For Owen Bangcaya, it was love at first sight when he saw Kulot— an appropriate name, given how Texel Cavies like her have curly coats. But what made Kulot irresistible at first glance? Was it her luxurious-looking curls? Was it her adorable little face? Or was it her gentle and friendly disposition?
Let’s get to know Kulot and learn more about Texel Cavies like her!
FRIENDLY FACE AND NATURE
Aside from having a cute, friendly face, Kulot’s friendly nature proves captivating, making her an instant favorite — not to mention a great companion.
In general, Texels get along well with other Cavies. They are social animals who enjoy interacting with others. Their gentle disposition makes them great companions for those who can dedicate time to their care.
CURLY CAVY EXTRAORDINAIRE
Initially, Owen’s decision to care for a Texel was driven by a desire to embrace a new challenge. “Some [people who care for Cavies] say that Texels are hard to groom given their curly long hair, so I took it as a challenge.”
Owen’s love for Sheltie Cavies — known for their long hair — also played a role, leading him to choose the curly version of a long-haired Cavy, such as the Texel. He then named his first Texel companion “Kulot”, the Tagalog word for curly.
Life with Kulot means a well-established routine that ensures her needs are met daily. Owen describes it as similar to caring for other animals, but with a few additional steps. “I make sure [Kulot] has enough food and water. There isn’t much difference with other [Cavies], but I check his coat more often to see if there [is] matted hair.”
TEXEL TEXTURE
Curious how Kulot’s hair feels like?
A Texel’s coat is dense, soft, and full of well-defined curls across the body, including the belly. The curls form visibly tight ringlets, giving the Cavy a plush and fluffy appearance.
Ideally, Texels have a well-rounded body shape with a short, wide head and round eyes.
Texel Cavies come in various shades, color combinations, and patterns. Those I usually see are a broken variety, which means that they have a combination of two or more colors. Standards may vary slightly among different Cavy organizations, but the focus remains on the quality and uniformity of the curly coat.
The Texel’s curls form visibly tight ringlets, giving them a plush and fluffy appearance.
HOW TEXELS CAME TO BE
According to the website GuineaDad, the Texel is a relatively new type of Cavy, first recognized in the 1980s.
Originating in England, Texels were created by crossing Rex and Silkie (also known as Sheltie) Cavies. The goal was to combine the curly fur of the Rex with the long, flowing hair of the Silkie, resulting in the distinctive curls that Texels are known for today.
It was no surprise that Texels quickly gained popularity, what with their unique appearance and friendly temperament.
PERFECTLY COILED LOCKS
According to the American Cavy Breeders Association, the ringlets of a Texel should have a diameter ranging from 1/8 to 3/4 inch — ideally at 3/8 inch.
ARE KULOT’S CURLS HARD TO MANAGE?
Kulot’s curly coat requires regular attention. Owen grooms her weekly, ensuring that she got used to the process. “I bathe [Kulot] to remove oil and dirt from her hair and check for tangled hair or matting. It is better not to comb or brush the hair to maintain the curls. I scrunch her hair with my hands and make sure it is completely dry.”
Grooming sessions also serve as bonding moments, with Owen often calling Kulot using her name to strengthen their connection.
Part of maintaining Kulot’s healthy hair is, understandably, a balanced diet. Owen provides her hay, banana leaves, fresh grass, and a variety of vegetables like cucumber, carrot, corn, and sayote. Fruits are given as occasional treats.
Fresh water is obviously a daily necessity.
CURLY AND QUIRKY
Unlike many of us who would rather curl up with a good book or watch Netflix in bed, Kulot actually loves exercise! She enjoys spending time on the floor, providing her with mental stimulation while also allowing her to interact with the other Cavies at home.
It’s difficult to deny that one of the reasons she loves exercise time is the presence of treats! Owen provides dried or baked treats during her floor sessions, adding an element of fun and reward.
CARE FOR CURLY HAIR
Generally, Texel Cavies like Kulot are in good health. However, Owen has noticed that their dense coats make them more prone to summer-related issues, such as heatstroke.
During hotter months, he gives Kulot more frequent baths and maintains shorter hair to help her stay cool.
HOW READY ARE YOU FOR A CURLY CAVY?
Owen wants to debunk misconceptions, emphasizing that with proper care, Texels can be as easy to care for as other Cavies. So, for those interested in taking care of a Texel Cavy, he offers encouraging words: “Raising Texels is fun and just the same as raising other Cavies, [even if] you need a little extra effort in grooming them.”
His love for Texels shines through when he talks about their appearance. “I love Texels because of their curls, which make them look soft and fluffy. People who see them are amazed because they look like they have human hair.”
He would receive funny comments, such as, “It looks like a wig!” or “Mas maganda pa ang buhok niya kesa sakin (Their hair looks better than mine),” and questions like, “Anong shampoo (What’s their shampoo)?” or “Nagpapa-salon ba (Do they go to the salon)?”
KULOT IS QUEEN
Kulot embodies all that’s wonderful about a Texel Cavy: beauty, charm, and a loving nature. Her story with Owen highlights the joy and dedication that comes with caring for this special animal companion.
Dr. Rich Briones is a veterinarian by profession and the first and only American Rabbit Breeders’ Association (ARBA) Rabbit and Cavy (Dual) Registrar in the Philippines. She is a board member of the Philippine Rabbit & Cavy Club, Inc., appointed to ARBA International Liaison Committee, and serves as a judge for rabbit and cavy shows locally and internationally.
