Four established breeds account for most searches for curly-haired cats: Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Selkirk Rex and LaPerm. They are not four versions of the same coat. Cornish and Devon Rex have short coats, while Selkirk Rex and LaPerm may be either shorthaired or longhaired, and the curl ranges from close waves to loose ringlets.
This guide explains the visual differences, typical personalities, grooming needs, origins and health questions that matter when you are identifying a cat or choosing a breed. Breed descriptions are tendencies, not guarantees for an individual cat.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What “Rex” means in a cat’s coat
In cat-breed terminology, “Rex” describes a naturally occurring coat mutation that changes the shape and texture of the hair. It does not define one universal curl pattern. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) groups Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Selkirk Rex and LaPerm among its Rex or wavy-coated breeds, but each has a distinct type.
Cornish Rex hair forms close, pressed waves; Devon Rex fur is short and wavy; Selkirk Rex curls are looser and individually formed; and LaPerm coats develop soft curls or ringlets. The breeds also differ in body shape, head type, coat length and grooming demands. A curly-looking mixed-breed cat cannot be identified reliably from coat texture alone.
#1 Best Overall
None of these breeds should be marketed as hypoallergenic. The International Cat Association (TICA) Cornish Rex profile notes that there is no hypoallergenic cat. Allergic reactions are caused mainly by cat proteins, not simply by how much a coat appears to shed.
At-a-glance comparison
| Breed | Coat appearance | Body and head type | Coat length | Typical lifestyle description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornish Rex | Close, marcelled waves with no guard hairs | Fine-boned, long-legged, arched back and tucked waist | Short | Athletic, highly social and people-oriented |
| Devon Rex | Short, wavy fur | Small-to-medium body, large low-set ears, large eyes and prominent cheekbones | Short | Intelligent, active, mischievous and people-oriented |
| Selkirk Rex | Loose, separate curls with a soft feel | Rounded features and a stockier, heavier-boned build | Short or long | Playful and social; grooming varies with coat |
| LaPerm | Soft curls or ringlets, often irregular rather than uniform | Lean and muscular | Short or long | Intelligent, active, inquisitive and outgoing |
The table is a starting point for identification. Kittens can have less-developed curls, and coat density or curl can change with age, hormones and seasonal shedding.
Cornish Rex
How to recognize one
A Cornish Rex has a fine-boned, elegant outline: long legs, a deep rib cage, an arched back and a sharply tucked-up waist. Its short coat lies in close “marcelled” waves, a pattern often compared with a pressed hairstyle. The coat lacks guard hairs, leaving a fine texture that feels different from the plush fur of most cats. The TICA breed profile provides the official description and photographs for visual reference.
Personality and daily life
TICA describes Cornish Rex cats as athletic, highly social and fond of human company. Their build and activity level suit homes that provide climbing opportunities, interactive play and regular attention. A cat that is left alone for long periods may need planned enrichment, such as puzzle feeders, climbing shelves or supervised chase games.
Rank #2
Grooming and health questions
The fine coat generally needs little brushing, but ears and toes can become greasy and may require gentle cleaning. Ask a veterinarian to demonstrate safe ear care rather than inserting cotton swabs deeply into the canal.
TICA lists possible dermatological problems, sunburn, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and patellar luxation among concerns associated with the breed. These are possibilities, not predictions for a particular cat. Before acquiring a kitten, ask the breeder what cardiac screening, orthopedic history and veterinary records are available, and arrange your own examination after adoption.
Devon Rex
How to recognize one
The Devon Rex has a distinctive “elfin” impression: large low-set ears, large eyes, a short muzzle and prominent cheekbones. Its coat is short and wavy, but the wave is produced by a different mutation from the Cornish Rex mutation. The difference matters when identifying a breed; two cats can both look curly while having unrelated genetic coat changes. TICA’s Devon Rex profile includes the breed’s current type description and images.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Origin and temperament
The modern breed traces to Kirlee, a curly-coated kitten born in Devon, England, in 1960. Subsequent breeding work showed that the Devon and Cornish coat mutations were distinct. TICA characterizes Devons as intelligent, active, mischievous and strongly people-oriented. They often turn ordinary household objects into toys, so secure breakables and offer safe outlets for climbing, chasing and problem-solving.
Care considerations
The short, fragile-looking coat does not eliminate routine care. Check skin, ears and nails during normal handling, and use a soft approach if a cat’s coat or skin is sensitive. Because this breed is active and social, behavioral care is as important as coat care: schedule interactive play and provide a predictable place where the cat can retreat.
Selkirk Rex
How to recognize one
Selkirk Rex cats are rounder and more heavily boned than Cornish or Devon Rex cats. Their curls are loose and individual rather than pressed into a close wave, and the breed is available in both shorthair and longhair forms. CFA describes the coat this way: “The Selkirk Rex is the result of a dominant, spontaneous mutation that causes each hair (guard, down and awn) to have a gentle curl giving the coat a soft feel.” See the CFA Selkirk Rex standard and TICA profile for official photographs and type details.
History and personality
The foundation cat, Miss DePesto, was found in Montana. CFA dates the spontaneous mutation to 1986. TICA describes Selkirks as playful and social, so a sturdy scratching post, climbing space and interactive toys are useful additions to the home. TICA specifically mentions a fishing-pole toy as an enrichment option; supervise any toy with a string or rod and store it safely afterward.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Grooming is coat-dependent
There is no single correct schedule for every Selkirk Rex. CFA suggests occasional combing and notes that a hair pick can help separate curls on longhaired cats. TICA recommends combing a couple of times per week. Choose the gentler or more frequent approach only when the individual coat tangles, mats or collects debris; over-brushing can disrupt the curl pattern or irritate skin.
Screening questions
CFA says breeders commonly screen for polycystic kidney disease, hip dysplasia and HCM because these conditions occur in foundation breeds and relevant outcrosses remain permitted. Ask for the specific tests performed, the dates and results, and the health history of both parents. A screening program lowers uncertainty but cannot guarantee that a kitten will never develop illness.
LaPerm
How to recognize one
LaPerms have a lean, muscular build and coats that may be short or long. The texture ranges from soft curls to ringlets, often with an irregular, airy arrangement rather than the uniform wave of a Cornish Rex. Their whiskers are described as longer and more flexible than the brittle or short whiskers commonly associated with other Rex breeds. TICA’s LaPerm profile shows the range of coat lengths and curl patterns.
Origin and temperament
The breed began with a curly kitten named Curly, born on an Oregon farm in 1982. TICA describes LaPerms as intelligent, active, inquisitive and outgoing. Plan for daily social contact and activities that let the cat investigate, climb and chase. A LaPerm that is quiet in a new home may simply be settling in; personality develops through both inherited tendencies and experience.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesPractical coat care
Inspect the coat with your fingers rather than relying only on appearance. Loose curls can hide small tangles, especially around the neck, behind the legs and under the front limbs. Use a suitable wide-toothed comb only where needed, stop when you meet resistance and ask a groomer or veterinarian for a demonstration if mats form close to the skin.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to identify a curly-haired cat in person
- Check the curl pattern. Close, pressed waves suggest Cornish Rex; short waves with an elfin head suggest Devon Rex; loose separate curls and a heavier body suggest Selkirk Rex; soft, irregular ringlets on a lean body suggest LaPerm.
- Look at coat length. A visibly long coat can occur in Selkirk Rex or LaPerm, but not in the standard Cornish or Devon Rex coat types.
- Assess the whole outline. Do not rely on the ears or curls alone. Compare leg length, back shape, bone, cheekbones and overall proportions.
- Confirm documentation. If a cat is advertised as a particular breed, request registration or pedigree records and veterinary paperwork. Appearance by itself is not proof of ancestry.
- Allow for age and variation. Curl tightness, coat density and facial proportions can vary within a breed, and kittens may not yet show an adult coat.
Choosing among the four breeds
If you want the most sculpted, close wave
Cornish Rex is the clearest match for a tight marcelled coat and an athletic, long-legged silhouette. Its social nature means it is best suited to a household prepared to provide companionship and activity.
If you prefer an elfin face and comic energy
Devon Rex combines large ears and eyes with a short muzzle, a wavy coat and a reputation for mischievous, people-focused behavior. Choose enrichment and secure the home for an agile, curious cat.
If you want a rounder, plush-looking curly cat
Selkirk Rex offers the heaviest build and the widest coat-length choice. Confirm whether a kitten is shorthair or longhair, then plan grooming around the actual coat rather than a breed-wide rule.
If you like a lighter frame and loose ringlets
LaPerm is the lean, muscular option, with curls that can look soft and spontaneous. Its active, inquisitive temperament calls for regular interaction and safe opportunities to explore.
A sensible care routine for any curly-coated cat
- Inspect weekly. Run your hands through the coat, check for mats, examine ears and trim nails when necessary.
- Use appropriate tools. A soft brush or wide-toothed comb is safer than pulling through knots. Longhaired Selkirk Rex cats may benefit from a hair pick, as CFA notes.
- Protect exposed skin. Cats with fine coats can have vulnerable areas; ask your veterinarian about safe sun protection rather than applying human sunscreen without guidance.
- Provide daily enrichment. Interactive play, climbing structures and food puzzles help meet the activity needs described for these social breeds.
- Schedule veterinary care. Discuss breed-relevant screening, dental care, weight, skin and heart checks with your veterinarian. Health lists from breed organizations describe possible concerns, not a diagnosis.
Questions to ask a breeder or rescue
- Which registry recognizes the parents, and can you see the pedigree?
- What coat length and texture do the parents have, and how has the kitten’s coat changed so far?
- What examinations or tests were performed for HCM, kidney disease, hip problems or patellar issues where relevant?
- Can you provide vaccination, parasite-control and veterinary records?
- How has the kitten been socialized, and what daily interaction does it currently receive?
- What grooming method does the current caregiver use, and are there known skin sensitivities or recurring mats?
Official breed pages can help you compare photographs and standards: Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Selkirk Rex and LaPerm. Use those images alongside the body shape, coat pattern and documentation checks above rather than treating one photograph as definitive.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Leave a Reply