Curly coats are unusual in cats, but several recognized breeds can have naturally wavy or curled fur. Learn which breeds are associated with curls, how coat texture differs from color and pattern, and what you can—and cannot—tell from appearance.
Which cat breeds can have curly hair?
“Curly-haired cat” describes coat texture, not a single breed. A few pedigreed breeds are known for naturally curly or wavy coats, though the curl’s tightness, length, and distribution can vary between cats. Rex-type coats are associated with naturally occurring genetic variations that affect the hair shaft or coat development; the exact expression differs by breed.
| Breed | Typical coat description | Useful distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Selkirk Rex | Often plush, with loose curls or waves; may have a fuller coat | Can be longhaired or shorthaired |
| LaPerm | Soft, wavy to ringlet-like coat | May be shorthaired or longhaired |
| Devon Rex | Short, fine coat that may look wavy or curled | Distinct breed from the Cornish Rex |
| Cornish Rex | Very short, soft coat with waves or ripples | Coat often lacks the typical guard hairs |
| American Wirehair | Dense, springy, crimped or wiry-textured coat | Texture is not the same as loose ringlets |
This is a practical reference, not a guarantee that every cat of a listed breed will show equally visible curls. Breed standards and accepted coat descriptions can differ among registries, and an individual’s coat may change with age or season.
How do the main curly-coated breeds differ?
Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is often the first breed people picture when they think of a curly cat. Its coat can look plush and loosely curled, and both shorthaired and longhaired varieties are recognized. Curls may be visible across the body, with especially noticeable texture around areas such as the neck or tail. A photo alone, however, cannot confirm that a cat is a Selkirk Rex.
LaPerm
LaPerm coats may range from soft waves to more distinct ringlets, and coat length can vary. The breed is associated with a naturally curly coat, but the appearance is not identical in every cat. Some cats may have a less dramatic texture at a given point in their lives, so a straight-looking coat in one image is not a reliable identification test.
Devon Rex and Cornish Rex
Both breeds are called Rex, but they are separate breeds with different appearances and coat characteristics. The Devon Rex usually has a short, fine coat that can have a wavy look, while the Cornish Rex is known for a very short, soft coat with ripples. Their distinctive textures can be subtle in some lighting and may be difficult to judge from a photograph.
American Wirehair
The American Wirehair has a springy, crimped texture that can feel different from the soft ringlets associated with some Rex breeds. The coat may appear rough or wiry rather than uniformly curly. This distinction matters when describing a cat: “curly” is often used casually for several different textures.
Is a curly coat a color or a pattern?
No. Coat texture, coat color, and coat pattern describe different features. Curly refers to the shape or feel of the hair. Color describes the fur’s pigmentation, while pattern refers to how colors are distributed—for example, tabby markings, solid coloration, or colorpointing.
A curly-coated cat can have many colors and patterns. Likewise, a straight-haired cat can share the same color or markings. Terms such as “black,” “cream,” “tabby,” and “bicolor” do not identify a curly-coat breed, and curls do not establish a particular color or pattern.
Can you identify a curly-haired breed by sight?
Not reliably. A domestic cat may have waves, crimps, or an unusually textured coat without being a pedigreed cat. Mixed ancestry, natural variation, coat condition, and image quality can all complicate visual identification. Many cats that resemble a recognized breed are simply domestic cats with a similar appearance.
Pedigree is established through documented ancestry from a recognized registry or breeder records—not by matching a photograph to a breed description. A DNA test may offer information about ancestry, depending on the provider and its reference data, but it should not be treated as a substitute for official pedigree documentation. If you are describing a cat whose background is unknown, “curly-coated domestic cat” is more accurate than assigning a breed from appearance alone.
Does curly fur predict a cat’s personality or health?
No single coat feature can reliably tell you a cat’s personality, behavior, or overall health. Breed descriptions may discuss commonly reported traits, but individuals vary, and behavior is shaped by many factors, including experience and environment. Spend time with a cat or ask its caretaker about its observed behavior instead of drawing conclusions from its curls.
Curly or unusual fur also does not, by itself, establish that a cat has a health problem—or that it is free of one. Coat changes can have many causes, so persistent thinning, bare patches, irritation, or a sudden change in texture are reasons to consult a veterinarian. A professional can assess the whole cat and determine whether examination is needed.
What care might a curly coat need?
Care depends on the individual coat’s length, density, and condition. Check gently for tangles or debris, and use a suitable brush or comb only if the cat tolerates it. Longer coats may need more frequent attention to prevent knots, while short coats may require little brushing. Avoid pulling at curls or applying products intended for people.
Observe the skin as well as the fur, and introduce grooming gradually with calm handling. Ask a veterinarian or qualified groomer for advice if you are unsure which tool or routine suits the cat. Regular, gentle care and attention to changes are more useful than assuming every curly-coated cat has the same grooming needs.