Many of us had dreamed as kids of our favorite stuffed animals coming to life by magic. We imagined them to be the ideal friends—adorably adorable, endlessly cuddly, and incredibly soft. Now be ready to see something approaching your childhood dreams come true: the Poodle Cat is a brand-new feline breed that has emerged.
Do Poodle Cats exist? You should not worry, because these cats are not the offspring of some strange feline-canine hybrid. Their actual identity is found in the breed of cat called Selkirk Rex, which is charming and has lushly curled fur. Specialists at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna have termed this cat “a cat in sheep’s clothing.”
Imagine the Selkirk Rex as a regular stray cat, similar to Cinderella, until a fortunate turn of events gave her a coat of hair and whiskers that are unusually curled. When she was living at a shelter, Jeri Newman, a discriminating Persian cat breeder, noticed her unique charm and gave her the nickname “Miss DePesto” in honor of the curly-haired secretary from the television show “Moonlighting.”
Although genes for curly fur are present in the Devon and Cornish Rex breeds, the Selkirk Rex is unique in that it is the only naturally occurring breed with dominant curly-haired characteristics. This was validated by Miss DePesto’s offspring, since three of the six kittens bore her distinctive curls, establishing the Selkirk Rex as a legitimate breed.
It can be difficult to spot a curly-coated kitten in a litter, but fear not—you can spot a potential Poodle Cat by looking for their curly whiskers from birth.
Selkirks are known for their patience and tolerance, and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) describes them as strong and kind. They also make excellent companions. However, there’s a small tweak needed to take care of these adorable, curly-coated darlings:
Regardless of length, less frequent brushing is advised to maintain their curls. Choose grooming products specific to their unique coats; avoid fur-coating shampoos. Accept their endearingly “disheveled” look; their best feature is their inherent curls. Though their playful antics and loving nature may enchant you, owning a Selkirk kitten can be expensive, costing anywhere from $500 to $800 per kitten.
Allergy sufferers should proceed with caution, though, as Selkirks, unlike their namesake dogs, are not hypoallergenic and may exacerbate sensitivities.
If your childhood dreams included your teddy bear coming to life and becoming your best friend, then you should be happy! Reach out to a trustworthy breeder right now to bring one of these fascinating animals with curly coats into your house. You’ll discover that their happiness far outweighs any childish fantasies.
