“Poodle cat” isn’t a dog-cat hybrid. It’s a nickname for a cat with a curly, poodle-like coat. Most poodle cats are Selkirk Rex, a breed that began in 1987 with a single spontaneously curly-coated kitten found at a Montana animal shelter. Three other curly-coated breeds get called poodle cats too: the LaPerm (originated 1982, Oregon), the Devon Rex (originated 1960, England), and the Cornish Rex (originated 1950, England), each carrying a different, independently occurring curl gene. Evidence-reviewed, not hands-on tested.
The term ‘poodle cat’ can sound like an oxymoron on first hearing it. After all, a poodle is a dog not a cat, right? Surprise! Within the cat realm, there exists a cat with the curly coat seen on poodle dogs. And of course, the curly kitty cats are fantastically adorable.
While called ‘poodle cats’, the actual breed name is the Selkirk Rex. If you’ve never seen one, you’re not alone. They’re a relatively new breed in the cat world, but one folks go crazy over. From their unique cat curls to their loving personalities, the Selkirk Rex is a great family cat that will spark curiosity in everyone who meets them.
“Poodle Cats” – A Spontaneous Quirk of Genetics
The first poodle cat was born in 1987 at a Montana animal shelter near the Selkirk Mountains of Wyoming, a timeline confirmed by Vetstreet’s Selkirk Rex breed history. At the time, the show Moonlighting was a hit across the nation and the kitten’s curling fur resembled receptionist Agnes DiPesto’s hair on the show. Miss DiPesto the kitty cat garnered loads of attention as well as the curiosity of cat breeders.
Persian cat breeder, Jeri Newman, adopted and bred Miss DiPesto with her black Persian tom, a pairing detailed in The Spruce Pets’ Selkirk Rex profile. Most of the kittens from their litter sported the kinky fur, making it easy to assume the gene responsible for the unusual curls was indeed a dominate trait.
@selkirk_devon_honey_ginger/Instagram
As no other of these poodle cats existed before, Miss DiPesto’s curly fur came from a mutation considered spontaneous. But from this first Selkirk Rex came generations of curly-coated cuties. Currently, the line is nine or ten generations deep.
When the breed was declared by the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna in 2012, the curly cat was dubbed the Selkirk Rex in honor of the region of Miss DiPesto’s birth, a recognition also documented in Britannica’s Selkirk Rex breed entry. The Selkirk Rex joined the already established Cornish Rex and Devon Rex within the Rex breed. One of the defining factors of Rex cats is their curled or wavy fur. The genetic quirk also gives Rex cats the potential to have wild curly whiskers too.
The genetic twist in the Selkirk Rex applies to fur texture and not coloring or patterning. Meaning curly hair cuties can be any color of the cat rainbow.
Poodle Cats Have an Unusual Appearance, Loving Hearts
Poodle Cat Breeds Compared
| Breed | Origin | Curl Gene / Cause | Coat Type | Shedding | Hypoallergenic Potential | Temperament |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selkirk Rex | 1987, Montana, USA | Spontaneous dominant mutation | Long or short, plush curls | Low to moderate | Not hypoallergenic | Loving, patient, laid-back |
| LaPerm | 1982, The Dalles, Oregon, USA | Spontaneous dominant mutation, a separate gene from the Selkirk Rex | Loose, springy curls; kittens can be born nearly bald | Low | Not hypoallergenic | Curious, affectionate, active |
| Devon Rex | 1960, Devon, England | Recessive mutation, a separate gene from the Cornish Rex | Short, loose waves; whiskers often brittle or absent | Low | Not hypoallergenic | Mischievous, people-oriented, energetic |
| Cornish Rex | 1950, Cornwall, England | Recessive mutation; the breed lacks guard hairs entirely | Very short, tight marcel-wave curls | Low | Not hypoallergenic | Athletic, social, extroverted |
None of these four breeds come in a toy or miniature size. The “poodle cat” nickname describes coat texture, not body size.
The International Cat Association likens the Selkirk Rex to a teddy bear, one “you just want to pick up and hug.” That description comes from TICA’s official Selkirk Rex breed standard (accessed May 2026). Also known as “a cat in sheep’s clothing”, poodle cats are as lovey as they are cute. TICA profiles the breed as:
- Loving
- Patient and tolerant
- Laid-back
- Playful
- Great for families
While sporting a low-maintenance personality, their fur is anything but. The “tousled” look of a poodle cat comes from its thick, textured fur, which means grooming is a must. Poodle cats are good for families with who will commit to keeping their kitty brushed and mat-free.
@selkirk_devon_honey_ginger/Instagram
Sadly, Selkirk Rex cats aren’t recommended for those with cat allergies or even slight sensitivities. All that luscious fur can wreak havoc on the nose.
But, even if cats make you sneeze, you can still enjoy pictures of poodle cats thanks to the internet populous’ obsession with the curly-furred cutie cats.
Poodle Cats Have Curly Coats, Big Charm
From a humble shelter kitten to a full-fledged breed with fans around the globe, the Selkirk Rex is proof that a twist of nature can create something truly magical. With their plush curls, endearing personalities, and teddy bear charm, poodle cats are a delight for those lucky enough to live with them-and a joy for the rest of us to admire from afar. Whether you’re a seasoned cat lover or newly curious about curly-coated felines, one look at a Selkirk Rex is all it takes to fall in love. So go ahead-get lost in those fluffy spirals and sheepish smiles. We won’t judge.
Poodle Cat FAQ
Are poodle cats hypoallergenic?
No. No cat breed, curly-coated or otherwise, is scientifically proven to be hypoallergenic. Selkirk Rex, LaPerm, Devon Rex, and Cornish Rex cats still produce Fel d 1, the protein behind most cat allergies, so anyone with sensitivities should spend time around the breed before adopting.
Do poodle cats shed?
Yes, though usually less noticeably than straight-coated breeds. The curl in their fur tends to hold loose hair closer to the body instead of scattering it across furniture, but you’ll still need to brush regularly to prevent mats.
Is there a toy poodle cat?
No. Unlike poodle dogs, none of the four curly-coated breeds nicknamed poodle cats come in a toy or miniature size. “Poodle cat” describes coat texture, not a smaller body type.
H/T: www.ladbible.com
Feature Image: @stacie_lawrence/Instagram