The purr-fect perm: Curly-haired cat breeds

What does the image of curly-haired cat breeds conjure for you? A kitty with a fabulous perm? Well, you’re not far off! Cat breeds with curly hair are a relatively recent addition to the cat world, but they are already becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Cats with wavy hair are some of the most companionable and loyal pets out there, so we’ve done our research to find out a little bit more about the beautiful bouffant babies.

Where do curly-haired cats come from?

The phrase ‘genetic mutation’ often sounds like something from a sci-fi horror movie. In actual fact, it’s because of genetic mutations that we sometimes end up with some rather beautiful natural changes. This includes the curly-haired cat! These adorable fuzz-balls have been around since the 1950s and appear to be here to stay.

Each of our curly-haired cat breeds has a slightly different origin story, but all come from a spontaneous occurrence in nature. What’s more, curly fur can be found on both short and long-haired kitties. Let’s take a close look… 

Curly-haired cat breeds

Cornish Rex

Like their hairless Sphynx cousins, the Cornish Rex has a distinct appearance with their little heads and large ears. But, unlike the Sphynx, they are covered in curly hair. The first genetic mutation of this breed appears in the 1950s in the south-west of England in the county of Cornwall.

Rather than being a ball of fuzz, the Cornish Rex has a coat with rows of silky, velvety curls that are delightful to stroke. Their slender, gangly bodies are agile and elegant, and who can say no to those big baby-doll eyes?

Devon Rex

Like the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex originated from the English southwest, this time from the neighboring county of Devon. The origins of this curly-haired cat breed are not known as the first kittens appeared from a litter of a stray down in Cornwall around the 1950s. Perhaps a Corish Rex relative was on a leisurely summer holiday!

They have a smaller, more triangular-shaped face than the Cornish Rex and are also considered to be even more human-orientated. They are lap and velcro cats, ideal for indoor situations and homes where their pet parent is most often around.

Selkirk Rex cats

Now for the long-haired curly cats! Selkirk Rex cats can be found with short fur (and are often compared to looking and feeling like lambs!), but they’re most well-known for their gorgeously curly long locks. Like their Persian ancestors, these guys have a sweet smushed face and very calm temperaments. While their floof looks high maintenance to maintain, matting can easily be avoided with regular brushing a few times a week. And the curls, well, they’re all-natural, honey!

LaPerm cats

Finally, the curly-haired cat breed with possibly the most appropriately appointed name: LePerm cats. Like Selkirk Rex cats, these purr-babies have been blessed with both soft wavy fur and lusciously lengthy locks. Their pointed, angular faces look more like that of a Turkish Angora or domestic cat, except it’s surrounded by a completely natural perm. Similar to the Selkirk Rex these fluffs need to be brushed at least three times a week and have the relaxed, laid-back attitude of a cat that knows it’ll instantly be adored. 

Are you the proud pet parent of a curly-haired cat breed? Do you have any tips on how to care for these curly cuties? Or did we miss a particular breed from our list? Well, let us know on our Community Forum - connect with other pet people to share your wisdom and find other feline fanatics to cat chat with. Why not take it one step further? Check out our different membership plans and join our global pet-loving community full-time.