LaPerm vs. Selkirk Rex
These curly-coated cats are often lumped together, but LaPerm and Selkirk Rex differ in coat feel, body type, and the genetics behind their curls.
Feature
| Feature | LaPerm | Selkirk Rex | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coat Texture | Light, springy ringlets | Dense, plush, woollier curls | Handling and grooming differ |
| Body Type | Moderate, often elegant | Substantial, cobby to semi-cobby | Silhouette is different |
| Origin Story | Barn-cat mutation in Oregon | Shelter kitten mutation in Montana | Separate genetic roots |
| Expression | Airy and tousled | Teddy-bear soft | Visual shorthand for buyers |
Two Curly Paths
Curly Coat Common Sense
| Use fingers or wide-tooth combs rather than aggressive slicker brushing | |
| Expect coat change with age, hormones, and seasons | |
| Ask breeders which outcrosses shaped their line | |
| Keep skin and ears checked in dense curly coats | |
| Know that curls do not equal hypoallergenic status | |
| Assume all rex cats have the same mutation | |
| Blow-dry or brush until the curl frizzes out | |
| Choose only by curl intensity and ignore structure |
LaPerms often look lightly tousled, while Selkirks read as plush and rounded. That difference is not just styling — it reflects genuinely different breed histories and coat architecture.
Curly coats can tempt breeders and buyers to prioritize novelty over body soundness. As with any specialty coat, texture should never come at the cost of skin comfort, eye health, or clean structure.
The LaPerm and Selkirk Rex are two genetically distinct curly-coated cat breeds with different curl types, personalities, and care requirements. The LaPerm has soft, springy ringlets caused by a dominant mutation on the KRT71 gene; the Selkirk Rex has a plush, teddy-bear curl from a separate dominant mutation. Neither is hypoallergenic despite common misconception -- both produce the Fel d1 protein responsible for human cat allergies. Selkirks shed more and require more grooming than LaPerms despite their similar appearance.
LaPerm: The Light Curl
LaPerms originated from a spontaneous mutation on an Oregon farm in 1982. Their curls are loosest in kittens (some are actually bald at birth), become tighter through adolescence, and settle into soft, bouncy ringlets in adults. The coat is light and airy -- it does not mat as severely as long-coated straight-haired breeds and requires brushing 1--2 times weekly rather than daily.
LaPerm personality is active, curious, and people-oriented. They are described as 'monkey-like' in their tendency to climb everything and investigate every corner. They are affectionate without being demanding -- they enjoy being held and petted but will also entertain themselves. They are good candidates for active households that want an interactive but not high-maintenance companion.
Selkirk Rex: The Plush Curl
The Selkirk Rex originated in Montana in 1987. Unlike other Rex mutations that produce fine, wavy coats, the Selkirk has a thick, plush coat -- longhaired Selkirks have curly furnishings and full body curl that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Brush 2--3 times weekly with a wide-tooth comb. The whiskers also curl, giving the face an endearingly woolly expression.
Selkirks are calm, patient, and tolerant of handling -- considered one of the most laid-back Rex breeds. They suit households with children and other pets. They are less active than LaPerms and more inclined to sit on laps.
Genetic Considerations in Breeding
Both LaPerm and Selkirk Rex mutations are dominant -- one copy produces a curly cat. Homozygous LaPerm (two copies) cats have even tighter curls but the same health. Homozygous Selkirk Rex cats have sparser, tighter coats that some find less attractive. Responsible breeders outcross to maintain genetic diversity; Selkirks are outcrossed to British Shorthairs, Persians, and Exotics, which introduces breed-specific health risks (HCM in British Shorthairs, PKD in Persians) that require health testing.
Curl genetics from TICA breed standards and published feline genetics research (Lyons, 2010). Fel d1 allergen production data from AAAAI allergy research; hypoallergenic cat claims addressed by Cornell Feline Health Center. Breed temperament descriptions from TICA and CFA breed profiles.