The Selkirk Rex is an increasingly popular cat breed recognized for its unique curly coat. Originating from a spontaneous mutation in Montana, these patient and friendly cats make wonderful pets.
Introduction The Selkirk Rex Cat Breed
The first known Selkirk Rex cat was born in 1987 in Montana amongst a litter of straight-coated domestic cats. The kitten called Miss DePesto had a plush, loose curly coat unlike the rest. This natural mutation became the foundation of the new Selkirk Rex breed. While similar to other Rex breeds, the Selkirk is the only cat with a longhaired curly coat. They have rounded features and patient, loving personalities.
Affectionate with Family: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amount of Shedding: ⭐⭐
General Health: ⭐⭐⭐
Potential for Playfulness: ⭐⭐⭐
Tendency to Vocalize: ⭐⭐
Kid-Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Friendly Toward Strangers: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Easy to Groom: ⭐
Intelligence: ⭐⭐⭐
Pet Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Medium-sized sturdy yet gentle build
- Dense coat of loose, long curls
- Patient, laidback affectionate personality
- Adaptable nature
- Lifespan of 10-15 years
- Array of coat colors and patterns
The Selkirk Rex originated from a domestic longhair cat. Early foundation cats had Persian and British Shorthair ancestors to help set the rex coat trait.
Caring for a Selkirk Rex cat breed
Diet:
- High-quality protein-rich cat food
- Hydrating wet food
- Hairball control and digestive formulas
Environment:
- Sturdy cat towers for exercise
- Low-sided litter box for ease
- Brushes and wide-toothed combs for grooming
Grooming:
- Daily coat brushing
- Weekly grooming baths
- Routine nail trims
- Enrichment: Engage their lovable nature via affection, treats, and daily playtime.
Finding a Selkirk Rex
- Popular in: North America, Europe
- Price Range: $400 – $800
Adoption/Rescue:
- The International Cat Association (TICA)
- Regional breed-specific rescues
- Pre-Adoption Checks:
- Overall health/energy
- Vaccination records
- Past medical history
Preparing for a Selkirk Rex
- Tips: Have grooming tools ready, set up play stations, cat-proof any dangling items
- Care Tasks: Patient grooming,home dental care, enough exercise and affection
- Essentials: Slicker brush, comb, nail trimmer, interactive cat toys, treats
- Health Issues: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease
- Key Vaccines: Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, rabies
Popular Selkirk Rex Cat Names
Whimsical old-fashioned human names suit these loveable cats nicely.
Examples: Basil, Beatrice, Millie, Walter, Oscar
“Do Selkirks like the outdoors?”
While curious, they do well indoors given appropriate environmental enrichment.
“Are Selkirks intelligent?”
Yes, Selkirks readily learn tricks and solve puzzles when motivated.
“How many Selkirk Rex types?”
Just one breed with coat colors like black, white, ginger, calico, tortoiseshell.
“How to curb Selkirk Rex biting?”
Redirect biting onto appropriate toys, say “no” firmly, ignore after, and reward gentle play.
“How to reduce Selkirk Rex scratching?”
Trim nails regularly, provide scratch posts around home, use calming synthetic facial pheromone sprays.
“Tips for friendly Selkirk socialization?”
Gradually positively introduce sights, sounds, people, and animals from 7-16 weeks old.
“How to train a Selkirk Rex cat?”
Use food rewards, praise, and play to motivate learning cues like sit, stay, spin, fetch
“Recommended Selkirk Rex vet visits?”
Annual wellness exams plus prompt visits for any emerging conditions.
“Good Selkirks family pets?”
Yes, patient Selkirks form close bonds with all family members when socialized early.
“Selkirks good with kids/other pets?”
Yes, they do well with gentle hands-on kids and other household pets when properly introduced.
“Can they cause allergies?”
No, the curly coat traps more dander to possibly help limit environmental shedding/reactions.
“Are Selkirk Rex aggressive?”
No, Selkirks have extraordinarily sweet, tolerant personalities when positively socialized.
“Do Selkirk Rex have hair loss issues?”
No. Some seasonal shedding but their coat maintains uniform curl coverage.
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