Cats are some of the most popular pets in the United States. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, with various patterns and lengths of fur. But there’s one type that is not as common: curly-haired cats. They have very unique coats which can be long or short, depending on their ancestry. Their fur may appear to be wavy or tight curls, but it will always form distinct locks no matter how hard you try to brush them straight! The internet has been taken by storm by these curly-haired cats… and people just can’t handle the cuteness. See for yourself!
The breed Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is a genetic variation that results in soft, curly, or wavy hair – was declared an official breed in 2012. “Selkirk Rex is a medium-sized cat with a broad and round head. Its curly hair covers the cat’s entire body but is usually more pronounced in the neck and tail. The curly hair, however, appears at birth, straightens naturally, and then reappears when the cat is between eight and ten months old. This plush and silky coat will then mature when the cat turns two. This breed also has long or short-haired cats, unlike the other Rex cats,” via petmd.
The Selkirk originated in Montana, where the first known cat of this type was born in 1987, one of a litter of six kittens found in an animal shelter. The cat was curly-coated, so she stood out from the rest of her litter. Due to this distinct feature, a Persian breeder named Jeri Newman decided to adopt her and give her a home.
Newman named her Miss DePesto and, out of curiosity, bred her when she was grown to a black Persian. Of the six kittens Miss DePesto produced, three had curly coats, indicating that the gene for the characteristic was dominant. That was not the case with the Cornish or Devon Rexes, which owe their wavy coats to a recessive gene. She also carried genes for long hair and a pointed coat, and both traits made an appearance in her descendants.
Aside from uniquely being named for a person, the Selkirk breed is also unique in having two hair types on its body. Newman called this new breed after her stepfather. She added Rex to indicate that the coat was curly.
These cats are very generous with their love. They are playful and curious and will follow around the house wanting to be noticed. They love people and hate to be left alone. These cats are patient, loving, and tolerant.
Looking for a new pet to add to your family? Curly-haired cats might just be what you need!