Cats are some of the world’s most loved animals. They provide comic relief in tense times and will snuggle with you when you are sad. They are incredibly self-centered and spiteful, but we couldn’t love them more. Tons of people prefer long-haired cats like the Persian and Maine Coon, but what about the oddball “rex cats” with barely-there curly hair and whiskers that look as if they’ve been burnt? Let’s take a look at some of the cutest curly-haired felines here.
What Exactly is a Curly-Haired Cat?
Curly-haired cats exist because of a common genetic mutation also seen in a few other types of animals, including rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, horses, dogs, and mice. The rex gene mutation results in fine, soft, curly hair woven close to the skin. Most of the time, the rex mutation shows up randomly, and it is difficult to nail down and pair cats together in the hopes of accuracy with the kittens. It doesn’t always happen, though.
Rex rats, hamsters, mice, and guinea pigs are common amongst certifiable breeders. They can create new generations by breeding two rex cats, one rex cat, and one short-haired cat. The kittens will likely be a mixture of both. There can be one rex in litters, and the rest are typical. Because of this, rex animals go for a higher price than your average.
Some rex varieties naturally occur in certain breeds of cats, like the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and Selkirk Rex. The Cat Fanciers Association recognizes these three types of naturally occurring rex cats as the only cats of this variety.
Cornish Rex Cat
Size
8 – 12 inches tall and 12 – 17 inches long
Weight
6 – 10 pounds
Appearance
Cornish rex cats are the breed people are most familiar with, apart from curly-haired cats. They are adorable and have super soft fur, like a rabbit. The cats are slender, have long muscular legs, tight curls close to their skin, and large prominent ears that go along with their alien-like angular faces. They must be kept indoors because they can easily freeze to death since they only have the top layer of fur and one undercoat. Most cats have guard hairs and two undercoats. Their coat is more like a thin jacket on the Cornish Rex, at best. They can be found in all colors and patterns.
Behavior
These silly-looking cats remain kitten-like for their whole lives. Cornish Rex cats are loving and affectionate. They get along great with kids who play gently. They are more of a lap cat than many other breeds. Cornish Rex cats are energetic, playful, and smart. Some people take their Cornish Rex cats for leashed walks or purchase them a cat wheel to help them burn through their energy.
Health
Cornish Rex cats are relatively healthy and encounter many health issues or diseases. Genetically, they are predisposed to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Due to their lack of fur, they frequently have skin issues and require regular baths to keep them from becoming greasy. The Cornish Rex commonly has dry skin and skin yeast infections.
Lifespan
11 – 15 years
Fun Facts
- Cornish Rex cats are the fastest domesticated cats.
- Cornish Rex cats smell like cheese because of the scent glands on their paw pads and tiny fur.
- The first Cornish Rex, a cream-colored male named Kallibunker, was found in Cornwell, UK, in 1950.
- The term “rex” means king and was first listed by King Albert I of Belgium as the cat’s name in a cat show.
- They are hypoallergenic, though some people with especially severe allergies may still be affected by their fur and dander.
Selkirk Rex Cat
Size
9 – 11 inches tall and 12 – 15 inches long
Weight
6 – 16 pounds
Appearance
The Selkirk Rex cats are similar to the Devon and Cornish Rex cats but come from a completely different place and are unrelated to the other two rex breeds. They are native to Montana, not the UK. The Selkirk Rex looks bigger and sturdier than the Cornish and Devon Rex. They have silky, curly fur that can be either long or short but completely covers the cat, unlike the Cornish or Devon Rex fur. Because the gene mutation is slightly different and incomplete, the fur on the Selkirk Rex is much thicker than that of the other rex cat breeds. They have round heads and large eyes.
Behavior
The Selkirk Rex cats can have various personalities depending on what type of cat they are mixed with. They are laid-back, loving, playful, and patient. Like any animal or person, each individual has its personality quirks.
Health
Proper head structure during breeding is important because the Selkirk Rex is predisposed to have twisted tear ducts that do not function properly, which can cause itchy skin. The Selkirk Rex can also have Polycystic Kidney Disease from Persians and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy like typical domesticated short-haired cats because whatever type of cat they breed may be predisposed to certain conditions and diseases.
Lifespan
15 – 20 years
Fun Fact
Selkirk Rex cats have thick fur and shed quite a bit, so they are not a good choice for those with allergies.
Devon Rex Cat
Size
10 – 12 inches tall and 15 -18 inches long
Weight
6 – 9 pounds
Appearance
Devon Rex cats are adorable with their slender bodies, barely there fur, huge ears, and enormous communicative eyes. Many believe them to be the cutest of the Rex cats. As far as fur goes, the Devon Rex has less fur than the Cornish Rex and appears to be unkept or nappy, which just adds to their charm. Unlike the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex has three layers of fur: guard hair, awn hair, and down hair, yet they appear to have less fur.
Devon Rex cats have wide, sharply angular faces, huge triangle ears that sit low on their heads, slightly upturned noses, and comically large toe beans. Like the other Rex, their whiskers are curly. These cute kitties come in all patterns and colors.
Behavior
Some compare Devon Rex’s personality to being a part cat, monkey, and dog. They are extremely playful, friendly, and loyal. They are also constantly getting into mischief. Devon Rex cats love heights and are extra good at jumping. They can commonly be found on top of refrigerators, shelves, and other high places. Devon Rex cats are brilliant and can teach them tricks and walk on a leash. Exploring is one of their favorite things to do.
Health
Hip dysplasia, coagulopathy, patellar luxation, hereditary Myopathy, and heart disease are a few of the most common health issues Devon Rex cats face. Always check out the breeder before purchasing one of these cats. A quality breeder will know about these diseases in Devon Rex cats and be able to tell you what was tested for already and if the parents have any health issues.
Lifespan
9 – 15 years
Fun Fact
- The first Devon Rex cat was in 1960 from Buckfastleigh, Devon, UK.
- Devon Rex cats are also called pixie, alien, and poodle cats because of their unique appearance.
