Curly coat Devon Rex / Sphynx hairless (KRT71-related) - Cat

KRT71 alleles in Devon Rex and Sphynx

This genetic analysis examines KRT71 alleles involved in Devon Rex curly coat and the Sphynx hairless coat. The relevant alleles are often designated re for Devon Rex and hr or Re^HR for Sphynx hairless.

KRT71 influences hair shaft structure. Devon Rex cats have a short, wavy to curly and often somewhat sparse coat. Sphynx hairless causes an almost hairless appearance with short or curled whiskers and reduced insulating coat.

Practical value of this test

• Determines which KRT71 alleles the cat carries.
• Helps breeders plan Devon Rex curly coat and Sphynx hairless combinations.
• Clarifies why the allele combination matters: wildtype, hr and re interact in a hierarchy.

The KRT71 re and hr alleles behave autosomal recessive relative to wildtype. In combined interpretation, the combination of wildtype, hr and re is most important for expected coat.