks to a genetic twist that kicked things off. It’s not a huge cat size-wise, but that thick, fluffy fur makes it look like a big, cuddly teddy bear you can’t help but want to squish. The backstory’s pretty wild too—it all started back in 1987 with a cat lover named Jeri Newman (not “Miss DePesto”—that was the cat’s name!), who stumbled across this curly kitten in a litter in Montana. She noticed it stood out from its three straight-haired siblings, and that’s when the Selkirk Rex story took off. That curly coat? It’s a mix of dominant and recessive genes doing their thing, and Jeri figured it’d need some extra grooming love, so she kept it and got to work.
Here’s the neat part: Selkirk Rex kittens can pop out with either straight or curly hair—crazy, right? Even their whiskers get in on the action, going wavy or full-on curly when the coat’s got that twist. It’s just another layer of charm on an already adorable cat. You’ll see all kinds of fur colors and lengths too—breeders get a kick out of mixing it up, and finding a new combo in a litter is like hitting the jackpot. Most Selkirk Rex cats rock long, plush coats, but every now and then you’ll spot one with shorter fur, keeping things interesting.
3. Devon Rex – A Small Cat with Curly Fur
The strange but endearing appearance of the Devon Rex cat, with its large ears, is well known and often a result of a genetic mutation. These are long-legged, slender cats with curly fur, large eyes, ears, and a playful demeanor. The Devon Rex has a short, wavy coat instead of a curly coat like the other breeds on this list. Although Devon Rex cats have curly tails, their peculiar head shapes and distinct facial traits get far more attention than their curly whiskers and eyebrows.
Since 1960, there have been Devon Rex cats, which thrive in a variety of colors and patterns. A lovely A discovery of a kitten named Selkirk Rex highlights the charm of this breed and its unique curly features. Karlee was born from the mating of a male cat with curly hair and a white tortoiseshell mother cat. Since Karlee was the original Devon Rex kitten, all other cats of this breed may be traced to her.
4. Cornish Rex – A Sleek and Curly-Haired Cat Breed
Another cat breed with curly hair that originated in the UK is the Cornish Rex. In a barn in Cornwall, the first Cornish Rex kitten first surfaced in 1950. One small fluff ball in the litter stood out because his hair was curly, whereas the other kittens in the trash all had straight hair. Kallibunker was the name given to this cute kitten. Due to her arrival, the entire world may now appreciate the distinctive beauty of these lovely creatures.
Owners can anticipate a very active cat with a robust build when it comes to personality. It will roam freely throughout the house and yard, exploring every square inch, its whiskers and eyebrows twitching with curiosity. It adores pulling off tricks and will say or do anything to get your attention, showcasing its playful nature that every cat owner cherishes. It’s important to note that Cornish Rex cats may be rather noisy, particularly when they need something or when their owners aren’t paying attention, which can be quite common among cat lovers. So don’t anticipate a cuddly friend that wants to spend time sleeping next to you. They will instead be travelling at the speed of sound. They are excellent companions for kids who are also always on the move for various reasons, including this one.
5. German Rex – A Rare Curly-Haired Breed
In the years that followed, however, expert breeders were unsuccessful in finding a means to improve the breeding procedure and gave up. Another breeder decided to continue the tradition and give it another go in 1986, producing the German Rex cats we are familiar with today, which are often the result of a genetic mutation bred to a Persian. German Rex cats are rare and frequently featured alongside Cornish Rex cats in breed descriptions. The fluffy coat of these cats with curly hair lacks guard hairs, making them easier to maintain and remove dead hair. It is curly, short, and soft as silk, embodying a unique blend of texture. Except for cinnamon, lilac, chocolate, and fawn, these cats can have any color coat, including striking tabby patterns. Their quick, rounded heads have big ears and eyes that enhance their charm, especially among cat lovers. Although their eyes are actually of regular size, their small heads give them the appearance of having considerably larger eyes than they do. German Rex cats typically have yellow, orange, or green eyes.
These fluffy little cats possess everything a cat owner could want in terms of personality. Although not overly animated, they are athletic and active. They are also quite loving and attached to their people, so you can expect many cuddle sessions and frequent joint sleeping arrangements, a dominant trait of these breeds. Although German Rex cats aren’t always as curious as other breeds, that doesn’t mean they aren’t intelligent; their unique coat and personality may require more frequent maintenance, making them appealing to many cat lovers.
6. Selkirk Rex – brown curly hair cat
Selkirk rex also known as “rex cat curly hair” is a beautiful cat breed with different colors of fur, but when discussing the most common color, it is not other than brown. Nor is it a small or a large cat breed; it weighs 6 to 16 pounds as an adult, often showcasing a playful spirit that every cat owner loves. Moreover, this cat has an amazing lifespan which is from 15 to 20 years depending on the different factors.
Furthermore, talking about the social temperament of this cat breed, experts find it very friendly to humans and other animals. Its lifespan clarifies that it is among the cats that enjoy the longest lifespan, making it a popular choice among veterinary professionals. They have round heads and big eyes that make them more stunning in looks, characteristic of many curly-haired feline breeds. Because of its brown and curly fur, the breeders refer it as “Cat with sheep’s fur.”
Ural Rex – The Unique Curly-Haired Breed
The Ural Rex is a fascinating breed known for its distinctive appearance, characterized by cats that have curly hair. This unique trait sets them apart from other feline breeds, giving them an enchanting, fluffy look. The short hair of the Ural Rex is soft and tightly curled, making them an appealing choice for cat lovers who appreciate a different aesthetic.
Similar to the Selkirk Rex, the Ural Rex thrives on companionship and interaction, making them affectionate pets. Their playful and outgoing nature complements their striking coat, ensuring they capture the hearts of those around them. As a result, these charming cats are not only visually captivating but also delightful companions.
Grooming Tips for Curly-Haired Cats
Curly-haired cats need special tricks to take care of their hair because they have different built-in coats. Taking care of their hair is not so difficult, and with access to fresh water and regular grooming, these cats thrive. It is because they do not shed a lot if they do not suffer from skin illness.
The first step is to brush and comb your hair daily. Surprisingly, their combing process is not challenging. People petting cats search and touch them on average; in this process, the curly-haired cat is easy to deal with. The second and final step is to bathe your kitten. It is because some felines naturally have oily skin, which affects the coat and can contribute to matting and tangling. Washing once a week will help them avoid shedding and other skin allergies.
Learn more about cats by visiting our dedicated section here.
Conclusion
There is no denying that cats are intriguing animals. Things become even more fascinating when you learn about the DNA mutations that produce novel breeds with peculiar traits and characteristics, including recessive gene mutations that affect the skin and coat. As a result, curly-haired cats have become increasingly popular among owners who appreciate their unique coat and playful nature.
The four recognized distinct breeds of curly-haired cats possess the unique aesthetic of the LaPerm, Selkirk Rex, Devon Rex, and Cornish Rex. Several more unrecognized species, including those with rex mutations, also exist and are awaiting official acceptance into different cat groups. Each has its peculiarities, so there is sure to be a cat on this list that you adore.
FAQs
Can Cats Have Curly Fur?
Yes, affectionate cats can have curly hair. The curly hair pattern is not confined to one type of cat but may appear in various breeds, and they are frequently referred to as poodle cats. Curly-haired cats can have long or short fur, and some even sport curly whiskers that form delightful knots.
Which curly-haired cat is common worldwide?
We have many curly-haired cat breeds in our list that are very common in most parts of the world, but the Selkirk Rex, discovered in Montana, stands out for its unique traits.
Is there any hypoallergenic curly hair cat?
Yes, the cat with curly fur discussed in the above passages, titled “Laperm” contains dander in its dander that sheds to prevent different allergens.
Do curly-haired cats shed?
They shed, but their hairs get stuck in their curly coat, making them wonderful hypoallergenic cats. Devon Rex and German Rex are not only curly-haired cat breeds but also among the tiniest cat breeds. Most curly-haired cat breeds, including the Ural Rex and LaPerms, are known for their distinct and playful personalities, which are part of their unique set of traits.
