1. Selkirk Rex
Where It Came From and How It Got There
People often call the Selkirk Rex the “cat in sheep’s clothing,” and for good reason. These cats have some of the prettiest curls of any breed. Unlike other curly breeds, which have been around for a long time, the Selkirk Rex is a newer breed. In 1987, a cat from a shelter in Montana, USA, had a litter of kittens. One of the kittens had hair that curled. Jeri Newman, a Persian breeder, took in this kitten because she saw the strange genetic mutation and started a careful breeding program.
Selkirk, Newman’s stepfather, gave the breed its name. It is the only breed that has a name that comes from a person. The Selkirk Rex got its soft look and sweet personality by being carefully bred with Persians, exotic shorthairs, and British shorthairs.
In the early 1990s, major cat registries officially recognized the breed. Since then, people who love cats with personality, both in looks and behavior, have loved them.
Body Features
The Selkirk Rex is a medium- to large-sized cat that is strong. It has a round head and a strong body. What really sets it apart is the coat. These cats can have either long or short hair. Both kinds have thick, soft curls that cover their bodies, tails, and even their whiskers.
The curls are most noticeable on the belly, neck, and tail. The fur on each cat can be any color or pattern, which makes them even more unique. You should brush the coat often because it is thick and can get tangled and matted. But you don’t want to brush too much. A wide-toothed comb once or twice a week is usually enough to keep them looking good.
Personality and Mood
The Selkirk Rex is known for having beautiful curls and being calm and loving. These cats are usually very nice, patient, and gentle. They are a good choice for families because they get along well with kids, other cats, and even dogs.
They are loving but not too needy, and they like to play with other people as much as they like to relax. Your Selkirk might curl up on your lap or follow you from room to room. They are always interested but never pushy. They are smart and like games and toys that make them think.
If you want a cat with curly hair that is smart, beautiful, and has a good personality, the Selkirk Rex is a great choice.
2. Devon Rex
Where the Breed Came From
It sounds like a fairy tale when you hear about the Devon Rex. Beryl Cox lived in Devon, England, in the 1960s. She found a kitten with curly hair in a pile of trash next to an old mine. Breeders learned that this kitten, later named Kirlee, had a different kind of curl than the Cornish Rex because of a different genetic change.
This discovery made it possible to create a new breed of cat called the Devon Rex. Unlike some newer breeds, the Devon Rex has not changed over the years. Cat lovers love it because of its unique traits.
Look, That is One of a Kind
You can tell a Devon Rex from across the room by its curls and features that look like an elf. Their bodies are thin and muscular, and their legs are long, and their backs are curved. Their big ears are low on their heads, which makes them look even stranger and more alien.
But the coat is what really stands out. The Devon Rex has a soft coat that looks like suede and has loose curls that ripple. The Devon’s fur is much finer and shorter than the Selkirk’s thick coat, which makes it easy to groom. They do shed, but not as much as most other cats. A lot of people with mild allergies say that this breed helps them feel better.
How People Act and Live
If you want a cat that acts more like a dog or even a monkey, the Devon Rex might be the right one for you. These cats are very active, love to explore, and want to be the center of attention. They keep you busy by climbing and jumping.
Devons are very social and don’t like to be alone for long. They do best when they can be around people, other cats, or other pets. They’ll say hello when you come in, follow you around, and probably try to help with whatever you’re doing, especially if it involves food.
They are also very smart and can learn to do things like walk on a leash, do tricks, or even play fetch. People who want a fun, loving, and very interesting friend should get a Devon Rex.
3. Cornish Rex
How it Got Its Name and Where it Came From
The Cornish Rex is one of the first curly-haired cats and is very important to the history of these cats. The name comes from Cornwall, England, where this breed has been around since 1950. A straight-haired barn cat gave birth to Kallibunker. His tight, soft waves made him stand out right away.
Breeders noticed that Kallibunker’s coat was unique and started a breeding program to keep this genetic trait alive and spread it. The Cornish Rex has a curly coat because of a different mutation than the Devon Rex. The soft, insulating undercoat is the layer of fur that is closest to their skin, and that’s where their curls are. This gives them a unique texture that is not only curly but also very soft, like crushed velvet.
Major cat registries quickly gave their okay. People all over the world love the Cornish Rex for its beauty, speed, and unique coat.
Body Parts
The Cornish Rex is thin and fit, like a model on a runway instead of a regular house cat. Their long legs, arched back, and narrow waist make them look graceful. They have big ears and high cheekbones that make them look exotic and almost alien.
But their coat is what people know them for the most. Those tight, Marcel-wave curls come from the fact that it is very short, fine, and made up of only downy hairs. Even though these cats have short hair, they are not hypoallergenic. They do shed, but not as much as other breeds. Their skin can also get oily, so they need to be bathed every once in a while.
Brushing their delicate fur can hurt them, so grooming is easy. A soft hand and a gentle touch are very important.
Personality Traits
The Cornish Rex isn’t just a pretty face; they have a lot of character. People say these cats are silly, naughty, and fun. You could think of them as kittens that never grow up. They are always looking for new things to do, like jumping, chasing, and turning everyday things into toys.
They love to climb and will do anything to get to the top of the house. Because they are so curious and full of energy, they do best in homes where there are a lot of things to do and see. Cornish Rexes need things to do to keep their spirits up, like cat trees, interactive toys, or even another pet.
They are also very loving and like being around people. There will be a lot of cuddling, purring, and following you around. If you want a cat with curly hair, a love of adventure, and a lot of love, the Cornish Rex is a great choice.
4. LaPerm
The Past and Growth
The LaPerm breed may have the most random story about how it came to be. In the early 1980s, a tabby cat named Speedy lived on a farm in Oregon and had a litter of kittens. One of the kittens was hairless. As that kitten got older, her fur started to get soft and curly, which was a surprise. The kitten’s name was Curly, and her unusual coat was the beginning of the LaPerm breed.
Breeders eventually decided that this genetic change should be kept. Selective breeding made the LaPerm and set the standards for it. It eventually became well-known by big groups like TICA and CFA. The name comes from the cat’s curls, which look like a perm and are a perfect match for how great it looks.
The LaPerm is very interesting because its curly coat can be soft waves or ringlets. Kittens can be born with straight hair or no hair at all and then grow curls later.
Distinctive Look
The LaPerm’s coat is a beautiful mess of curls and waves that makes them look like they just woke up. Their fur can be short or long, and it can be any color or pattern you can think of. One of the best things about this breed is that it doesn’t shed a lot, which is good for people with allergies and for keeping the house clean.
These cats have a medium-sized, graceful body, bright eyes, and a sweet, alert expression on their face. Their cute curls make up for the fact that they don’t have the Devon or Cornish Rex’s big features. Brushing once a week helps keep tangles from happening, but LaPerms don’t need a lot of grooming—just enough to keep them looking their best.
A Kind Attitude
LaPerms are the best cats to sit on your lap. They are calm, loving, and very loyal to the people they live with. People say that these cats will reach out with their paws to touch your face or ride on your shoulders like a soft scarf. They are happiest when they are near their people and have strong relationships with them.
They are also smart and curious, which makes them good at figuring things out and being adaptable pets. They like to play, but they aren’t as hyper as the Devon or Cornish Rex. These are great pets for families who want things to be more relaxed.
The LaPerm is a good fit for a lot of different homes, whether you’re a single person looking for a friend or a family with kids. They are truly one of a kind because they are calm, loving, and have weird curls.
How to Choose the Right Cat Breed with Curly Fur
You can choose between these four curly-haired cat breeds based on your lifestyle, personality, and what you want from a pet. It’s important to know what kind of cat you want because each breed has its own look and personality.
If you want a cat that is active and likes to climb and play with you, the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex might be the right choice for you. These breeds need more attention, care, and stimulation, but they will keep you busy for hours.
The Selkirk Rex or LaPerm might be better for people who want a pet that doesn’t need a lot of care and is well-balanced. Selkirk is great for families and people who want to relax. LaPerms, on the other hand, are special because they are curly and make people feel loved and calm.
Also, keep allergies in mind. The Devon Rex and LaPerm are two examples of curly-haired cats that shed less and produce fewer allergens. However, no cat is truly hypoallergenic. That said, it’s always a good idea to spend time with a breed before bringing one home to see how you feel about it.
Your daily routine is also important. If you go out a lot, choose a more independent breed, or get two dogs so they can keep each other company. Keep in mind that curly coats may need special care, so be ready for that.
These beautiful women with curly hair are more than just pretty; they are full of love, personality, and charm. You’ll have a very special friend no matter what breed you pick.
Last Thoughts
The Selkirk Rex, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and LaPerm—these four breeds are more than just their distinctive coats. Each one brings its own unique personality, quirks, and appeal to the table, potentially enriching any household. From the easygoing Selkirk Rex to the energetic Cornish Rex, these breeds offer a wide range of temperaments and care requirements. Consequently, there’s likely a perfect feline companion for nearly every cat lover.
Curly-haired cats are a triple threat: they’re affectionate companions, expert snugglers, and guaranteed icebreakers. Their soft, spiraled coats set them apart from other cats, but it’s their cute, funny personalities that really win people over.
FAQs
1. Do cats with curly hair not make people allergic?
There is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic cat. However, some breeds with curly hair, like the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, produce fewer allergens and shed less, which makes them better for people with allergies.
2. Do cats with curly hair shed a lot?
Not very often. Cats with curly hair tend to shed less than cats with straight hair. The Devon and Cornish Rex, in particular, don’t shed much because their fur is short and fine.
3. Which cat with curly hair is the least common?
The LaPerm is one of the rarest curly-haired breeds because it comes from a unique genetic line and is not as common as other breeds like the Devon Rex.
4. Is it okay for families with kids to have cats with curly hair?
Yes! The Selkirk Rex and LaPerm breeds are very sweet and loving, so they make great pets for kids and families.
5. Can you adopt cats with curly hair from shelters?
You can find curly-haired cats in shelters or through breed-specific rescues, but they are not as common. Always check with local shelters and rescue groups first.