Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex cat was developed in the United States in 1988, when a curly haired cat was crossed with a Persian cat. Breeders explained that this curly hair is due to a genetic mutation, making the Selkirk Rex coat both curly and fluffy.

Although considered a fairly ‘new’ cat breed, they were quickly recognized by the TICA in 1990. Despite their name, these cats are not actually related to Devon Rex cats or Cornish Rex cats, ‘‘rex’’ only refers to their characteristic curly hair.

Selkirk Rex cats are large in size, weighing between 4 and 7 kilograms. Some Selkirk Rex cats are even considered giant in size. These cats have a muscular but slender body with powerful and flexible limbs. Their tail, of medium length, is considerably thick with a round tip.

Selkirk Rex cat life expectancy ranges between 12 and 15 years.

The head of a Selkirk Rex is round and medium in size with a short snout. A Selkirk Rex’s eyes are both round and large, varying in color depending on fur color. The most characteristic feature of this cat breed is its coat, which can be both long or short: longhair Selkirk Rex and shorthair Selkirk Rex. The unique curly hair of this cat breed places the Selkirk Rex onto our list of cat breeds with curly hair.

Selkirk Rex cats are calm and peaceful felines, known for their calm and balanced temperament. They are also incredibly affectionate, making them an ideal breed for families with young children and older people.

Additionally, these cats adapt easily to all environments, be that an apartment or large house with a garden.

Care varies on which variety of Selkirk Rex cat you have. Longhair Selkirk Rex cats require daily brushing, while shorthair Selkirk Rex cats require coat maintenance about 2-3 times a week. These cats do not require baths.

Due to this abundant coat, it’s important to pay attention to its ears, which require regular cleaning to avoid wax accumulation. Additionally, you should clean your Selkirk Rex cat’s mouth and eyes when necessary.

Mkae sure that you offer your cat, of any breed, a balanced high-quality diet.

For more read, how to clean my cat’s ears.

Selkirk cats are generally quite healthy and do not have any registered congenital diseases.

Most of the problems that this cat breed faces is related to its coat which, if not brushed regulaly, can cause hairballs. For more, we recommend reading our article where we discuss everything you need to know about hairballs in cats.

Also because of their abundant fur, these cats fall more at risk of suffering from ear problems. This is mainly due to low oxygenation of the auditory tract, which is covered by hair. To avoid the accumulation of wax and otitis, we recommend consulting your veterinarian to find out which is the best ear cleanser for you Selkirk Rex.