History:

The Selkirk Rex is one of the newest and most distinctive natural cat breeds, first emerging in 1987 in Montana, USA. A unique curly-coated kitten named Miss DePesto was born in a shelter litter to a rescue cat of unknown lineage. She caught the attention of Persian breeder Jeri Newman, who adopted her and bred her to a black Persian male. The resulting kittens inherited the same soft, curly coat, establishing that the trait was due to a dominant gene, unlike the recessive genes of other Rex breeds. Newman named the breed “Selkirk Rex” after her stepfather, making it the only cat breed named after a person. The Selkirk Rex quickly gained recognition for its plush curls, stocky body, and sweet disposition. Over the years, outcrosses to Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs helped shape its physical traits while retaining its signature curls and gentle temperament.

Size: Medium to large-sized cat

Height: 23–30 cm

Weight: 4–7 kg

Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

Breed Appearance:

The Selkirk Rex is a robust, solidly built cat with a broad chest, muscular frame, and a round head. Its most distinctive feature is its dense, curly coat, which comes in both shorthaired and longhaired varieties. The curls appear all over the body, including the tail and whiskers, giving the breed a plush, tousled look. The coat texture can range from loose waves to tight ringlets, and it is soft to the touch. The breed has full cheeks, large, round eyes set wide apart, and medium ears that are sometimes tufted. All coat colours and patterns are accepted, adding to the breed’s visual diversity. The tail is thick and proportionate, and its entire demeanour is often described as resembling a living teddy bear.

Health & Care:

Selkirk Rex cats are generally healthy, but because of their ancestry, they may inherit conditions common to Persians and British Shorthairs, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Responsible breeding programs test for these issues. Their coat requires regular grooming—at least twice a week for shorthairs and more frequent brushing for longhairs—to prevent matting and manage shedding. However, overbrushing can damage the curls, so a gentle approach is best. Routine dental care, ear cleaning, and nail trimming are also important. With proper care and monitoring, Selkirks typically enjoy long, healthy lives.

Living Conditions:

Selkirks are adaptable and thrive in various living environments, including apartments and houses. They are calm and tolerant, making them excellent pets for families, seniors, or individuals. They get along well with children and other animals and are content to relax or play, depending on the household's energy level. Though playful and curious, they are not hyperactive and tend to enjoy lounging as much as interactive play. Selkirk enjoys companionship and does best when they have regular attention from their humans. They’re affectionate without being clingy, often following family members from room to room without demanding constant interaction.

Grooming:

The Selkirk Rex's curly coat requires moderate maintenance to remain healthy and beautiful. Brushing a couple of times a week is typically enough, with long-haired varieties needing more frequent grooming to prevent mats. Use a wide-toothed comb or fingers to preserve the curl texture—avoid heavy grooming tools that may flatten the coat. Bathing is rarely needed, but can help reduce oil buildup in some individuals. Like all cats, they benefit from regular nail trimming, dental care, and ear cleaning. With gentle care, their unique coat remains soft, curly, and charming without excessive effort.

Advantages:

• Selkirk Rex cats are affectionate, patient, and tolerant companions who adapt well to various home environments.

• Their unique curly coat makes them stand out visually, offering a soft, plush texture that appeals to cat lovers.

• They are good with children and other pets, making them ideal for families or multi-pet households.

• The breed’s easygoing nature means they handle changes and new environments better than many other breeds.

• They are generally quiet and mellow but still enjoy playing and bonding with their people in calm ways.

Disadvantages:

• Their thick, curly coat—especially in longhaired variants—requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats.

• Due to their Persian ancestry, some Selkirks may be prone to inherited health issues like PKD or HCM.

• They may shed more than expected, and their dense fur can trap dander, which might not suit allergy-sensitive homes.

• Their calm nature means they may not provide the constant energy or interaction some active owners seek.

• Curly fur may require gentle handling and careful grooming to avoid damaging the coat or irritating the skin.