4 Curly Haired Cat Breeds: Pictures, Info, & Rarity Explained
By Ed Malaker
Updated on
If you’re a cat lover like we are, you probably want to learn as much as you can about the different breeds available. However, with more than 100 accepted breeds and many more that didn’t get recognized yet, it can be difficult to sort through them all. A good way to do it is to sort them by specific traits. For instance, today, we are going to discuss curly-haired cat breeds. If you would like to learn more about these interesting animals, keep reading while we list several breeds with genetically curly hair.
Top 4 Curly Haired Cat Breeds:
1. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is an almost hairless cat breed, but the short hairs are curly, giving the cat a unique appearance. They have large ears and a silly, playful temperament that makes them great family pets. Children and adults will enjoy spending time with them, and they enjoy rubbing themselves against your legs.
2. Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is another nearly hairless cat breed, and the few hairs it does have are curly, giving the cat an almost wavy appearance. At first glance, the hair on these cats looks artificial, and it’s not until you pet them that you learn the truth. The cats are soft, friendly, and always looking for a warm body to help them get warm. These cats often hide under the blankets of made beds to stay warm, and it’s extremely easy to lose them if you are not aware of this hiding space.
3. Selkirk Rex Cats
The Selkirk cat breed is the first Rex cat we’ve looked at so far with normal hair length. It’s available in a wide range of colors, including pointed, sepia, and of course, the popular tuxedo pattern. These cats are extremely popular because of their cuddly, teddy bear-like appearance that attracts children in droves. They’re a laid-back breed with qualities similar to a British Shorthair.
4. LaPerm Cat
The LaPerm can get its name from its curly fur that resembles the popular hairdo of the same name. They’re available all over the world, including the United States, and despite a unique name, they’re a member of the Rex family that produces all of the other curled fur. They’re a medium-sized cat with a muscular body that enjoys being around people, especially children. They’re a relatively newer breed that won its first competition in the United States in May of 2009.
Fun Curly-Haired Cat Facts
- Cats with curly hair usually don’t shed, or they shed very little and won’t make a mess of your house and furniture.
- Cats with curly fur will usually also have curly eyebrows and whiskers. This feature will become more prominent as the cat ages.
- The Devon Rex mentioned earlier is not only one of the few curly-haired cats, but it’s also one of the smallest, often weighing less than 8 pounds.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are not many curly-haired breeds to sort through, and the ones that exist are all part of the Rex family. These cats are all extremely friendly and will make a wonderful addition to any family. If you have never had a near hairless cat before, it can take some time to get used to their behavior. Unlike other breeds that spend their time hunting, these cats look for ways to keep warm, which usually includes snuggling up with you.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over this short guide, and it has helped answer your questions. If you have found a cat you would like to get for your home, please share these curly-haired breeds on Facebook and Twitter.
Featured Image Credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock