Selkirk Rex Cat Breed: Characteristic, Health & Fun Facts!

Only three other cat breeds, the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and LaPerm, have a curly coat like the Selkirk Rex, an American native. With its relaxed demeanor and unkempt look, the Selkirk Rex gives new meaning to the adage “Curly hair, don’t care.” This cat is as lovely as it is delightful, thanks to its laid-back disposition.

About The Breed

A Selkirk Rex cat may be right for you if you’ve always wanted to be the owner of a real-life teddy bear. These enormous, cuddly cats feature big, wide eyes, velvety coats that are curly and available in a variety of colors and patterns, and even their whiskers are curled. Selkirk Rex cats come in both long and short hair varieties, and cat lovers like both.

This cat breed gets along well with both people and other animals and is clever, caring, and laid back. The Selkirk Rex is not as widespread as some other breeds because it was first produced in the 1980s, but its distinctive appearance and temperament make it well worth looking for.

Selkirk Rex Cat Breed History

The first known Selkirk cat, one of a litter of six recovered in an animal shelter in 1987, was born in Montana, where the breed initially gained notoriety. The curly-coated female was brought to the notice of a local Persian breeder, Jeri Newman, who adopted her.

The other cats had the normal straight coat of a domestic shorthaired cat, but the curly-coated female was so odd. She was given the name Miss DePesto, and as she developed into a black Persian, Newman bred her out of curiosity.

Three of the six kittens Miss DePesto produced had curly coats, demonstrating the dominance of the gene responsible for the trait. The Cornish or Devon Rexes, whose wavy coats are caused by a recessive gene, are an exception to this rule.

Selkirk Rex Cat Breed Job Card/Overview

Breed Name	Selkirk Rex
Origin	United States of America
Height	9 – 11 inches
Weight	6 – 16 pounds
Life Expectancy	15 – 20 years
Temperament	Sociable, Affectionate
Colors	Chocolate, brown, sable cinnamon lavender, silver fawn blue

Breed Characteristics 

One of the most prominent capabilities is their curly fur, which provides for their lovely and cuddly appearance. They are available in diverse colors and patterns, permitting you to pick the one that melts your coronary heart.

These cats have a gentle and friendly disposition, making them perfect partners for families and individuals alike. While their fur may additionally look high upkeep, it’s distinctly clean to take care of.

Regular grooming continues their curls in a look at, however, they may be typically low-maintenance pets. Selkirk Rex Cats also are recognized for their playful nature and like to have interaction, making them first-rate additions to any home.

Personality 

The sedate Rex is the Selkirk. He has a calm, soft demeanor thanks to his Persian and British Shorthair forebears, yet he is more playful and lively than those breeds. His housemates describe him as charming and nice with a hint of silliness.

Selkirk is a tolerant and loving cat that enjoys people and other animals, albeit he is not necessarily a lap cat. Due to his gregarious disposition, he despises spending extended amounts of time alone.

This playful cat will be delighted to play with a fishing pole toy or a flashlight beam. Avoid him at your own risk. If he believes that he is not being given enough credit, he won’t think twice about requesting attention in a little, low voice.

Pros And Cons Of The Selkirk Rex Cat Breed 

Appearance

General Appearance

These cats have a medium to massive-sized frame, well-muscled, and a round face. The maximum fantastic characteristic is their smooth, curly coat, which feels like a luxurious teddy undergoes.

Their eyes are huge and expressive, coming in numerous shades. Selkirk Rex Cats have a pleasant and approachable demeanor, making them high-quality companions. Their particular curls add to their usual allure, making them stand out inside the global of pussycat breeds.

Coat Color And Grooming

Many different colors and patterns of Cornish Rex cats are bred: Solids: Cream, brown, chocolate, red, lilac, blue, black, and blue.

Rare hues like blue/lilac (blue with a pink overtone), mink, and others are assumed to be influenced by certain genetic modifiers, although little is known about them (warmish brown).

Selkirk kittens typically arrive curled up. They begin to lose their curls at six months of age and develop a thin, straight coat instead. Be tolerant. When they are fully grown, their coat becomes thick and wooly in texture. Selkirk cats with straight coats are also occasionally born in litters containing kittens with curly coats.

Two or three times each week, brush the Selkirk’s coat to get rid of dead hair and prevent or clear mats or tangles. The optimum method should be demonstrated to you by the breeder of your cat; otherwise, you risk stretching out the curls.

Basic care is all that is left. For good general health and fresh breath, trim the nails every week or so and wash the teeth with a pet toothpaste that has been recommended by a veterinarian.

Shedding

Although the Selkirk Cat doesn’t shed much, its coat does need special maintenance since any stray hairs have a tendency to get caught inside the coat rather than fall off onto your clothes and furnishings. The coat may get matted if loose hairs are allowed to remain in it.

Health 

The Selkirk Rex has certain health issues that may be of concern, although he is typically healthy and may be outcrossed to Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs for reasons of genetic variety.

Hip dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and polycystic kidney disease are a few of them. Asking a breeder whether she screens for any of these diseases or if any of them have developed in her lines is a good idea.

Maintenance And Care

A Selkirk rex needs humans to be content. They like spending time with their family, whether it’s by following them about or snuggling on the couch, even if they don’t need constant care. They dislike spending a lot of time alone, especially if they have nothing to think about.

Selkirk rex cats may be excellent pets for the elderly and kids because of their amiable and cuddly attitude. Additionally, these cats may get along well with other furry-friendly family members with the right socialization and introductions.

Food And Nutrition

The bigger frame of the Selkirk Rex makes it especially crucial to avoid overfeeding. Maintaining a healthy weight helps guard against conditions that are known to plague the breed, including heart disease, hip dysplasia, diabetes, and arthritis.

To guarantee correct quantities, serve measured meals two or three times each day. Consult your veterinarian or breeder for advice on the best diet to feed your Selkirk Rex. Free feeding, which involves leaving food available all day, can result in overeating, which can add to weight gain.

Exercise And Activity Level 

They can even welcome other pets you might have and are chirpy and energetic. They are bubbly and bursting with vitality.

Your cat won’t be satisfied with a routine nightly walk. As a result, training and exercise are crucial for them to have active, healthy lifestyles. You must start teaching your cat right away.

Little Known Facts

Here is a list of the amazing facts about this breed-

• The Selkirk Rex is different from other Rex breeds like the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex due to its thick coat and huge size.

• The only cat breed to bear a person’s name is the Selkirk Rex.

• Some Selkirk Rex cats have fur so curly that the breed is known as the “Poodle cat.”

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