The Selkirk Rex cat breed is a domestic cat with a distinct appearance and personality. Unlike other cat breeds, Selkirk Rex cats have a curly, plush coat that is soft to the touch, giving them a teddy bear-like appearance. They are also known for their friendly and loving personality, making them a popular choice among cat lovers.
Origins of the Selkirk Rex
A relatively new cat breed, the Selkirk Rex cat breed originated in Montana in the United States in 1987. The Selkirk Rex is the most recent documented cat breed that originated through natural mutation.
The first Selkirk Rex kitten was born to a stray cat adopted from a shelter named Miss DePesto. The kitten had a curly coat, and the breeder, Jeri Newman, recognized the unique trait as a potential new breed.
She named the kitten Miss Priss and began a breeding program to develop the Selkirk Rex breed. Newman bred the curly-haired kitten with a black Persian cat named PhotoFinish. Of the six kittens born, three of them had curly hair which meant the gene for inheriting this type of fur was autosomal dominant.
In 1990, the breed was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) with promotion to Championship status in 1994. In 1992, the Selkirk Rex was recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) for registration and attained Championship Status in May of 2000.
Appearance of the Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex cat breed is known for its curly coat, which is the result of a genetic mutation.
Unlike other curly-haired cat breeds, such as the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex, Selkirk Rex cats have a thicker, plush coat that is soft to the touch.
Their coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid colors, tabby, and bi-color. Selkirk rex cats can be either short or longhaired.
They have large, round eyes that are set wide apart and give them a friendly and approachable appearance.
Selkirk Rex cats have a round face with chubby cheeks and a short, broad nose. They have a sturdy, muscular build and are larger than many other cat breeds, weighing between 10 and 16 pounds.
Personality
Selkirk Rex cats are known for their friendly and loving personality due to the founding cat breeds used to develop this cat breed. Selkirk rex cats originate from a mix of British Shorthair from which their laidback personality is from and Persian cats from which the cuddly nature comes from.
They are social cats and enjoy being around people and other pets. They are not as active as some other breeds and prefer to spend their time lounging around the house or cuddling with their owners.
Selkirk Rex cats are intelligent and curious, and they enjoy playing with toys and solving puzzles. These cats are also known for their easy-going nature and adapt well to different living situations, including homes with children and other pets.
Grooming
Selkirk Rex cats require regular grooming to keep their curly coat in good condition.
Their dense coat can mat easily, so they should be brushed regularly to prevent tangles and mats from forming. A metal comb or slicker brush can be used to groom their coat, and a pet-specific detangling spray can be helpful in removing any knots.
Because of their thick coat, Selkirk Rex cats may be prone to overheating, especially in warmer climates. Owners should be mindful of this and provide their cats with plenty of water and a cool place to rest.
Health
Like all cat breeds, Selkirk Rex cats may be prone to certain health conditions. These can include hip dysplasia, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
It is important for owners to take their cats for regular check-ups with a veterinarian and to monitor their cats’ health for any signs of illness.
A curly coat cat breed
The Selkirk Rex cat breed is a unique feline that is known for its curly coat and friendly personality. They are easy-going cats that adapt well to different living situations and are a popular choice among cat lovers.
With regular grooming and proper care, Selkirk Rex cats can live long, healthy lives and provide their owners with years of companionship and joy.
Selkirk rex cat breed quick facts
Here are some facts about the Selkirk Rex:
- The Selkirk Rex is a cat breed with a curly, plush coat that is soft to the touch.
- The breed was first developed in Montana, USA, in 1987 when a stray cat gave birth to a curly-coated kitten.
- The Selkirk Rex is the result of a genetic mutation that affects the coat.
- The breed was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1990, and by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) for registration in 1992.
- The Selkirk Rex comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid colors, tabby, and bi-color.
- Selkirk Rex cats have a round face with chubby cheeks and a short, broad nose.
- They have large, round eyes that are set wide apart, giving them a friendly and approachable appearance.
- Selkirk Rex cats are larger than many other cat breeds, weighing between 10 and 16 pounds.
- The breed is known for its friendly and loving personality, making them a popular choice among cat lovers.
- Selkirk Rex cats are intelligent and curious, and they enjoy playing with toys and solving puzzles.
- They are also known for their easy-going nature and adapt well to different living situations, including homes with children and other pets.
- Selkirk Rex cats require regular grooming to keep their curly coat in good condition and may be prone to overheating.
- The breed may be prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, polycystic kidney disease, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Selkirk Rex cats are great indoor pets and are content to spend their days lounging around the house.
- They make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike and can provide years of joy and companionship when properly cared for.
References
Filler, S., Alhaddad, H., Gandolfi, B., Kurushima, J. D., Cortes, A., Veit, C., … & Brem, G. (2012). Selkirk Rex: morphological and genetic characterization of a new cat breed. Journal of Heredity, 103(5), 727-733. https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/ess039
