Remember when you were a child and wished your stuffed animals could come to life? They were cute, soft, and cuddly, making them the perfect pets in your imagination. Well, guess what? Your childhood dreams can now become a reality! Introducing Poodle Cats!
What are Poodle Cats?
Poodle cats may look like a cross between a poodle and a cat, but they are not. Their official name, given by researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, is Selkirk Rex. These adorable felines have distinctively curly hair, earning them the nickname “a cat in sheep’s clothing.”
The Origin of the Selkirk Rex Poodle Cats
The story behind the Selkirk Rex is like a fairy tale. In 1987, a feral cat gave birth to a litter of kittens in Montana. Among them, one kitten stood out from the rest with her curly whiskers and fur. Jeri Newman, a breeder of Persian cats, noticed her unique look while visiting the shelter. He adopted her and named her “Miss DePesto” after the secretary from the TV show “Moonlighting” known for her curly hairstyle.
A Dominant Gene
Although there are other cat breeds with curly-haired genes, such as the Devon Rex and the Cornish Rex, their genes are not dominant. This means that the chances of having curly-haired kittens are quite low. When Newman bred Miss DePesto with his black Persian cat, PhotoFinish, the result was remarkable. Three out of six kittens in the litter had curly hair, proving that the curly-haired gene of the Selkirk Rex is naturally dominant.
Identifying a Selkirk Rex in a Litter
At first glance, it may be challenging to determine if a kitten’s fur is curly or straight. But here’s a trick – look at their whiskers! Selkirk Rex or Poodle Cats will have curly whiskers right from the start, making them easily distinguishable in a litter.
Taking Care of Poodle Cats
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), Selkirk Rex cats are generally strong, healthy, and have a patient and loving temperament. Taking care of their curls requires some special attention:
- Brush them less often than straight-haired cats to maintain their curls.
- Use shampoos recommended by your breeder or local pet store to avoid coating their fur.
- Embrace their “messy” or “disheveled” look—let their natural curls shine through!
The Perfect Pets
Selkirk Rex cats are not only adorable but also known for their affectionate nature. They are playful, attention-seeking, and just love to be cuddled. If you can’t resist their soft, curly fur and fun personalities, be prepared to invest! The prices of these beautiful kitties range from $500 to $800. However, keep in mind that they are not hypoallergenic and may not be suitable for individuals with pet allergies.
A New Best Friend
If your childhood dream was to have a teddy bear come to life and be your pet-best-friend, then you are in luck! Reach out to your local breeder today and bring home one of these curly-haired cuties. Having a Poodle Cat as your companion is a decision you won’t regret!
Check out these cute Poodle Cats in action:
