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Selkirk Rex Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics, and Care Guide

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| Updated: April 30, 2023
Selkirk Rex Cat Sheep Cat Kitten laying down

If you are looking for a cute and cool cat, consider the Selkirk Rex. This cat breed has a unique curly coat that gives it a woolly look and a teddy bear feel. The Selkirk Rex is also known for its friendly and laid-back personality, making it a great companion for people of all ages.

Breed Overview

Weight Up to 16 pounds
Length Up to 30 inches
Coat Length Short or long hair
Coat Colors Any genetically possible color or combination
Coat Patterns Tabby, shaded, tortoiseshell, chinchilla, smoke, calico, bicolor, tricolor, pointed, mink, sepia
Eye Colors Any color
Personality Laid-back, friendly, affectionate, medium-energy
Hypoallergenic No
Good with Kids Yes
Good with Pets Yes
Origin USA

History Of The Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex is a relatively new breed that originated in Montana in 1987. A local animal shelter rescued a pregnant cat that had a curly coat. One of the kittens in her litter also had a curly coat, and she was adopted by a Persian breeder named Jeri Newman. Newman named the kitten Miss DePesto, after a curly-haired character in the TV series Moonlighting.

Newman decided to breed Miss DePesto with a black Persian male. The resulting litter had three curly kittens and three straight-haired kittens. This indicated that the curly gene was dominant, unlike the recessive genes of the other rex breeds (Cornish Rex and Devon Rex). Newman named the new breed after her stepfather, Selkirk, and registered it with The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1990.

The Selkirk Rex was developed by crossing it with various breeds, such as British Shorthairs, American Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, and Persians. This increased the genetic diversity and improved the health and appearance of the breed. The Selkirk Rex was recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 2000 and by the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) in 2001.

Selkirk Rex cat sitting on a counter looking at the camera
Photo: Pixabay

Selkirk Rex Appearance

The Selkirk Rex is a medium to large cat that weighs between 6 and 16 pounds. It has a round head, large eyes, and a short nose. The ears are medium-sized and set well apart. The body is muscular and sturdy, with a broad chest and a straight back. The legs are medium-length and robust, with round paws. The tail is proportional to the body and plumed.

The most distinctive feature of the Selkirk Rex is its curly coat, which covers the entire body, including the whiskers. Depending on the coat type, the curls can vary in tightness and length. There are two coat types: shorthair and longhair. The shorthair coat has shorter tines (the part of the hair that curls) and more curl than the longhair coat. The longhair coat has longer tines and less curl, giving it a softer and silkier texture.

The Selkirk Rex can come in any color or pattern, including solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, bicolor, pointed, smoke, shaded, and silver. The color of the eyes can also vary, depending on the coat color.

Selkirk Rex Cats Personality

The Selkirk Rex is a gentle and affectionate cat that loves to cuddle with its human family. It is not very vocal, but it will purr loudly when happy. It is also playful and curious, enjoying toys and games that stimulate its mind and body. It gets along well with other pets and children as long as they are respectful and gentle.

The Selkirk Rex is not very demanding or needy, but it does appreciate quality time with its owners. It likes to follow them around the house and join them on the couch or bed. It is not very active or athletic, but it needs some exercise to maintain health and weight. It can adapt to any living environment as long as it has enough space and attention.

Pros

  • The Selkirk Rex has a unique and beautiful curly coat that makes it stand out from other breeds.
  • The Selkirk Rex has a gentle and loving personality that makes it a great companion for people of all ages.
  • The Selkirk Rex has a moderate level of care that makes it easy to maintain.

Cons

  • The Selkirk Rex is a rare and expensive breed that may be hard to find or afford.
  • The Selkirk Rex is prone to some genetic health problems that may require regular testing and treatment.
  • The Selkirk Rex needs regular brushing to prevent matting and hairballs in its curly coat.

Common Health Issues With Selkirk Rexes

The Selkirk Rex is generally a healthy breed that can live up to 15 years or more. However, like any purebred cat, it can be prone to some genetic health problems. Some of the common health issues that affect the Selkirk Rex are:

  • Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): This is a condition where cysts form in the kidneys, affecting their function and leading to kidney failure. It is inherited from one or both parents who carry the PKD gene. There is no cure for PKD, but it can be managed with medication and diet.
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): This is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened and enlarged, affecting its ability to pump blood properly. It can cause heart failure or sudden death. It can be inherited from one or both parents who carry the HCM gene. There is no cure for HCM, but it can be diagnosed with an echocardiogram and treated with medication.
  • Hip dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint is malformed, causing pain and mobility problems. It can be caused by genetic or environmental factors, such as obesity or injury. It can be diagnosed with an X-ray and treated with surgery or medication.

To prevent or reduce the risk of these health issues, buying a Selkirk from a reputable and responsible breeder who tests their cats for genetic diseases and provides health certificates is essential. Spaying or neutering your cat, keeping it indoors, and providing regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations is also advisable.

Selkirk Rex kitten cat laying down
Photo: Pixabay

Caring For A Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex does not require much work to keep it happy and healthy, but it needs some special care for its curly coat. The coat does not shed much but tends to trap loose hairs that can cause matting. Therefore, brushing the coat gently once or twice a week with a wide-toothed comb or a soft brush is recommended. Over-brushing can loosen the curls and damage the coat.

The Selkirk Rex also needs regular grooming for its eyes, ears, teeth, and nails. The eyes should be wiped with a damp cloth to remove any discharge or dirt. The ears should be checked and cleaned with a cotton ball or a soft cloth if they are dirty or have wax build-up. The teeth should be brushed daily with cat toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to prevent dental problems. The nails should be trimmed every few weeks to avoid growing too long or splitting.

The Selkirk Rex has moderate nutritional needs that can be met with high-quality cat food appropriate for age, size, and activity level. It is essential to always provide fresh water and avoid overfeeding or giving too many treats. They can also benefit from some health supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, that can improve its skin and coat condition.

Fun Facts About Selkirk Rex Cats

The Selkirk Rex is not only a cute and cool cat but also a fun and fascinating one. Here are some interesting facts about this breed:

  • The Selkirk Rex is one of the rarest cat breeds, with only about 4,000 registered cats worldwide.
  • The Selkirk Rex is also one of the newest cat breeds in the world, being only about 30 years old.
  • The Selkirk Rex is sometimes called the “cat in sheep’s clothing” because its curly coat resembles wool.
  • The Selkirk Rex is also known as the “poodle cat” because of its curly hair and round face.
  • The Selkirk Rex has been featured in several media outlets, such as BuzzFeed, Mashable, and People Magazine.
  • One of the most famous Selkirk Rexes is Pompous Albert, an Instagram star with over 300,000 followers. He is named after Albert Einstein because of his resemblance to the physicist.
  • Another famous Selkirk Rex is Sir Griflet, named Best Cat in Show at the CFA International Cat Show in 2015.

Where to Buy a Selkirk Rex

If you are interested in buying a Selkirk Rex, you should be prepared to pay a premium price for this rare and curly cat. The average price of a Selkirk Rex kitten can range from $600 to $2,800, depending on the breeder, the coat quality, the color and pattern, the bloodline, the gender, and the area. The price may also vary depending on whether the kitten is pet quality or show/breeding quality.

To find a reputable and responsible breeder, you can check the websites of cat associations, such as TICA, CFA, or ACFA, and look for their breeder directories or referrals. You can also visit cat shows and meet breeders and their cats in person. You can also search online for Selkirk breeders and catteries, but make sure to do your research and ask for references and health certificates before buying a kitten.

Another option is to adopt a Selkirk Rex from a rescue or a shelter. Although this breed is not very common in rescues or shelters, you may be lucky enough to find one that needs a loving home. You can search online for Selkirk rescues or shelters near you, or contact local breeders and ask if they know of any available cats. If you do happen to find one it will make the search worth it to rescue a cat in need of a home.

Whether you buy or adopt, you should make sure that you are ready to provide a good home and a lifetime of care. The Selkirk Rex is a wonderful cat that will reward you with its curly coat and cuddly personality.

Selkirk Rex cat Sheep cat rolling around outside in the sun
Photo: Pixabay

Conclusion

The Selkirk Rex is a cat breed with a lot to offer to anyone who loves cats. Its unique curly coat makes it look like a teddy bear or a sheep. It has a friendly and laid-back personality that makes it a great companion for people of all ages. It has a moderate level of care that makes it easy to maintain. And it has a fun and fascinating history that makes it stand out from other breeds.

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FAQ

How much are selkirk rex cats?

Selkirk rex cats are rare and curly cats that can cost anywhere from $600 to $2,800, depending on various factors such as the breeder, the coat quality, the color and pattern, the bloodline, the gender, and the area. The price may also differ depending on whether the cat is pet quality or show/breeding quality.

Are selkirk rex cats hypoallergenic?

Selkirk rex cats are not hypoallergenic, as no cat breed is truly hypoallergenic. However, some people with mild allergies may tolerate them better than other breeds, as they shed less and have a soft and curly coat that traps less dander and saliva. However, this also means that they need regular brushing to prevent matting and hairballs.

Does the selkirk rex shed?

Selkirk rex cats do shed, but not as much as other breeds. Their curly coat tends to hold on to loose hairs instead of dropping them off onto your clothes and furniture. However, this also means that they need regular brushing to prevent matting and hairballs.

Where is the selkirk rex from?

Selkirk rex cats are from Montana, USA. They originated in 1987 from a curly-coated cat that was rescued from a shelter and bred with a Persian cat by a breeder named Jeri Newman. The breed was named after Newman’s stepfather, Selkirk. The breed was developed by crossing it with various breeds, such as British Shorthairs, American Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, and Persians.

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