Cat breeds with curly hair - list, characteristics and photos

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The world of domestic cats is so diverse and beautiful that one can only be amazed at the beauty and uniqueness of purrs. Curly-haired cats, unusual in their uniqueness, deserve special admiration.

. To the eye of a person uninitiated in the issues of felinology, it seems that cats can only have a smooth coat. However, curly-haired pets are no longer a fiction - they have managed to prove their right to exist among other purebred animals.

The vast majority of cat breeds with curly hair are called "Rex". Translated from Latin it means “king”. But there is another meaning - “curly hair”, which is what formed the basis for the name of these unusual cats. Their appearance first became known in the 19th century. However, at that time there was no interest in such animals; moreover, they were considered sick and imperfect creatures. But still, curly-haired cuties have not disappeared from the face of the Earth. Thanks to spontaneous natural processes, kittens with wavy fur continued to be born periodically.

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Their new life and wave of popularity began in the second half of the twentieth century, when breeders paid attention to them. It turned out that fur curls are caused by a mutated gene. At the same time, different representatives in different regions have their own gene for curly hair. This explains the fact that when different lines of cats with curled fur are crossed, straight-haired kittens are born. Genetics of curly cat breeds

has not yet been fully clarified; experts have yet to learn about all the secrets of cats with permanent perms. Today, there are both recognized types of cats with wavy hair, and those that are only on the way to official success.

Cornish Rex

One of the oldest breeds of curly-haired cats appeared in 1950, and 17 years later, felinologists officially approved its standard and registered it. When breeding this variety, breeders used mating with Siamese and outbred pets, as a result of which they managed to achieve stable characteristics.

Cornish Rex cats have an elongated muzzle and large ears like a sphinx. The fur coat of these cats resembles astrakhan fur. These properties are due to the soft short undercoat and the almost complete absence of main hair.

Cute handsome men have an easy-going character and high intelligence. They love people very much and are ready to spend a lot of time in their arms. Curly-haired handsome men get along well in families where they are willing to pay a lot of attention. They are always obedient, easy to train and readily perform simple tricks.

Psychological picture

Selkirk Rex is a wonderful breed of companion cats, friendly and sociable, loving human company and fun outdoor games. They are very patient and gentle, treat all members of the family in which they live well, do not conflict with pets, and live peacefully. Selkirks value communication with their owner most of all, they cannot live without it, and they become very attached to the owner, therefore it is strongly recommended not to leave Selkirk Rexes alone during the long absence of the owner. These cats love to be the center of attention, they really love sitting in the arms of the owner, hugging and scratching behind the ear.

Devon Rex

The kitten that gave rise to this species was found in the English county of Devonshire in 1960. Outwardly, these pets resemble another breed of curly-haired cats - the Cornish Rex. However, they are distinguished by their characteristic features.

Devon Rex cats have a rather graceful body and an unusual flat head on which large ears are located. The look is completed by slightly slanted eyes and a slightly snub nose. Their fur is soft and pleasant to the touch, but it is worth noting that there are very few guard hairs. One of the positive features of this breed of Rex cats is their reduced allergenicity.

Little elves, as Devon Rexes are sometimes called, are very active and love to play. In addition, they are easy to train - these cats, like dogs, are able to carry out the owner’s commands.

Appearance

Devon Rexes are relatively small, the weight of adult cats is 3.5-4.5 kg, and females - 2.3-3.2 kg. But despite their fragile appearance, they are agile, strong, highly muscular animals that use their long legs for quick starts, sharp turns and enviable high jumps. The head of Devons is large, wedge-shaped, the ears are large and set high. The eyes are expressive oval.

Wool comes in different variations: from light ripples to large rings. The hair is soft and thin. Molting is very weak. There is an opinion that the breed is hypoallergenic, but this is not true. Devons can cause allergies, it just happens much less frequently.

German Rex

The origin story of this curly cat began in East Prussia before World War II. It was there that an Angora cat and a blue cat gave birth to unusual kittens with curls. The German Rex breed standard was finally developed only in the 70s.

Today this is one of the most popular varieties. Its representatives are distinguished by a round head with a slightly protruding muzzle. The ears of German cats are of medium size and not as mobile as those of other cats. Short hair is very delicate and soft. The greatest number of curls is observed on the back of animals.

Once in the house, these purrs very quickly accept the rules of behavior in it and also quickly find a common language with all family members. Their sociability, activity and playfulness are organically combined with musicality. Pleasant talkativeness is one of the characteristics of the breed.

British Longhair

At first glance, it is difficult to imagine a British dog with long hair. The strong, harmonious body and thick, plush coat are magnificent and do not need improvement. Who even thought of breeding long-haired Britons and could such a breed have its own “face”?

Yes, no one - it’s just that Persians were involved in the selection of short-haired British. And since the gene for long hair is recessive, the birth of long-haired kittens from short-haired parents was a common and very unpleasant phenomenon, which is called breed marriage. In the end, enthusiasts decided to form a standard for a new breed, after some time it was recognized and gained supporters.

Oregon Rex

This extremely rare breed of Rex cat is considered almost extinct in the world. Appearing in the mid-twentieth century, more precisely in 1944, it was popular for some time in the United States of America. But individuals of this curly breed began to be mixed with cats of other Rex cats - Cornish and Devon. As a result, the Oregonian traits began to dissolve. The last purebred cat of this variety died in 1972. Today, cats with characteristics of the Oregon Rex breed exist, but their number is extremely small on the planet.

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The body of these cats is similar to the American Shorthair. But they are distinguished by the quality of their coat: it is shorter than that of their German counterpart or the Cornish Rex. The guard hairs are not very dense and are noticeably longer than the undercoat. The curly-haired Oregon cat breed also stands out for its gentle character. This cat is an affectionate and gentle friend, especially for kids.

Head

Small, shaped like an egg, with soft curves in front and profile. The nose is Roman, one third of the length of the head. There should be a clearly marked depression in the mustache area.

The eye color must match the coat color. Representatives of the Siamese color are allowed only blue eyes. High cheekbones are well defined and the chin is well developed.

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Laperm

These unusual pets can be fully called magnificent. Standing out among other curly-haired cats due to their large size, Lapermas captivate with their beauty. Long-haired pets have wavy hair, and short-haired ones are decorated with curls - enticing hair. Behind the ears and on the chest, the hair curls into rings, and along the rest of the body the curl is random.

An interesting feature of this breed of astrakhan cat is that kittens can be born with straight hair or even without it at all. By about one year of age, cats acquire characteristic curls. Another pleasant feature is the hypoallergenic nature of wool.

Beautiful Laperm cats captivate with their disposition. They are so loving that they do not leave anyone unattended and affectionate, including guests in the house. They express their feelings through loud purring and the desire to climb into their arms.

Caracals in the wild and history of domestication

The caracal's habitat is extensive. These are savannas, deserted steppes, deserts and foothills of Africa, deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, Asia Minor and Central Asia, the Middle East, and Southern Turkmenistan. Occasionally, caracals are found on the shores of the Caspian Sea, in Kyrgyzstan and the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan.

There are nine known subspecies that differ in size and color. Most of them (mostly African) are quite numerous, while the Turkmen caracal is listed as an endangered species in the Red Book.

How did the caracals manage to spread out like that? The caracal can be content with liquid from the prey it eats for quite a long time, and it is an excellent hunter. Powerful hind legs allow them to jump up to 4.5 meters, and sharp retractable claws allow them to catch not only rodents, but also birds and gazelle antelopes. However, the caracal does not like to run and first tracks the victim, and then attacks when the distance is reduced. To prevent competitors from encroaching on the prey, the caracal climbs with it into a low tree and eats it there.

Caracals are nocturnal predators. He will leave the lair during the day unless due to hunger or danger. Cats live in rock crevices, sometimes occupying empty holes of other animals.

Caracals have a very strong sense of territory. Caracals are loners, the cat allows “gentlemen” to visit her only during mating, and the kittens leave their mother at 3-4 months in search of their own “hunting grounds.” A cat gives birth to up to 6 kittens (usually three), and its life expectancy reaches 20 years.

It is easy to notice that the caracal’s habitat includes the borders of the most ancient human states - Babylon and Egypt. Here the tradition of training cats for hunting - cheetahs and caracals - arose. Both of these species are distinguished by trainability, obedience and loyalty to the owner. Thanks to its smaller size and unpretentiousness, the caracal has acquired a reputation as the “poor man's cheetah.” Today, hunting with caracals is more of an exotic pastime, but they are trained for protection or, as in South Africa, to scare away birds at airfields.

Bohemian rex

According to one version, the Bohemian Rex breed originates from the Cornish Rex. But these gorgeous cats also have a touch of Persian in their blood. Rare kittens first appeared in Czechoslovakia in 1981, and from that time selection work on their breed began.

A distinctive feature of the Bohemian line is the curly coat of long or medium length. It is especially chic around the neck and on the “pants”. There is no curl only on the face and ears. What is memorable in the appearance of cat cats is their very large, expressive eyes, the color of their fur.

Bohemian curly cats, with their powerful physique, display a very calm character. Friendliness, goodwill and peacefulness make these pets desirable in families with children, as well as in houses where other animals already live.

Character

The character of a caracal is largely determined by upbringing. Unlike other cats - with the possible exception of the cheetah - the caracal is highly trainable and recognizes the “rules of subordination” if the owner takes the time to instill them in the kitten at an early age. The caracal is a predator, and it is very important that in its manifestations the animal does not go beyond what is permitted. Caracals are not prone to mood swings and manifestations of anger - however, they are not prone to traditional manifestations of feline tenderness either. They are very curious, energetic and love to play. The owner’s task is to make sure that the manifestation of these traits does not become destructive, for example, he does not get into the habit of biting household members for fun or destroying furniture. In the first two years, the kitten can be quite emotional, this should be taken into account and patience and perseverance should be shown. The help of professionals will not be superfluous. Rudeness and punishment are contraindicated.

As in the wild, caracals jealously defend their territory. Even a well-bred animal marks it from time to time, and both cats and cats do this. Tolerant of intrusion by the owner and members of his family, he can react aggressively to strangers. The caracal is a strong animal, and it is not easy to cope with it.

Selkirk rex

Not long ago in 1987, non-standard kittens were discovered in the offspring of a Persian and a Rex with short hair. They served as the starting point for the development of the curly-haired Selkirk Rex breed. Despite the fact that the coat of the Selkirk, like other Rex cats, is wavy, these cats are unique. Their fur consists of three types of hairs: absolutely straight, slightly wavy and distinctly curly.

In appearance, the Selkirk Rex resembles a small sheep, their coat is so long and curly. Nature has awarded these individuals with changeable curly hair. It has been noticed that kittens are born with curls, then the hair on their body straightens, but by about 8-10 months it again acquires a natural curl.

This curly breed of cats has given the world many true domestic friends. Cats are not only cute and loving, but also do not lose their mischief and activity in adulthood.

The history of cats with curly hair

The exact time of the appearance of the first curly-haired kittens is unknown, since the unusual coat was initially mistaken for a disease and deliberately ignored. What is known is that nature itself is responsible for funny curls.

In the second half of the 19th century, unusual animals finally became interested, not by breeders, but by ordinary people. Thanks to experimental matings, they found that wavy fur is inherited only from curly parents. If at least one of them does not have it, then the gene responsible for hairs does not appear in the next offspring. This means it is recessive.

In addition to the recessiveness of the gene, the problem of modern breeding is complicated by extremely selective inheritance. The fact of having parents with a characteristic curl is not enough. As a result of their mating, not only curly-haired kittens are born, but also the most ordinary ones. Geneticists explain this by the presence of several mutant genes at once.

Skookum

Cute small cats were obtained by breeders as a result of mating laperms and munchkins. In addition to dwarfism, these curly-haired cats are distinguished by a beautiful collar. Some unique Skookums have short hair, some have long hair. In the latter case, the “permanent wave” is more pronounced. Looking at these babies, one cannot help but notice the wavy mustaches and eyebrows, which are mandatory according to the standard.

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Little curlies, as skookum is sometimes called, love to run, play and, unlike many other cats, swim in the water. Despite all their affection for their owners, they never make themselves known with a loud, intrusive voice. Skookum cats are unique among their furry cousins ​​for another reason - they don't shed. Although, despite this, combing is a mandatory weekly procedure for them.

Grooming Scottish Fold cats

Scottish Folds are one of the most popular purring breeds today. And it’s not surprising, because these cats not only have a relatively gentle disposition, but are also very cute. Moreover, unlike long-haired beauties, the short or medium-length fur of Scottish cats causes minimal discomfort to owners. And how soft and tender she is to the touch - you only have to stroke a little Scottish kitten once to fall in love with him once and for all.

To cut or not to cut – that is the question

If grooming dogs does not cause much controversy and bickering among their owners, then owners have ambivalent attitudes towards grooming cats. Do Scottish Fold cats really need to be cut? If yes, then why? And if not, then why? Let's take a closer look.

Cat fur is not only a source of pride, but also an important element for the animal’s heat exchange. Without fur, a kitty will simply freeze, even in the hot summer. Therefore, ideally, for a short haircut you need adequate reasons, such as:

• tangles;
• skin diseases;
• habitat;
• molting;
• owner's allergies;
• characteristics of the breed.

There is another important point - the delicacy of the haircut. Sometimes after grooming a cat can become depressed. Moreover, this is more often due not to the fact that she is deprived of her beloved pillow, but to the process itself. Therefore, you should entrust the haircut of your animal only to trusted professionals, such as the specialists of the Begemot grooming salon.

Types of cat haircuts

Depending on the purpose, the following types of cat haircuts are divided:

• hygienic – for skin diseases and tangles;
• classic – before exhibitions;
• model - at the request of the owners.

We have already dealt with hygienic haircuts. They are needed to rid your pussy of tangles, to free up the skin for applying ointments. You can also trim the kitty if the owner has become allergic to fur, and if the cat lives on the street and likes to collect fleas and ticks.

Classic haircuts are ordered at the grooming salon before exhibitions

But it is very important to understand that you cannot cut your hair immediately before the event, so it is better to consult with a professional in advance when you need a haircut for your Scottish Fold cat.

Model haircuts are not alien to modern groomers, because many Scottish Fold owners love to turn their furry pets into whimsical and glamorous characters.

Fashionable haircuts for Scottish Folds

Do you want your cat to look unusual? Then it's time to change the image of an impressive Scot. The grooming salon will offer you a variety of fashionable haircuts, such as:

• under the lion;
• Puss in Boots;
• under a dinosaur or "dragon";
• glamor with paint;
• "puma" etc.

To cut your cat's hair or not to cut it unnecessarily? It's up to you to decide, but one thing you can be sure of is that by contacting the Behemoth grooming salon, the haircut of your Scottish Fold will be done as carefully and delicately as possible.

Groomers' tips for caring for cats

Let's not hide it - Scottish cats, like other breeds, do not like to have their hair cut at all, as well as bathing or combing their fur during shedding. And only a qualified master can cope with this task with a minimum level of stress for the animal.

Before you decide to cut an animal without good reason, you should understand that it can not only cause moral damage to the cat, but also change the structure and shade of the coat. All this happens on an individual basis and is impossible to predict.

Although many cats are quite tolerant of grooming. And if you start grooming a kitten, then over time a certain model of behavior is developed. Have you watched a video where cats love to swim? So, some of the purrs treat haircuts just as indulgently, of course, with the right approach.

At the Begemot salon, only specialized tools and proven cosmetics for hair care are used to cut Scottish cats. You can pre-register for Scottish grooming by phone or online on our website. We will take care of your pets.

Ural rex

Aboriginal curly-haired cats were first recorded in the Urals in the 40s of the 20th century. Their appearance is associated exclusively with natural processes. Once in the hands of breeders, the new line of cats was only brought to perfection through intrabreeding. The genetics of animals is so stable that they do not have hereditary anomalies.

Muscular and slender, Ural Rex cats are distinguished from others by their silky medium-length coat, which curls in beautiful waves and curls throughout the body. All representatives of the breed are distinguished by a small mane and a tail covered with curls.

Cats of this breed are distinguished by a gentle character and a trusting attitude towards people. They readily go into the arms of even strangers and willingly join in the play with children.

Features of care and maintenance of curly-haired cat breeds

Despite its original appearance, a cat with wavy hair is practically no different from a regular one in terms of care. She does not have genetic diseases, so the recommendations for her feeding, vaccination and anti-parasitic treatment correspond to the general ones.

Among the specific features of the breed, one can highlight only a tendency to quickly get dirty and poor frost resistance. The short length of the curls prevents the uniform distribution of sebum and promotes intense heat transfer. Both of these are similar to the “curly hair” and the sphinx. To maintain a neat appearance, animals are bathed when they get dirty, and warm sweaters and heaters are bought for them to protect them from the cold.

Curly-haired cats are also united by their sociability and friendly nature. They do not tolerate loneliness well and strive to always be close to their owner, climbing onto their laps and shoulders. For this reason, they should not be owned by busy people who are constantly missing at work.

What to pay attention to

Kittens are born with pronounced curly hair, it straightens with age, and by the age of 2 it finally matures and takes on the appropriate appearance. If a kitten is sold during the period of baby fur change, then curls may be absent. The twisted vibrissae indicate that it belongs to the “curly” group.

Kittens should be well-fed, active, cheerful and playful. The appearance should not have any flaws or signs of pathology. Clear, clean eyes, no discharge from the nose, and fresh breath indicate internal health. In the nursery, the breeder is obliged to familiarize the buyer with the existing shortcomings.

Health specifics

Cornish Rex cats live a long time. The maximum age is 20 years, and on average they live about 15 years. This breed has not yet been spoiled by genetic diseases, which speaks of the literacy and conscientiousness of the majority of breeders, who maintain wonderful health and strong immunity in their charges.

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But this does not mean that the health of a curly-haired feline is not worth taking care of. Absolutely all cats are afraid of drafts, and the Cornish Rex is no exception.

To avoid cystitis or tracheitis, try to keep your pet warm. The only weakness of the breed is hypersensitivity to anesthetics. Even the most harmless, at first glance, drugs can cause an unexpected severe reaction.

Do not hesitate to remind your veterinarian about this once again to avoid tragic consequences, and, of course, do not give any medications yourself.

Advice for potential owners

If you decide to become a new parent to a curly-haired animal, you need to know how to care for and raise your pet.

• The cat must eat properly. The owner needs to include the necessary nutrients in the cat's diet to keep the pet healthy.
• An active lifestyle is important for your pet to prevent obesity. Think of games to play with your cat. You can also make homemade toys.
• It is necessary to take care of the fur so that tufts do not form. It is advisable to purchase a special brush made of natural bristles. Twice a month you need to bathe the animal with a special shampoo for curly-haired cats.
• Be prepared in advance for the fact that your pet will need to pay a lot of attention. Curly-haired cats are very loving and quickly get used to their owners. They need to be played with, petted and hugged.

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Tibetan

A cat named Llama, brought by Mrs. McLaren Morrison from Tibet, is the earliest known curly-haired cat. The London Evening Standard, October 19, 1892, writes: “A unique specimen from Tibet, which was the first ever exhibited. This animal is black in color, with curly hair that looks more like hair than fur. The Illustrated London News of October 22, 1892, gives the following description: “The only entirely new phenomenon at the exhibition was a cat, which was imported from Tibet. She is small, black, with curly fur, very similar to the short hair of a Negro.”

Mrs. McLaren Morrison collected unusual cats. The llama had no recorded curly descendants . Perhaps she never gave birth or her offspring were straight-haired. At the time, cat breeders did not understand recessive traits and that backcrossing could restore them.

Diseases

This breed has no genetic pathologies, however, hereditary diseases are also not noted. But representatives of this breed are not immune from ordinary cat diseases. Therefore, be sure to give your animal all important vaccinations and anti-worm medications.

Rabies, calcivirosis, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, chlamydia, peritonitis (infectious), microsporia and trichophytosis are the main and most common diseases that cause animals a lot of suffering and often lead to death. Vaccinations against them are done once a year, and deworming is carried out beforehand. High-quality vaccines: “Nobivak”, “Quadricat”, “Leukorifelin”, “Fel-o-vax”, “Multifel”.

Laperms have one peculiarity: fleas, once on their skin, often provoke the development of allergies. Therefore, regularly examine your pet and if you notice insects, immediately begin treating it with special preparations. Otherwise, the situation will only get worse.

Buying a kitten

You should not buy a kitten that has not reached three months of age.

It is necessary to purchase a pet from specialized nurseries. The breeder is obliged to issue the following documents to the new owners:

• pedigree, which contains information about both parents of the kitten;
• veterinary passport, which indicates the name, date of birth, breed of the animal and vaccinations given.

When choosing a baby, you need to pay attention to his appearance and behavior. A healthy kitten should look like this:

• looks like a teddy bear;
• the exterior meets the standard;
• ears and eyes are clean;
• hair without bald spots, clean and not tangled;
• behavior is active and friendly.

The average price for a kitten is about 25 thousand rubles. The cost depends on the prestige of the nursery, the gender and class of the animal, the purity of the breed lines and the presence of a pedigree.