8 Curly Haired Cat Breeds That Are Beyond Adorable

Before you go out and adopt your next feline friend, it’s essential to do your research. Not all cats are created equal – some have short hair, while others have long, curly locks. So if you’re looking for a kitty with a wild mane, read on for ten curly-haired cat breeds available today.

From the Tasman Manx to the Selkirk Rex, there’s sure to be a perfect fit for your family just waiting to be discovered. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring today!

Why Do Some Cats Have Curly Hair?

Genetics

The genetic factors that cause curly-haired breeds are complex and must be fully understood. Sometimes, this trait may be passed down from parents with similar wavy coats. In other cases, curly hair may be caused by recessive genes. The litter’s mother and father must pass on a gene to produce more curly-haired kittens.

In addition to inherited traits, certain breeds have been specifically bred over time to produce cats with curly coats. The American Curl is one example; these cats were bred from two longhaired domestic shorthairs with distinctive curls near their ears. Since then, they have been selectively bred to create consistent coat length and curl pattern results.

Curly haired cat

Environment

In addition to genetics, environmental factors can also influence the type of fur your cat has. For example, if your cat spends most of its time indoors or lives in an area with extreme weather conditions (cold winters or hot summers), it may develop curled or kinked fur as part of its natural adaptation process. Additionally, poor nutrition can lead to dryness and breakage in your cat’s coat, resulting in a curly appearance over time and increased shedding and dandruff problems.

Curly haired cat

8 Breeds of Curly Haired Cat

Tasman Manx

Appearance: The Tasman Manx is a medium-sized cat with a broad head, wide eyes, and large ears. Its most distinguishing feature is its curly coat, which comes in all colors and patterns; some cats have even been known to have two different colored eyes! It also has short legs with no tail that ends in a little puff of fur.

Personality: The Tasman Manx is known for being an active, social cat that loves attention from its owners. They are pretty intelligent and can be trained easily; however, they can be prone to mischievous behavior if not given enough mental stimulation. They are usually good with other animals but may only get along with other cats if introduced early.

Care Requirements: The Tasman Manx requires regular brushing and grooming due to its unique coat type; otherwise, matting will occur. This breed also needs plenty of exercises and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Since they do not have tails, they should be kept indoors, away from potential predators.

Curly haired cat

German Rex

Appearance: German Rex cats have soft, curly fur ranging from medium to short. They also have large, round eyes and ears set low on their heads. This breed’s two most common colors are black and white, but they can also be found in shades of orange, brown, gray, or silver.

Personality: German Rex cats are known for being quite active and playful. They enjoy lots of interactive playtimes as well as cuddling with their owners. In addition to being affectionate towards humans, these cats also tend to get along well with other animals in the house.

Care Requirements: As with any pet, it’s important to ensure your German Rex cat receives the proper care to stay healthy and happy. This includes regular veterinary visits (at least once a year), a nutritious diet tailored to your cat’s age and activity level, access to fresh water at all times, daily brushing sessions (either with your hands or a brush), regular nail trims and ear cleanings, plenty of exercise opportunities through interactive toys or walks outdoors (if possible), and regular grooming sessions if needed.

Curly haired cat

Ural Rex

Appearance: The Ural Rex stands out due to its eye-catching curly coat. It’s said that these cats look like they have just stepped out of the salon with their hairstyles! Their curly coats may range from short and wavy to longer and thicker curls – similar in length to a poodle’s fur. This breed’s color and pattern combinations can vary enormously – from black and white tuxedos to brown tabby tigers. Additionally, all cats have a distinctive facial structure, including large eyes that give them an almost human-like expression.

Personality Traits: Ural Rex cats are incredibly social creatures that enjoy spending time with their owners and other animals in the home. They are also quite playful and curious, so be prepared for lots of mischiefs if you choose this breed! Another distinguishing trait is their tendency towards vocalization – they will often meow or purr loudly when they want something or feel happy. Lastly, due to their curious nature, they should always be kept indoors or in a safe outdoor enclosure where they cannot wander off alone.

Care Requirements: Given their unique coats, Ural Rex cats require more intensive grooming than other breeds. Regular brushing is essential as it helps keep their fur soft and healthy while preventing tangles or mats from forming.

Trimming nails once per month will also help reduce potential damage caused by scratching furniture or carpets around your home. Lastly, ensure your pet has access to fresh water and a healthy diet filled with high-quality proteins and vitamins explicitly tailored for cats (avoid giving them anything sweet).

Curly haired cat

Oregon Rex

Appearance: The Oregon Rex has a unique appearance that sets them apart from the rest of the crowd. They have short fur that is slightly curled, ranging from brown to grey,, tabby, or even black. Their faces are often triangular-shaped, giving them an exotic appearance, and their eyes are usually large and almond-shaped. Their head is also quite large in comparison to their body size.

Personality: These cats love to be around people and will want to sit on your lap or follow you around while you do your daily tasks. They are also very playful, so they will be more than happy to play with any toys you give them! They also love to explore new places so make sure you provide them with plenty of stimulation in the form of scratching posts, tunnels, or even other pets if possible!

Care Requirements: Since this breed has short hair, it does not need much grooming attention besides brushing once a week. However, like any other pet, they will need regular vet visits for vaccinations, checkups, and dental care when needed. They also need lots of exercises as they tend to get bored quickly if they don’t have something to do all day!

Curly haired cat

Laperme

Appearance: LaPerms have soft, wavy fur in various colors and patterns. The cats can be either long or short-haired, with the longhaired version having extra fur around the neck and chest resembling a lion’s mane. All LaPerms have large ears, slender faces, and bright eyes that come in shades of blue, green, yellow, and orange. They also have a curious expression which gives them a mischievous look.

Personality: The LaPerm is an intelligent breed with an outgoing personality. They are known to be curious and active cats who love exploring their surroundings. They are very social animals who get along well with humans and other pets. LaPerms can also be quite vocal; they will “talk” when they want attention or food!

Care Requirements: Since the LaPerm has naturally curly fur, these cats don’t require much grooming – just occasional brushing to keep their coats looking healthy and shiny. As with all cats, regular vet checkups are important for keeping them healthy; vaccinations should be kept up-to-date according to your vet’s recommendations. Additionally, LaPerms should always have access to fresh water and a high-quality diet tailored to their age and activity level.

Curly haired cat

Devon Rex

Appearance: The most recognizable feature of the Devon Rex is its curly coat. Its fur is short, soft, and fine, with a low density that requires little grooming. The Devon Rex can come in many colors, such as black, white, gray, brown tabby, red tabby, calico tabby, or even blue-eyed white (Piebald). In addition, its eyes can range from amber to green in color. All of these variations make each Devon Rex very unique in appearance.

Personality: Devon Rex cats are known for being active and social cats who love to be around people. They have an independent streak but are still loyal companions who always greet you when you come home from work or school. They have an inquisitive nature and love to explore new things or engage in playtime with their owners. They also get along well with other pets if introduced properly and socialized early on.

Care Requirements: Due to their delicate coats and sensitive skin, it’s important to take care when brushing them as they may become easily irritated by stiff brushes or combs. It’s also important to keep up on regular vet visits since they can be prone to specific health issues like congenital heart disease or kidney problems due to their genetic makeup. A balanced diet for cats and plenty of playtime activities are recommended to keep them physically fit while stimulating their minds simultaneously!

Curly haired cat

Cornish Rex

Appearance: The most distinguishing feature of the Cornish Rex breed is its curly coat. Though it isn’t as dense as other cats’ coats, it’s still soft and silky. The fur is also fine in texture with a wavy or rippled pattern. This breed comes in various colors and patterns like solid black/brown/white/gray; bi-color such as black and white; tabby; tortoiseshell; calico; blue-cream; chocolate; lavender; cinnamon; fawn and silver shaded (smoke). In addition, they have large ears that taper to a point at the top, giving them an elf-like appearance. As far as size goes, they usually stay under 10 lbs when fully grown.

Personality: If one thing defines the Cornish Rex’s personality, it’s energy! These cats are incredibly active and curious—they love exploring every nook and cranny in your home—and they will often show off their athleticism by jumping onto high surfaces or chasing after toys with wild abandon.

They are also extremely affectionate with their humans—they will often follow you around just so they can get your attention—and they are very social creatures that thrive in households with multiple pets.

Care Requirements: Since this breed has a unique coat type, it requires extra care compared to other cats’ coats. To ensure your Cornish Rex stays healthy and happy, weekly brushings are necessary to remove dead hair from its coat.

Additionally, if you live in a colder climate, you should invest in some cat clothes for your pet since its thin coat won’t provide adequate protection against freezing temperatures. Lastly, ensure your pet gets plenty of exercises to burn off all that excess energy! It’s important to note that this breed should not be kept outdoors due to its thin coat type–it needs protection from both cold temperatures & predators, which only an indoor environment can provide properly!

Curly haired cat

Selkirk Rex

Appearance: The Selkirk Rex is known for its highly curly fur coat that comes in many different colors and patterns. Its eyes can range from blue to green to yellow or gold, while its nose is usually pinkish or reddish. In addition, the Selkirk Rex has a round face with short ears and legs, giving it an even more adorable appearance.

Personality: This breed is known for its loving and gentle nature. They love to be around people and follow their owners around the house like a puppy! However, they also have a playful streak, so if you are looking for an active cat that loves to play, this is one of your best bets.

Care Requirements: Like all cats, the Selkirk Rex requires regular grooming sessions to keep its coat healthy and free from tangles. You should brush your kitty at least once or twice per week using a soft brush or comb suitable for use on their curly fur. Additionally, ensure they have access to plenty of food and water throughout the day and scratching posts and toys to help keep them entertained. Lastly, it’s important to provide your cat with regular veterinary visits, so they stay up-to-date on vaccinations and other necessary treatments.

Curly haired cat

What Breed of Cat Has Curly Belly Fur?

Both the Devon Rex and the Cornish Rex cats have curly belly fur. These two breeds are almost identical in their physical characteristics. They both have large ears, almond-shaped eyes, and the trademark curly coat. The main difference is that the Devon Rex originated in England while the Cornish Rex originated from Cornwall (hence the names).

Another cat breed with curly belly fur is the Sphynx—also known as the Canadian Hairless Cat or just “the hairless cat” for short. While its name might imply otherwise, Sphynx cats have some hair—just not very much! Instead, they have a soft downy coat all over their bodies, including their bellies which can be particularly curly in some cases.

How Much is a Curly Hair Cat?

The cost of adopting a curly hair cat will vary depending on the breed and where you adopt from. Generally speaking, purebred cats will be more expensive than mixed-breed cats because they have been selectively bred for desirable traits. On average, purebred rex cats can cost anywhere from $1000-$1500 from reputable breeders or rescue organizations. In addition to adoption fees, there will be additional costs for buying supplies such as food, litter boxes, toys, and bedding for your new pet.

Where Can I Buy Curly Hair Cat?

The first step in finding your curly hair cat is deciding whether to adopt or buy from a breeder. Adopting a curly hair cat is the most humane option and can save money since adoption fees are usually lower than buying from a breeder. However, if you buy from a breeder, ensure they are reputable and have good reviews. Additionally, make sure that your chosen breeder has all of their required licensing before committing to purchase any cats.

What Should I Look For in My Curly Hair Cat?

When selecting your curly hair cat, look for healthy signs such as bright eyes, clean ears, and clear fur. Also, pay attention to the animals’ demeanor; look for an alert but friendly attitude rather than a timid or aggressive one. When interacting with curly-haired kittens or cats at the adoption center or breeder’s facility, please pay attention to how they respond. If they seem skittish around people or scared of loud noises, there may be better matches for you and your family. Finally, inquire about any known health issues before making your final decision.

Final Thoughts

Overall, curly-haired cats such as the Selkirk Rex make wonderful pets for individuals and families alike. With their endearing personalities, loyalty to their owners, and playful natures, these cats can bring great joy into your home. However, it’s important to remember that all cats require regular grooming, exercise, and veterinary care to stay healthy and properly socialized. Nevertheless, with the right amount of love and care, a curly-haired cat can make an excellent pet for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

ARE CURLY CATS RARE?

Curly-haired cats are not ordinary, but they do exist. Four known breeds have this trait, and one of them is the curly cat breed called Rex.

HOW MUCH IS A CURLY HAIR CAT?

The curly-haired cat is perfect if you’re looking for an unusual pet. However, expect to pay between $1K and 1500 dollars.

DO CURLY HAIR CATS SHED?

Cats with curly hair are usually low-maintenance because they don’t shed or cause as much damage to your house and furniture. They also have quizzical eyebrows (the kind that looks like you’re always asking questions), which is perfect for people who want a pet but can’t take care of one themselves.

HOW COMMON ARE CURLY-HAIRED CATS?

Curly-haired cats are rare, but they exist. They’re only produced from a particular genetic mutation that expresses the curly hair gene—and as of today, there are just four breeds who have this kind of cat: LaPerm Cats; Selkirk Rexes (a type hybridized between American curl and Devonshire), Devon Reguses (from England) & Cornish rexes.