Cats with curvy or curly hairs are among the most elegant and physiognomically distinct breeds in the world. It is attributed to multiple genetic variations that lead to the texture and pattern of curls on the bodies of the curled breed. The contingency of straight-coated cats to the majority of breeds, curly-haired cats are remarkable for their superior and quality fur rumps and appearances. There is a list of breeds with curly hair cat are adored by fans and lovers of animals for their kindness, temper, and extraordinary coat.
This article will teach you about the origins, breeds, and hereditary features. You will also learn how to care for furry curly cats and their features.
History of Curly-Haired Cats
The owner of curls can appear silky-haired with the help of spontaneous mutations that occurred all over the world over the years. These mutations brought a change in the hair follicles to curl thereby rendering today’s exquisite wavy or curly coats.
The first curly-haired cat breed was developed as the Rex categorization was discovered in England in 1950. It was discovered by a farmer who had a litter of both straight and curly-headed cats. This breed would later evolve into the Cornish Rex, probably one of the most famous curly-haired cats today. Subsequently, other breeds with similar mutations can be found and thus, the curly-coated cats are being bred and publicized.
List of Popular Curly-haired Cat Breeds
Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is among the oldest and the most famous cats with curly fur. Originally born in Cornwall England the breed has tight curls and a slender body with long legs. The Cornish Rex should be noted to have a lack of coursing hairs which creates a loose, silky feel about them. It is worth noting that their coat is due to a genetic mutation that affects the hair shaft. Cornish Rex cats are playful, active, and quite smart; they will do well in any home, including those with children.
Devon Rex
Another popular breed is the Devon Rex, which was found in Devon; England in the 1960s. The Devon Rex has a slightly more crimped and less puffed-up coat than the Cornish Rex, but like the Cornish, large ears, and pointed face, and a kind of scampish expression. The prime characteristics include selecting people to be affiliated with, following them, and being very loyal, similar to dogs. Devon Rex originated from Devon in England It has a thick short curly fur that feels like velvet.
Selkirk Rex
Selkirk Rex cat is one of those rare breeds of cats with curly hair coated in soft plush fur commonly associated with teddy bears. Unlike the Rex breeds, the Selkirk Rex has three layers of fur. There are three types of hairs found on this skin. These are curly guard hairs, awn hairs which are also curly, and down hairs which are curly. A breed that was started in the United States in 1987 when a curly-haired kitten was found in a shelter in Montana. Originally used as snake catchers or birds of prey catchers, these cats are calm, yet friendly and preferred by families and children.
LaPerm
The other is The LaPerm which is an American breed that was Prescribed in the 1980s. This breed has silky, wavy curly hair which is either short or long. The breed is named that way because the fur resembles a perm. LaPerm cats are friendly and like to be pets as well as have an affinity to families with other animals and children. The curls can be loose or tight depending on the cat they are currently on.
German Rex
The German Rex has a similar coat and appearance to the Cornish Rex and is sometimes classified as a subspecies when in fact it is its breed. German Rex is known to have been discovered in East Germany in the 1950s. It has a short, silky, curly coat without underfur or guard hairs like the Cornish Rex. These cats are mostly playful and when not playful, they like to be bothered or fondled by their owners.
Curly Hair Genetics in Cats
In cats, curly coats are due to certain gene changes and this gene change produces a distinctive structure of the hair follicle. While all of them belong to the breed of dogs with curly hair, the mutations are different for different breeds. The Cornish Rex has snake-like curly hair. It is due to a hidden gene while the Selkirk Rex’s curls are due to a dominant gene. LaPerm and Devon Rex breeds have unique mutations, which are responsible for developing the curly or wavy hair coat.
For the Cornish rex breed the curl is produced by a dominant gene. Their effect is on the structure of the hair shaft to produce tighter and denser curls. In other breeds, such as the Selkirk Rex, it curls all three types of fur: the guard, awn, and down, giving a breed more fluff.
That is why breeding of curls–haired cats requires substantial focus on the genes. Some of these mutations are recessive. It means that both basic animals must transport this gene merely to create the curls–haired posterity. Here, dominant mutations are seen, where it suffices only one parent is an owner of the gene and passes this to the kittens.
Features of Appearance: Curly-haired Cat Temperament
The cats with curly fur are not only famous for having curved hair but also for being playful. Despite the fact all these breeds are different, some features might be similar to all of them.
Affectionate:
For instance, Devon Rex and Selkirk Rex are curly-coated cats that prefer the company of their owners. They look for attention and also usually like to be around the owner. Most of the mentioned breeds are regarded as dog-like mainly because of their obedience and need for communication.
Playful:
Some of the facts about Cornish Rex: Cornish Rex breed is very active and playful. These are typical toys that such dogs like to chase and bite, climb, and do other activities that include interaction with the owner. This is because they are slim and slender animals that are well endowed with great lines for climbing and jumping.
Curious:
These cats can be quite mischievous and are truly fantastic, all the time possessing some form of intelligence. They are very playful and want to know what is around them. Some of the owners claim that the owners of curly-haired cats do not take time before their cats learn how to open doors or solve simple problems.
Friendly:
Cats with curls are warm cats, friendly, and love the company of people and other animals, as well as its owner. They are usually friendly with kids and besides this, they are ideal pets for families with kids.
Caring for Curly-Haired Cats
Curly-haired cats are very cute but they need a little bit of grooming compared to other types of cats.
Grooming
Non-medical grooming should also depend on the breed. In general, cats with curly hair, ought to be groomed more often. Because the hair easily knots and piles up – especially for the Selkirk Rex since it has denser hair. But there is a downside, they should not brush their hair too often. Because they will end up damaging the delicate curls of their hair. That is why you should consider using a soft brush and should be very gentle at it. Such Rex cats have thin, short fur and, therefore, do not need grooming very often, like the Cornish Rex for example.
Bathing
Some of the curly-haired cats, especially the Devons, actually develop oily coats because they do not possess guard hairs. They may require frequent bathing if their skin and hair coat are healthy. One should always use cat-specific shampoo and should also avoid normally available shampoos which can make a cat’s skin dry.
Nutrition
As with all cats, curly-haired cats should be fed a diet. It has a good amount of high protein in it. It was found that some breeders and owners use supplementary feeds. This includes omega-3 fatty acids to enable healthy skin and coats for cats that often suffer from dry skin or hair problems.
Health Considerations
Curly-haired cats are free from most of the diseases, however, all purebred cats and dogs are vulnerable to certain kinds of health disorders. For example, some Rex breeds are somewhat more prone to skin problems, while other breeds have respiratory issues related to body build. Certain of these risks can be reduced with proper ECC, routine health checks, proper diet, and grooming.
Each breed should be studied, and a responsible breeder who screens for those genetic diseases should be purchased from a curly-haired cat.
Conclusion
Curly-haired cats are a specific breed that makes pets outstanding and gives a nice performance at home. Fondly known as the Cornish, the Devon, or the Selkirk kittens, all these cats are friendly and entertaining due to their curly fur. Although they may need a little more attention and maintenance, then you have to secure the benefits that go along with it. Cats with curly hair are equally beautiful, distinctive pets, who love their masters with incredible tenderness and have an amazing coat.
Thus, abnormal patterns and textures of the coat are fascinating for the growing number of cat enthusiasts focused on exotic breeds, so the rate of curly-haired cats’ recognition is likely to increase. Due to both the attractive fur and friendly disposition, many people love these cats.
FAQs
Cats with curly hair are said to result from genetic mutations that affect hair follicle shape and size. Several mutations work in giving curls in different breeds of the cat; the Cornish Rex which is from a recessive gene, and the Selkirk Rex which is from a dominant gene. Some of these mutations alter this expression and the hair strands grow in corkscrews or loops instead of straight fur.
Well yes, I believe it is true that cats with curly hair mostly demand more attention than cats with straight hair. Some of the cats, for example, Cornish Rex have short fur. It does not need regular grooming while others, Selkirk rexes have fluffy fur that tends to tangle if not well groomed. Just like any other part of a dog, the curls are also sensitive and can be harshly taken by regular brushing, recommended using a soft brush while brushing the hair of such curled breeds.
Although no breed of cats is hypoallergenic. There are some less hairy breeds. They are seen to be more acceptable for people with allergies for instance the Cornish rex and the Devon rex. This is because these breeds do not shed as much as other cats might. According to some studies they produce less of these allergens. But each cat’s reaction may be different so it requires time to interact with the cat before taking it home.
