5 Curly-Haired Cat Breeds That Look Like They Just Left the Hair Salon

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These cats look like they fell asleep on a curling iron and somehow pulled it off. From tight little ringlets to full-on fluff explosions, these curly-haired cat breeds are serving salon realness 24/7.

There’s a rare genetic twist behind those curls, and each breed has its own flavor of fabulous. These curly cuties are about to blow your mind (and maybe make you jealous of their volume). So, get ready to meet the felines that combine perm and personality.

These Curly-Haired Cats Are Real

If you thought cats only came in “fluffy” or “sleek,” think again. Curly-haired cats exist thanks to a mutation that messes with their hair follicles, and the results are downright magical.

Some breeds, like the Cornish Rex, have fine, short curls with super-soft fur that feels like velvet. Others, like the Selkirk Rex, with their thick, dense coat, look like they rolled in static and decided to make it a lifestyle.

Top 5 Curly Hair Cat Breeds

Not all curls are created equal, and neither are the cats rocking them. These five curly-haired cat breeds bring the volume, the drama, and their weird little personalities to match their wild coats.

The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) only recognize four curly-haired cat breeds as official, pedigreed royalty:

1. LaPerm
2. Selkirk Rex
3. Cornish Rex
4. Devon Rex

These are the big-league curlers; they’ve got American breed standards, cat show appearances, and fan clubs. But then there’s the fifth feline, the German Rex…

They’ve got the curls, the charm, the history, but not the American paperwork (yet). The German Rex is not recognized by CFA or TICA, but they are recognized by the International Cat Federation (FÊdÊration Internationale FÊline, or FIFe).

So while they’re not “official” in the U.S., they’re legit on the global curl scene, and ironically, the first curly cat breed (that we know of) to be discovered. So, without further ado, let’s get started on the curliest cats in town.

1. LaPerm

Like a walking perm with a heart of gold, the LaPerm is equal parts spiral curls and snuggle energy.

Back in 1982, on a quiet farm in Oregon, something weird happened: A kitten was born completely bald. No fuzz, no fluff, nothing. She didn’t look like any of her six littermates. But a few months later, this little oddball (named “Curly,” obviously) surprised everyone by growing in a full coat of soft, wavy fur.

Over the next decade, Curly’s curls spread like a fashion trend through the local barn cat population. More and more kittens showed up rocking that same unique texture. That’s when the farm owner realized: this wasn’t a fluke. This was a new curly-haired cat breed in the making.

The LaPerm breed is a medium-sized furball that can have long or short hair, from wavy to tight ringlets and long, corkscrew curls. This breed comes in a variety of colors and coat patterns.

Some LaPerms are born hairless, but most begin with hair, only to lose their coat at around two weeks and slowly grow into their final curly coat during the next four months.

2. Selkirk Rex

The teddy bear of the cat world: fluffy, calm, and always ready for a lazy couch day (with attitude).

In 1987, a curly-coated housecat named Miss DePesto was rescued from a Montana shelter, and her wild hair wasn’t the only thing that turned heads. She eventually crossed paths with breeder Jeri Newman, who paired her with a Persian.

The result? A litter of six kittens: three with fabulous curls, three with boring old straight hair. Thus, the Selkirk Rex was born, also known as a cat in sheep’s clothing.

Unlike other curly-haired breeds, the Selkirk didn’t come from a sleek or skinny bloodline. These cats are chunky, plush, and proud of it.

The Selkirk maintains the same coat throughout their life, whether long, short, wavy, curly, or straight. At birth, you can immediately distinguish a wavy-haired kitten from a straight-haired littermate based on their curly whiskers.

3. Cornish Rex

All noodle, no chill, the Cornish Rex is a sleek, high-speed cuddle machine wrapped in velvet.

Back in the 1950s, in Cornwall, England, a cream-colored kitten named Kallibunker was born with something unusual: tight, rippling curls. He didn’t just look different, he was different.

As he grew, Kallibunker developed a sleek, slender frame, oversized ears, a narrow face, and a whippy, long tail, basically the opposite of your average housecat.

To preserve those unique curls, he was bred back to his mom (hey, it was the ’50s), and his curly-coated offspring were later crossed with Siamese, Burmese, and British Shorthair cats to strengthen the line. And just like that, the Cornish Rex breed was born, with curls and chaos fully intact.

The Cornish Rex may look delicate, but they’re anything but fragile. They’re sleek, elegant, and incredibly fast, like if a greyhound and a Slinky had a cat.

This breed is known for its ultra-slim body, arched back, and tight, wavy coat, so fine they only have the undercoat (down hair), making it feel like warm velvet.

4. Devon Rex

Think ‘gremlin in a velvet hoodie’, the Devon Rex is mischievous, clingy, and ridiculously charming.

In the 1960s, in Devon, England, a woman named Beryl Cox noticed a strange, curly-coated kitten hanging around an abandoned tin mine. This little cat had wavy fur, massive ears, and a pixie-like face, so naturally, she scooped him up and named him Kirlee.

At first, people thought Kirlee might be related to the nearby Cornish Rex, but genetic testing said nope. Their curls came from a totally different mutation. Thus, a whole new breed was born: the Devon Rex.

This breed is small to medium-framed with a curly, short coat in various colors and patterns. This cat has huge ears perched atop a small head and an equally small body.

The Devon Rex is sociable, active, and mischievous, earning the nickname “Dennis the Menace.” They are a vocal breed that wags their tail when happy.

5. German Rex

Classy curls meet cozy vibes; the German Rex is low-key fancy, affectionate, and forever underrated.

Before there was Kallibunker or Kirlee, there was Lammchen, a curly-coated cat discovered in a Berlin hospital garden in the 1940s. She became the foundation of what we now know as the German Rex, making her the first documented curly-haired cat in feline history.

Though they’re not officially recognized by CFA or TICA, the German Rex holds their own in Europe and among breed purists, especially in their homeland, Germany. With their soft waves, rounder face, and affectionate nature, they’re the OG curl queens and kings, just a little low-key about it.

What makes the German Rex stand out is their silky, plush coat, featuring soft waves that are less tight than the Cornish Rex’s curls but more consistent than the Devon’s patchy waves.

They have a medium build with a rounded face and a slightly stockier frame than their Rex cousins, giving them a more classic, cuddly appearance. Like the rest of the Rex family, they come in a wide variety of coat colors and patterns.

4 Other Curly-Haired Cat Breeds

Think the curl club ends with the famous five? Not even close. While Cornish, Devon, Selkirk, LaPerm, and German Rex get most of the spotlight, there are a few lesser-known curly-haired cat breeds out there, some rare, some experimental, and some just plain weird (in the best way).

While only four curly-haired cat breeds are currently recognized by most associations, and the German Rex by FiFe, there are four other breeds currently in development.

1. Ural Rex
2. Tasman Manx
3. Tennessee Rex
4. Skookum

Of all these cats, the Tennessee Rex is closest to officially being recognized by major associations. TICA is currently in the process of making the Tennessee Rex a registered championship cat.

What’s It Like to Groom a Curly-Haired Cat?

Like all cats, our furry friends can benefit from regular brushing to keep their coats clear of debris and their skin healthy. Curly cats may look high-maintenance, but not all of them require a personal stylist.

Some barely shed, others puff up like popcorn if you brush them the wrong way. Grooming needs vary wildly by breed, coat length, and curl type, so let’s break it down.

Cats with longer, wavy hair will usually need brushing a couple of times a week to prevent matting. If your feline’s hair is shorter or without a heavy undercoat, you can get away with brushing less often.

Just like with curly hair on humans, brushing your cat’s hair will loosen the curl and can cause breakage if brushed too often. Cats with tight curls should be brushed less often but may require the occasional bath to keep their skin happy.

6 Important Curly Cat Grooming Rules

1. Don’t over-brush! It can frizz or damage the curls.
2. Use a wide-toothed comb or grooming mitt
3. Always brush in the direction of the curl
4. Curly cats benefit from occasional baths
5. For long-haired Selkirk or LaPerms, keep an eye out for mats under arms or behind ears
6. If your cat hates grooming, start with 30-second sessions and treats

FAQs About Curly-Haired Cat Breeds

Got questions? You’re not alone. These curly-coated cuties spark a lot of curiosity. Whether you’re wondering about allergies, grooming, or where to actually find one, I’ve got you covered below.

Still curious? Drop your question in the comments, because we’re more than happy to curl up with your cat questions and answer them!

Are Curly-Haired Cats a New Thing?

Nope! The first documented curly cat, a German Rex named Lammchen, appeared in the 1940s. Other breeds like the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex followed in the 1950s and 60s. So while they look trendy, curly cats have been around for decades.

What Makes a Cat’s Fur Curly?

Curly fur in cats is caused by a genetic mutation affecting the hair follicle’s shape and structure. This mutation is often referred to as the “Rex gene.” Different types of Rex genes exist in different breeds (like the Devon Rex vs. Cornish Rex), which is why not all curly coats look the same.

How Much Is A Curly-Haired Cat?

Because curly-haired cats a relatively rare, expect to pay a significant price for your new furry friend. Depending on the breed, a wavy-haired cat can cost between $600 and $1,500.

How Do I Find a Reputable Breeder for a Curly-Haired Cat?

If you’re looking to buy a curly-haired cat from a breeder, start with trusted registries like the CFA or TICA, where you’ll find verified breeder listings. A reputable breeder should provide health guarantees, vet records, and allow you to meet the kitten’s parents, either in person or virtually.

They’ll also ask you questions to ensure their kittens are going to a good home. Red flags to avoid include sellers offering “rare curly kittens” with no paperwork, only accepting PayPal or gift cards, refusing to share health records, or trying to rush the sale.

If anything feels off, trust your gut, because it probably is. Talk to your breeder about the breed’s traits, including personality and activity level, so you know the cat aligns with your lifestyle.

Are Curly-Haired Cats Hypoallergenic?

No cat is completely hypoallergenic, but if you’re looking for a low-shedding breed, consider the LaPerm, Cornish Rex, or Devon Rex. Experts consider the Selkirk Rex a moderate shedder, and their thick coat requires regular brushing to keep the loose hair controlled.

Love Curly Cats? Here’s More Stuff You’ll Want to Know

Got a Curly Cat at Home? Tell Us Everything! We’d love to hear about your curly-coated companions, whether they’re Selkirk divas, Devon goblins, or mystery mixes with wild waves. Drop your stories (and names, please!) in the comments.