When it comes to cat breeds, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. This month, we contrast two breeds from humble origins that not only have very different appearances, but dissimilar personalities as well.**
photo by au.catsadoptions.com
Selkirk Rex
All Selkirk Rex cats can trace their ancestry back to rescue cat from Montana, USA in 1987. A kitten, latter named Miss DePesto, was born to this rescue cat with an incomplete dominate gene which created a tight, curly coat. Breeder Jeri Newman chose to mate Miss DePesto with a Siamese cat to develop this new breed of cat.
The soft, curly coat of this breed makes it a natural for anyone who loves to cuddle with their cat. Although often quite large, this breed has an almost toy-like appearance which attracts lots of attention.
The coat on this cat is very high maintenance and will require frequent brushing to keep its curly locks tangle- free.
Are you looking for a quiet cat that
remains reserved into a
dulthood? The Selkirk Rex may be for you. The Selkirk Rex is not a vocal cat and may remain a bit standoffish throughout its life. These cats score high on the independence scale and are are well suited for mature, adult owners.
Photo by Ji?ina Chod?rov?
Cornish Rex
This unique breed with large, demonstrative ears, comes to us from the Cornwall, England. Originating from a male barn cat named
Kallibunker, this short curly haired breed began in the 1950's.
Cornish Rex have an otherworldly appearance, with their large ears and expressive eyes. They tend to be slender with very long, delicate legs and have a short curly coat. Many have compared the appearance of this breed to that of a hunting dog or greyhound. While their unique look can be a bit off-putting to some, their affectionate personalities win the hearts of cat owners world wide.
The Cornish Rex has a very outgoing and playful personality. Considered one of the most curious and intelligent of cat breeds, Cornish Rex loves to bound throughout their homes. They are especially known for jumping ability and will leap to the tops of your refrigerators and shelves with little effort. Keep your breakables stashed away with a the climbing Cornish Rex lest those items come raining down upon you. The breed's short hair makes them ideal for a low maintenance coat with little shedding. This breed tends to be less independent, and very affectionate toward its human companions.
**While we at Thirsty Cat Fountains always recommend you consider adopting a shelter cat before all others, a purebred cat may be what's right for you.
References for this article came from J. Anne Helgren, Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds, Barrons Educational Series, Inc., 1997