Selkirk Rex
The curly teddy bear of the cat world
The Selkirk Rex began in 1987 in Montana, when a curly-coated kitten was born in a shelter litter and given the name Miss DePesto. The curly gene turned out to be dominant, which means only one parent needs to carry it, and breeders developed the breed from her. It is named after her owner’s stepfather, Selkirk.
It is one of the sweetest, most laid-back breeds, with a coat that looks like it has been permed.
Selkirk Rex at a glance
- Origin
- Montana, USA
- Size
- Medium to large
- Weight
- Females 3 to 5 kg, males 4.5 to 6.5 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 12 to 15 years
- Coat
- Plush, curly and soft, short or semi-long, with curly whiskers
- Colours
- Almost any colour and pattern
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 3 out of 5
- Affection
- 5 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 2 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 3 out of 5
- Good with children
- 5 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 4 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A sturdy, heavy-boned cat with a rounded head, full cheeks, a short, broad muzzle and round eyes. The coat is thick, soft and curly all over, with the curls loosest on the body and tightest around the neck and tail, and curly whiskers and eyebrows. It comes in short-haired and long-haired versions.
Personality
Calm, patient and affectionate. Selkirk Rexes are famously gentle, love to cuddle, and are usually very tolerant of children and other pets. They are playful but not wild, and they often like to follow their people around, then settle in a lap.
Care and grooming
Be gentle with the coat: comb it lightly when it is dry, and avoid heavy brushing, which can turn the curls into frizz. Bathing is rarely needed. Keep an eye on their ears, and measure meals, as they can gain weight.
Health to know about
The breed can inherit polycystic kidney disease (PKD) from the Persian lines used in its development, and there is a DNA test, so ask breeders for results. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hip problems have also been reported. Like all cats, a Selkirk Rex is not hypoallergenic.
Could suit
- Families with children and other pets
- People who want a cuddly, calm cat
- Homes happy to do some gentle coat care
Think twice if
- If you want a very active climber
- If you have allergies
- If you do not want to comb a thick coat
“Curls, cuddles and a very large lap collection.”
Compare the Selkirk Rex
Name ideas for a Selkirk Rex
- Curly
- Marshmallow
- Fleece
- Pudding
- Poodle
- Ripple
- Teddy
- Noodle
- Biscuit
- Cocoa
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Why does a Selkirk Rex have a curly coat?
A dominant gene change, first seen in a kitten in Montana in 1987, makes the hair curl.
Do Selkirk Rexes need grooming?
A gentle comb now and then. Heavy brushing can make the curls frizzy.
Are Selkirk Rexes good with children?
Yes, they are known for being patient and gentle, though children should always be kind and careful.
Are Selkirk Rexes hypoallergenic?
No. Cat allergens are in saliva and skin as well as fur, so a curly coat does not make a cat safe for allergy sufferers.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
