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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The Selkirk Rex is the teddy-bear-looking cat of the Rex breeds: its whiskers, guard hairs, and undercoat may all grow in soft waves or curls, giving the coat a plush, tousled appearance. Unlike the fine, close curls of the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex, the Selkirk’s coat is typically fuller and more substantial.
This is a people-oriented but generally easygoing cat. It can suit families, older children, and multi-pet homes, provided its social needs, grooming, and health screening are taken seriously. The coat is distinctive, but the breed’s calm, adaptable personality is just as important when deciding whether a Selkirk Rex is right for you.
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Selkirk Rex at a glance
| Characteristic | Typical Selkirk Rex |
|---|---|
| Origin | Montana, United States |
| First recognized | Late 1980s |
| Size | Medium to large; males are often substantially heavier than females |
| Coat | Short or long, plush, and wavy to curly |
| Colors | Broad range of colors and patterns, depending on registry |
| Personality | Affectionate, patient, playful, and adaptable |
| Typical lifespan | Often around 12–15 years, with individual variation |
| Grooming | Moderate; long-haired cats need more frequent combing |
Where the Selkirk Rex comes from
The breed began with a curly-coated kitten born in Montana in 1987. The kitten, later named Miss DePesto, was adopted by Persian breeder Jeri Newman. When Miss DePesto was bred to a Persian, some of the kittens also had curly coats. Those kittens helped establish that the unusual coat came from a heritable mutation rather than a one-off oddity.
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Selkirk Rex cats are genetically distinct from Devon Rex and Cornish Rex cats. The Selkirk coat mutation is dominant, so a cat generally needs only one copy of the relevant gene to show the trait. Breeders have used Persians, British Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, and other approved outcrosses during the breed’s development, depending on registry rules and the particular breeding program.
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Appearance and coat
The most recognizable feature is the coat. A well-coated Selkirk Rex looks soft, dense, and slightly untidy rather than tightly coiled. The curls may be more obvious around the neck, belly, tail, and behind the legs, while the amount of wave can vary across the body.
Selkirks may have short or long hair. Short-haired cats usually have a plush, springy coat; long-haired cats can develop more pronounced curls and feathering. Kittens may change considerably as they mature. Some are born strongly curled, lose much of the curl during a juvenile coat change, and develop a different adult texture later. Others become curlier with age.
The head is generally rounded, with full cheeks and a broad muzzle. The body is muscular and substantial rather than delicate, and the breed should feel heavier than its size might initially suggest. Whiskers and eyebrows may also be curled or kinked. Coat texture, head shape, and body proportions differ somewhat between registries and breeding lines.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchSelkirk Rex cats come in many colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, colorpoint, and bicolor varieties. The curl—not a particular color—is the defining feature.
Selkirk Rex temperament
Most Selkirk Rex cats are affectionate without being relentlessly demanding. They often enjoy being near their people, sitting beside them, or accepting a cuddle, but many are also content to spend part of the day lounging. This makes them a reasonable choice for someone who wants a companionable cat rather than an intensely busy, vocal breed.
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They are usually playful well into adulthood. Wand toys, chasing games, food puzzles, cat trees, and short training sessions can provide useful exercise and mental stimulation. Individual Selkirks range from relaxed to energetic, so a breeder or rescue organization should describe the actual cat’s behavior rather than relying only on the breed label.
With gradual introductions, many live successfully with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. Children should be taught to handle the cat gently, and every introduction should include escape routes and elevated resting places. A calm breed is not a guarantee that a particular cat will enjoy rough handling or a noisy home.
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Grooming a Selkirk Rex
The coat needs more attention than the breed’s teddy-bear appearance might suggest. Curls can hide tangles, especially in long-haired Selkirks and in areas such as the armpits, belly, collar, and behind the ears.
- Comb rather than aggressively brush. Use a wide-toothed comb or a suitable soft brush and work gently in small sections. Pulling through the curls can break hair and make grooming unpleasant.
- Set a routine. Short-haired cats may manage with grooming once or twice a week; long-haired cats commonly need several sessions per week, with daily checks during shedding periods.
- Check for mats. Small knots are easier to remove early. Do not cut tight mats with household scissors, since cat skin can easily be caught. Ask a veterinary professional or experienced groomer for help with severe matting.
- Keep the ears and face clean. Curly hair and a rounded facial structure can make debris more noticeable. Wipe only the outer ear or face with a damp pad when needed. Do not put cotton swabs or liquid into the ear canal unless a veterinarian has instructed you.
- Trim claws and inspect paws. A weekly or fortnightly claw check is useful, particularly for indoor cats.
- Brush the teeth. Daily toothbrushing with cat toothpaste is the most useful home dental habit. If that is not realistic, establish another dental-care plan with your veterinary practice.
Some Selkirks become greasy or develop skin flakes, but frequent bathing is not a substitute for finding the cause. Redness, persistent itching, odor, sores, hair loss, or recurrent waxy buildup should be assessed by a veterinarian.
Exercise, feeding, and home life
A Selkirk Rex does not usually need the activity level of a Bengal or Abyssinian, but it still needs daily play. Aim for several short interactive sessions rather than leaving a toy on the floor and assuming the cat will exercise. A sturdy climbing tree, window perch, scratching posts, and rotating puzzle feeders help prevent a sedentary indoor lifestyle.
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Because the breed is solidly built and can be food-motivated, measure meals instead of filling the bowl whenever it looks empty. Adjust portions for age, neuter status, activity, and body condition. Your veterinarian can help determine whether the cat is carrying excess fat beneath its dense coat. Fresh water should always be available.
Selkirks generally do well indoors. If outdoor access is offered, a secure enclosure or supervised harness training is safer than free roaming. Their calm nature should not be mistaken for an ability to cope with long periods of isolation; they still benefit from predictable interaction and enrichment.
Health considerations
Selkirk Rex cats are not automatically unhealthy, but their breeding history means that responsible health screening matters. The breed has connections with Persian, Exotic Shorthair, and British Shorthair lines, and the relevant risks can vary between pedigrees.
Polycystic kidney disease
Polycystic kidney disease, or PKD, causes cysts to develop in the kidneys and has been associated with Persian-related cats. DNA testing and, where appropriate, ultrasound screening can help breeding programs reduce the risk. Ask for the parents’ actual test documentation rather than accepting a verbal statement that the line is “clear.”
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, commonly called HCM, is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. It may cause no obvious signs for years. A normal physical examination does not rule it out, and a DNA result for another condition cannot substitute for cardiac evaluation. Breeders should discuss the echocardiographic screening used for their breeding cats and the schedule recommended by their veterinary cardiologist.
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Other possible concerns
Depending on the family line, veterinarians may also monitor dental disease, obesity, hip or joint problems, and upper-airway or eye issues associated with extreme facial structure. These are risks to investigate, not predictions that every Selkirk Rex will develop disease.
Routine preventive care still matters: vaccinations and parasite control suited to the cat’s lifestyle, weight checks, dental examinations, and prompt attention to changes in appetite, thirst, urination, breathing, mobility, or grooming behavior.
Choosing a Selkirk Rex kitten
A responsible breeder should let you see where kittens are raised, introduce you to the mother where possible, and provide clear veterinary records. Kittens should be alert, clean, well socialized, and accustomed to ordinary household handling. A breeder who will not discuss health testing, refuses to show records, or always has kittens available deserves caution.
Before placing a deposit, ask:
- Which registry recognizes the litter and can the pedigree be verified?
- What PKD testing or screening has been completed for the parents and close relatives?
- What cardiac screening has the breeding cats received?
- Have the kittens had a veterinary examination, vaccinations, parasite treatment, and microchipping?
- What does the contract say about hereditary disease, return of the cat, and neutering?
- How is the kitten’s coat expected to change, and what grooming does the breeder recommend?
Adoption is also worth considering. Selkirk Rex and Selkirk mixes occasionally enter breed rescues or general shelters, although they are less common than ordinary domestic cats. A rescue can help match you with an adult whose temperament and grooming needs are already visible.
Is the Selkirk Rex hypoallergenic?
No cat breed is reliably hypoallergenic. Cat allergies are usually triggered mainly by proteins such as Fel d 1, which are present in saliva and skin secretions, not simply by the length or curl of the hair. A Selkirk Rex may seem to shed less conspicuously than a straight-coated cat, but it can still spread allergens.
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If someone in the household has allergies, spend time with the specific cat or breeder’s adult cats before committing. Even then, a short visit cannot guarantee how the person will react after living with the cat full-time.
Advantages and drawbacks
| Potential advantages | Potential challenges |
|---|---|
| Affectionate and generally adaptable | Coat can mat, particularly in long-haired cats |
| Distinctive appearance without requiring extreme activity levels | Not truly hypoallergenic or non-shedding |
| Often suitable for families and multi-pet homes | Health screening is important in Persian-related lines |
| Available in many colors and patterns | Individual coat texture can be unpredictable as a kitten |
FAQ
Do Selkirk Rex cats shed?
Yes. They may shed less visibly than some straight-coated cats, but they are not non-shedding. Loose hair can collect in the dense coat and on bedding.
Are Selkirk Rex cats good family pets?
Often, yes. Many are patient, sociable, and adaptable, but children must handle them gently and introductions to other pets should be gradual.
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How often should a Selkirk Rex be groomed?
Short-haired Selkirks often need combing once or twice weekly. Long-haired cats commonly need grooming several times a week, with extra checks for mats.
What health tests should a Selkirk Rex breeder provide?
Ask about PKD testing or screening, cardiac screening for HCM, veterinary records, and any tests recommended for the specific pedigree. Request written results for the parents.
The Bottom Line
The Selkirk Rex combines a plush curly coat with a usually calm, affectionate personality. It is a good fit for a home that wants an interactive companion and is prepared to groom regularly, manage food portions, and investigate health screening rather than buying on appearance alone. The right kitten should come with transparent records, sensible breeding practices, and a temperament that matches your household.
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