Selkirk Rex

Character file #45 of 65 — sheep-soft curls.

Temperament

The Selkirk Rex is best summed up as patient, huggable, mellow. Expect a cat that's right in the middle of everything you do, mostly in comfortable silence. Chaos rating 2/5 means the zoomies visit politely and leave.

Where the Selkirk Rex Comes From

A curly-coated kitten born in a Montana shelter litter in 1987 was passed to the Persian breeder Jeri Newman, who called her Miss DePesto. Bred to a black Persian, DePesto produced curly kittens, proving the coat gene dominant rather than recessive like the Cornish and Devon Rex mutations. Newman named the breed after her stepfather, making it the rare cat breed named for a specific person. Persian, British Shorthair, Exotic and American Shorthair outcrosses gave the Selkirk its heavy bone and round face.

Living With a Selkirk Rex

The curls are woollier than a Devon Rex's and need a gentler hand than they look: brushing hard straightens the curl for days, so most owners use a wide-toothed comb sparingly and let the coat dry naturally after a bath. Shedding is real, and loose curly hair clings to upholstery. Temperament is patient and undemanding, tolerant of being carried by children, content in a flat, and slow-moving enough that weight creeps up if food is left down all day. They are quiet cats and cope with a normal working day alone.

Care Notes

Grooming: Moderate effort. Brush a few times weekly; more during seasonal shedding. Exercise: with low energy, plan a couple of short play sessions and a sunny perch. Health: keep up annual vet visits, dental care, and weight watch — this build gains easily.

Health: What to Watch For

Outcrossing determines the screening list here. Persian ancestry brings polycystic kidney disease, which has a PKD1 DNA test that breeding cats should have a clear result for, along with tear-duct overflow and breathing trouble in the flatter-faced lines. British Shorthair ancestry brings hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, screened by echocardiogram, and hip dysplasia. The curly coat itself causes no disease, but the ear canals produce more wax than average and need regular checking. Ask breeders for PKD and cardiac paperwork, and raise any noisy breathing or persistent ear scratching with your vet rather than waiting.

FAQ

Is the Selkirk Rex a good family cat?

Yes — the Selkirk Rex is patient, huggable, mellow, and its low energy suits calm households and apartments. Slow introductions and daily play keep any cat family-ready.

How much grooming does a Selkirk Rex need?

Grooming is moderate: its thick curly coat does well with brushing a few times a week.

How long do Selkirk Rexs live?

With indoor life, good food, and regular vet care, Selkirk Rexs commonly live around 14 years — many exceed it.

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