Selkirk Rex Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

The Selkirk Rex is a unique and charming breed of cat known for its curly coat and affectionate personality. They are often described as the “poodle cats” due to their distinctive fur, which is soft and plush like a lamb’s wool.

One of the most striking features of the Selkirk Rex is its curly coat, which is unlike any other breed of cat. This unique coat is soft and plush, with a distinctive curl that gives the Selkirk Rex a distinctive appearance. In addition to its curly coat, the Selkirk Rex is also known for its robust physique, with a muscular body and strong legs that make it an excellent jumper and climber.

Breed Profile

The Selkirk Rex is a cat breed that originated in Montana in the late 1980s. The breed was discovered by a Persian breeder named Jeri Newman, who found an unusual mixed-breed kitten with a wavy coat and curly whiskers. He adopted the kitten, naming her DePesto, and began breeding her with other cats to develop the Selkirk Rex breed.

The discovery of the Selkirk Rex was an accident, caused by a genetic mutation that resulted in a curly coat. DePesto was the only kitten in her litter to have this unique coat, and Newman recognised the potential for a new breed. She began breeding DePesto with other cats, including Persians, Exotics, and British Shorthairs, to develop the breed.

The Selkirk Rex was recognised as a new breed by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1992. The breed is known for its curly coat, which can be either short or long and comes in a variety of colours and patterns. Selkirk Rex cats are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities and are popular pets around the world.

Physical Characteristics

If you’re considering getting a Selkirk Rex cat, it’s important to know what physical characteristics to expect from this breed. Selkirk Rex cats are known for their unique appearance, which sets them apart from other breeds. Here are some of the distinctive physical characteristics of the Selkirk Rex:

• Distinctive Coat and Texture

One of the most noticeable features of Selkirk Rex cats is their coat. This breed has a curly coat that is soft and plush to the touch. The coat can be either short or long and comes in a variety of patterns and colours. 

Some of the most common coat patterns such as tabby, tortoiseshell, shaded, chinchilla, calico, bicolour, tricolour, smoke, pointed, sepia, and mink. The texture of the coat is often described as woolly or lamb-like, giving the breed the nickname “the cat in sheep’s clothing”.

• Body Structure and Appearance

Selkirk Rex cats have a muscular and sturdy body structure, with a broad chest and powerful legs. They are a medium-to-large-sized breed, weighing up to 16 pounds and measuring up to 30 inches in length. Despite their size, Selkirk Rex cats have a graceful and agile appearance, with a long tail that is thick and rounded at the tip.

• Facial Features and Eye Colour

Selkirk Rex cats have a distinctive facial structure, with full cheeks and a round head. Their medium-sized ears are set wide apart and have a slight curl at the tips. The eyes of a Selkirk Rex can be any colour, and are often round and expressive, adding to the breed’s friendly and affectionate appearance.

In addition to their curly coat and unique facial features, Selkirk Rex cats also have curly whiskers, adding to their distinctive appearance. The breed’s overall appearance is charming and endearing, making it a popular choice for cat lovers who appreciate its unique look and affectionate nature.

Personality Traits

The Selkirk Rex is known for its calm and gentle personality. They are highly affectionate and love attention. They are intelligent and playful and enjoy interacting with their owners. They are also known to be lap cats and enjoy cuddling up with their owners.

• Interaction with Family and Other Pets

The Selkirk Rex is a social cat and enjoys being around people. They are known to be friendly and gentle, making them great pets for families with children. They also get along well with other pets, including dogs and other cats.

When introducing a new Selkirk Rex to your home, it is important to give them time to adjust to their new surroundings. It is recommended to keep them in a separate room for a few days to get used to their new environment. Once they have settled in, you can gradually introduce them to other family members and pets.

Health and Care

Taking care of your Selkirk Rex is essential to keep them healthy and happy. To do so, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Common Health Issues

The Selkirk Rex is generally a healthy breed, but like all cats, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the common health issues that Selkirk Rexes may face are polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help detect and manage these conditions early on.

• Grooming Requirements

The distinctive coat of the Selkirk Rex needs to be regularly conditioned to maintain its quality. You may assist avoid matting and tangling by brushing their coat once or twice a week. Unless they get too dirty, you don’t need to bathe them. If you do, though, use shampoo made just for cats. Given that Selkirk Rexes shed somewhat, routine brushing can help control shedding. 

• Diet and Exercise

A balanced diet is essential for the overall health of your Selkirk Rex. Make sure to feed them high-quality cat food that meets their nutritional requirements. It’s also important to monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly to prevent obesity. Selkirk Rexes are active cats and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Interactive toys and playtime with their owners can help keep them active and engaged.

Adoption and Breeding

If you are interested in adopting a Selkirk Rex cat, there are a few things to consider. First, you should research the breed thoroughly to ensure that it is a good fit for your lifestyle. Selkirk Rex cats are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, so they make great pets for families with children or other pets. They are also adaptable to different living situations, so they can be happy in both apartments and larger homes.

When choosing a Selkirk Rex, it is important to find a reputable breeder. Look for a breeder who is registered with a cat breeding association such as The International Cat Association (TICA) or the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). A good breeder should be able to provide you with information about the cat’s lineage, health history, and temperament. They should also be willing to answer any questions you may have about the breed or the individual cat.

If you prefer to adopt a Selkirk Rex from a rescue, many organisations specialise in the breed. These rescues often have cats of all ages available for adoption, and they can provide you with information about the cat’s personality and history. Adopting a rescue cat can be a great way to give a loving home to a cat in need.

Breeding Information and Ethics

Breeding Selkirk Rex cats can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to do so responsibly. The breed is dominant, which means that breeding two Selkirk Rex cats together can result in health problems for the kittens. To avoid this, breeders often crossbreed Selkirk Rex cats with other breeds such as British Shorthairs or Persians.

If you are interested in breeding Selkirk Rex cats, you should research the breed thoroughly and find a mentor who can guide you through the process. You should also ensure that you are breeding for the right reasons, such as improving the breed or preserving its characteristics.

It is important to be ethical in your breeding practices. This means providing your cats with proper care and nutrition, and ensuring that they are healthy before breeding. You should also be prepared to take responsibility for any kittens that are born with health problems or are unable to find a home. Breeding should always be done with the welfare of the cats in mind, and not for financial gain.

Conclusion

The Selkirk Rex is a unique and affectionate breed that makes a wonderful addition to any family. Their calm and gentle nature, along with their distinctive coat, make them stand out among other cat breeds. 

As with any pet, it is important to provide your Selkirk Rex with proper care and attention to ensure they live a happy and healthy life. Whether you are looking to adopt or breed a Selkirk Rex, remember to always prioritise the well-being of these beautiful cats. With love and proper care, your Selkirk Rex will make you a loving companion for many years to come. If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, consider welcoming a Selkirk Rex into your home.