Table Of Content

As the true curly-haired cat breeds are quite rare, many feline lovers of curly-haired cats make do with these cat breeds. If you were unable to find one of the above-discussed curly-haired cat breeds, you should keep on reading as we discuss more cat breeds that have wiry and wavy hairs. The first LaPerm rex cat was found in a litter of barn cats in 1982. The cat was completely bald for the first eight weeks, so the owner had no idea what was in store. However, the owner had no knowledge of genetics or cat breeding and so did nothing about her strange discovery.
Black Cat Breeds With Green Eyes You’ll Love (With Pictures)
However, there are other breeds that will soon join the list. They also have large heads and eyes that are set wide apart. Their thin necks and small bodies also give them a unique appearance. If you want to be taken back to the style of the 80s, all you have to do is look at a LaPerm cat.
Care
"Selkirk rexes are typically a very loving cat with lots of personality," Bonk says. A cat with curly hair is one of the most adorable creatures. Since they shed very little, curly cats are considered ‘hypoallergenic” by people with allergies. Breeders realized this fact decades ago—that curly cats give birth to curly kittens. Happy Whisker is an online service for cat owners and cats, helping them find the best nutrition and care for their pets. We make it happen through our educated and up-to-date information.
Curly Hair Cat Breeds Tips
Because of the unique way these furry friends are bred, you should be very careful when picking where to buy them. Do your research, and find a great breeder that is known for having the best Skookum cats. The Cornish Rex is another UK-born breed of cat with curly hair.

These cats should have limited outdoor exposure during the sunniest times of day. UV-blocking window films can be helpful for protecting sunbathing kitties inside. Often called “the cat in sheep’s clothing,” Selkirk Rex tops the list of curly-haired cat breeds with their curly plushy coats; even their whiskers are curled.
Oregon Rex Breed
Being a pet parent to a cat that’s so unique, however, comes at a price. When you decide to get a cat with curly fur, you have to remember that each breed has its own features and needs, too. Do the necessary research beforehand and ask your cat lover friends for suggestions. Cornish rex cats can have a genetic tendency for polycystic kidney disease and progressive retinal atrophy. Cox initially believed that the kitten was related to the Cornish rex. However, attempts to crossbreed Kirlee with Cornish rex queens proved otherwise.
Hairless Cat Breeds
The Sims Finally Has Great Curly Hair - Kotaku
The Sims Finally Has Great Curly Hair.
Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2017 08:00:00 GMT [source]
That is because the gene for curly hair in most cats is recessive. This means that both parents have to have a copy of the gene and even then it will only show up in some of the kittens. The gene for curly hair is so rare that some breeds need to be actively cultivated to keep the recessive genes in place. If a curly haired cat mates with a straight-haired cat, there is a very strong likelihood that the kittens will have straight hair. Some cats have naturally occurring curly hair, but it’s rare. As such, genetic mutation makes producing most curly-haired cat breeds possible.
This curly-haired kitten, whose siblings all had straight hair, also had the curly whiskers for which the Selkirk is known for today. What makes this rex different from other curly-haired breeds is that the gene is dominant in the Selkirk rather than recessive, as with the Devon and Cornish breeds. Each curly-haired cat breed has a unique genetic mutation, explaining why their curly coats vary in texture. Like the Devon Rex, certain curly-haired cat breeds lack an undercoat entirely, resulting in a smooth short skin composed solely of guard hairs.
Cat Dogs: Cats for People Who Think They Don’t Like Cats
The Devon Rex originated from a single cat named Kirlee that was born to a stray calico mother. The breed originated in the 1950s when curly haired cats were growing in popularity. People noticed that some of the strays in Devonshire had curly fur, and they instantly became a sensation. Despite devon rex cats active nature, they also love to curl up with their humans, their curly coat providing a soft warmth.
She is a feral cat who gave birth to a litter of curly-haired kittens, one of which, a Selkirk Rex kitten, became the foundation for the Selkirk Rex breed. These different breeds, each with their unique rex mutation, offer a delightful variety in how cats look and behave. Exploring the world of curly-haired cats reveals a fascinating diversity of breeds, each with its own unique characteristics.
Curly-haired pigs and other animals with natural waves - National Geographic
Curly-haired pigs and other animals with natural waves.
Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]
When Jeri Newman, a breeder, saw Miss DePesto, he decided to adopt her and begin breeding more curly-haired kittens. It was discovered that kittens from the same Selkirk Rex litter could have both curly and straight hair. If you’re longing to bring home a Selkirk Rex kitten, consider attending a cat show, where you can meet local cat breeders. Cat shows are lots of fun and a wonderful way to learn about all the different cat breeds.
Since they come in various sizes, shapes, colors, and curly types, it can be a bit tricky to tell one from another when you first see them. Described as kitten-like well into adulthood, Cornish Rex want to play and be a part of the action no matter what is going on. They get along great with kids and other pets, making them a wonderful family cat. Among all curly-haired breeds, the Tennessee Rex breed stands out with its stunning shimmering coat, usually orange or red or white.

According to most sources, this breed disappeared in 1972 due to breeding with Cornish Rex felines. Alongside their genetic similarities with the Manx breed, Tasman Rex cats also adopt the features of Cornish Rex and Devon Rex cats. In terms of temperament, their personality is fun, but they’re not loud or demanding. You can leave these cats alone, and they’ll find a way to entertain themselves.
It is distinguished by its soft, silky, lightly curled coat. After this, breeders began working to preserve the Devon rex, and the breed was introduced to the US in the late 1960s. This breed is naturally affectionate, so you should expect them to come to you for their daily dose of snuggles.
Polycystic kidney disease is a condition in which cysts on the kidneys that are present at birth cause problems with kidney function and eventually, kidney failure. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease that causes thickening of the heart muscle, is common in Persian cats and British shorthairs. In addition to combing, regular baths can also help avoid matting. The Selkirk Rex’s coat looks best when washed with light shampoos that don’t weigh the coat down. Ask your breeder or a professional groomer for a shampoo recommendation. Contrary to common perception, there are no hypoallergenic cats.
But they were beautiful creatures, usually multi-colored with a short, curly coat featuring tight curls. The Tasman Manx lives up to its unusual name by having one prominent absence; it’s tailless. Many Tasman Manx cats, like their Manx cat cousins, have no tail (called “rumpy” in cat breeding), but some feature a tail-like stump. These cats are born with a gleaming curly coat with fur as soft and shiny as satin.