As children, many of us may have wished for our stuffed animals to come to life. They were so adorable, fluffy, and cuddly, making them the perfect pets in our imagination. Well, your childhood dreams may just come true! There is actually a new breed of cats called Poodle Cats.
What are Poodle Cats?
Don’t worry, Poodle Cats are not a mix between a famous canine breed and a cat, despite their appearance. The actual breed is called the Selkirk Rex, also known as “a cat in sheep’s clothing.” These cats have a unique and beautiful curly hair. The breed was officially recognized by researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna.
The Origin of Selkirk Rex Poodle Cats
The story of the Selkirk Rex is quite fascinating. In 1987, a stray cat in Montana gave birth to a litter of kittens. Among them, there was one cat that was different from the rest. She had curly whiskers and as she grew, curly fur. Jeri Newman, a breeder who specializes in Persian cats, noticed this unique cat while visiting the shelter. He adopted her and named her “Miss DePesto” after a character from the TV show “Moonlighting” known for her beautiful curly hair.
A Dominant Gene
While there are other cat breeds with curly hair genes, such as the Devon Rex and the Cornish Rex, the gene in those cats is not dominant. This means that the likelihood of having curly-haired kittens from those breeds is quite low. However, when Miss DePesto was mated with a black Persian cat named PhotoFinish, three out of six kittens in the litter had curly hair. This confirmed that the gene for curly hair in Selkirk Rex is dominant, making it the first naturally dominant curly-haired breed.
How to Identify a Selkirk Rex Kitten
When a litter of kittens is born, it may not be easy to tell if their fur is curly or straight at first. However, one way to identify a Selkirk Rex kitten is by looking at their whiskers. Poodle Cats will have curly whiskers right from the start.
How to Take Care of Poodle Cats
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), Selkirks are generally strong and healthy cats. They are also known for being docile, caring, and tolerant, which makes them ideal pets. However, their care is slightly different from other cats:
- Brush their fur less often than straight-haired cats to maintain their curls.
- Use recommended shampoos when bathing them to avoid coating their fur.
- Embrace their “messy” or “disheveled” look as it is part of their unique charm.
The Perfect Pets
Selkirk Cats are famous for being affectionate, playful, and attention-seeking. They often enjoy being cuddled and have soft, curly fur that is simply irresistible. However, it’s important to note that owning one of these lovely cats comes with a price. A Selkirk kitten can cost between $500 and $800. Additionally, if you have pet allergies, it’s worth considering that these cats are not hypoallergenic and may not be suitable for individuals with allergies.
So, if you’re looking for a cat with a unique and adorable appearance, along with a loving and playful personality, a Selkirk Rex, or Poodle Cat, might just be the perfect companion for you!
