Better Cat Grooming
The History of Curly-Coated Cat Breeds: A Tale of Waves, Curls, & Feline Charm typography
curly-haired white cat sitting with its paw up

by Lynn Paolillo

If cats had a “most stylish” award, curly-coated breeds would win it, paws-down. These wavy wonders have charmed their way into the hearts of breeders, owners and professional groomers around the world.

With coats ranging from velvety ripples to fluffy curls, curly-coated cats are living proof that Mother Nature loves to experiment. But where did these breeds come from, and what makes them so unique? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the fascinating and often serendipitous history of the world’s curly-coated cats.

The Cornish Rex: The OG Curl Queen
The story begins in Cornwall, England, where a cat named Kallibunker made history. In 1950, a farm cat gave birth to a litter that included one kitten with a curly coat. This kitten, later affectionately nicknamed “Kalli,” had a coat so fine and wavy it was often compared to that of a Cornish lamb, hence the breed’s name: Cornish Rex.

The breed was officially recognized by the Fédération Internationale Féline (FiFE) in the early 1960s, and its striking appearance soon garnered worldwide attention. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) followed suit, cementing the Cornish Rex’s place as a favorite among cat enthusiasts.

One interesting fact is that the Cornish Rex’s curls are caused by a recessive gene. This means both parents must carry the gene for their kittens to inherit those luscious waves.

Devon Rex cat with a brown and white coat

The Devon Rex: A Rebel with a Cause

Just 10 years after Kallibunker’s debut, another curly-coated kitten made waves in Devon, England. Enter Kirlee, a cat with a short, wavy coat that was initially mistaken for a Cornish Rex. However, when breeders tried to cross Kirlee with Cornish Rex cats, the resulting kittens had surprisingly straight coats! Cue the scientific intrigue: It turned out that Kirlee’s curls were caused by an entirely different and separate gene. Thus, the Devon Rex was born.

With its pixie-like face, giant eyes and impish personality, the Devon Rex is a breed that’s impossible to ignore. Known for being playful, affectionate and a little mischievous, these cats quickly gained recognition in the cat associations.

Pro Tip for Groomers: Devon Rex cats have a sparse, delicate coat, so go easy with the grooming tools. A soft or boar bristle brush will do the trick while keeping the waves intact.
German Rex cat
The German Rex: The Forgotten Cousin
The German Rex might be less famous than its Cornish and Devon counterparts, but it deserves its spot in curly-coated history. First discovered in the 1940s in East Germany, this breed’s coat is similar to the Cornish Rex, with soft, velvety waves caused by a recessive gene.

The German Rex was one of the first curly-coated breeds officially recognized by FiFE. Today, these cats are known for their playful, affectionate nature and luxurious coats. They’re a rare breed but are cherished by those lucky enough to own one.

American Wirehair cat
The American Wirehair: A Curly Coat with a Twist
The American Wirehair’s story begins in 1966 in upstate New York, where a kitten named Council Rock Adam emerged with a wiry, crimped coat unlike anything seen before. This spontaneous mutation was isolated, and the American Wirehair breed was officially recognized by CFA in 1978.

While not a “Rex” breed, the American Wirehair’s unique coat sets it apart from other cats. Its fur is dense, springy and surprisingly low-maintenance. These cats are known for their laid-back, friendly demeanor, making them great pets and easygoing grooming clients.

Pro Tip for Groomers: The Wirehair’s coat doesn’t require much intervention beyond basic brushing to remove loose hairs. Their wiry texture naturally resists matting, but can be prone to breakage, so handle with care.
LaPerm cat
The LaPerm: A Barn Cat’s Glow-Up
From a barn in Oregon to the glamorous world of cat shows, the LaPerm’s story is as curly as its coat. In 1982, a litter of barn kittens included one (appropriately) named Curly, whose tightly curled fur stood out from her straight-coated siblings. This natural mutation was carefully cultivated, and the LaPerm breed was officially recognized.

LaPerms are known for their soft, springy curls that range from loose waves to tight ringlets. Their coats come in all colors and patterns, adding to their unique charm. Beyond their looks, LaPerms are affectionate and intelligent cats who love to be the center of attention.

Pro Tip for Groomers: LaPerms are a delight to work with, as their coats are easy to manage with regular combing, and their friendly personalities make them cooperative clients.
Selkirk Rex cat
The Selkirk Rex: The “Doodle” of the Cat World
Fast forward to 1987 in Montana, where a cat named Miss DePesto was born with a curly coat in an otherwise straight-coated litter. Miss DePesto, or “Pest,” as she was lovingly called, became the foundation of the Selkirk Rex breed. Unlike the Cornish or Devon Rex, whose coats are fine and short, the Selkirk Rex has a dense, plush coat that’s reminiscent of a teddy bear.

What makes the Selkirk Rex even more special is that its curls are caused by a dominant gene. This means that even if only one parent has the curly coat gene, some of their kittens will inherit it.

Coming in both long- and short-haired varieties, the Selkirk breed has allowed outcrossing with Persians, British Shorthairs and Exotic Shorthairs, creating a breed that is much stockier and solid than the delicate, lithe body types of the Cornish and Devon Rexes. The Selkirk Rex is cherished for its unique look and friendly disposition.

Pro Tip for Groomers: While Selkirks are low-maintenance compared to some breeds, their dense curls can tangle. Regular combing is a must to keep them looking their fluffy best.

Tennessee Rex cat
Photo Credit and Breeder: Brittney Gobble
The Tennessee Rex: The New Kid on the Block
The Tennessee Rex is a relatively recent addition to the curly-coated family. Discovered in Tennessee in the early 2000s, this breed is unique for its metallic sheen, in addition to its curly coat. While still in development, the Tennessee Rex has garnered attention from breeders worldwide and is on its way to gaining recognition from major associations like TICA and WCF.

Tennessee Rex are known for their affectionate, people-oriented personalities. They’re social butterflies who thrive on attention, making them ideal for families. Hopefully they’ll grow in popularity and we’ll see more of these cats in the future.

close up of a curly cat coat
Grooming Curly-Coated Breeds
Curly-coated breeds aren’t just fascinating for their genetics; they also highlight the incredible diversity of the feline world. Each breed has its own story, personality and grooming needs, offering something unique for cat lovers and professionals alike.

For groomers, working with curly-coated cats is an opportunity to celebrate their individuality while keeping them healthy and happy. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when grooming these unique felines:

  1. Know Your Curls: Each breed’s coat texture is different, so tailor your grooming approach accordingly. For example, Cornish and Devon Rex coats are delicate and flat-lying, while Selkirk Rex coats need more attention to prevent tangles.
  2. Use the Right Tools: A wide-tooth comb is often the best choice for curly coats. Avoid heavy-duty brushes that could damage their delicate fur.
  3. Be Gentle: Unlike dogs that get blow-dried and brushed to straighten their hair, let these curls form naturally with low-powered drying and light pressure when brushing or combing.
  4. Communicate with Owners: Educate cat owners on how to maintain their pet’s coat between grooming sessions to prevent matting and other issues.
The history of curly-coated cat breeds is a testament to the beauty of natural mutation and the dedication of breeders who saw the potential in a single curly kitten. From the Cornish Rex to the Tennessee Rex, each breed brings its own flair to the feline world. For professional cat groomers, these cats offer a delightful challenge and the chance to work with some of the most unique coats in the animal kingdom.
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