Have you ever imagined a teddy bear or a pet that just wants to snuggle with you all day long? Well, the Selkirk Rex cat breed is the answer to your dream. This charming and laid-back breed is the perfect companion for those who prefer a relaxed lifestyle. The Selkirk Rex loves nothing more than to curl up beside you and take a cozy nap. One of the most notable features of this breed is their curly coat. Although the Selkirk Rex’s coat looks fluffy and soft, it is surprising to know that they have heavy boning and solid bodies underneath. If you’re searching for a best friend that can provide you with cuddles all day long, then the Selkirk Rex is the perfect pet for you. Get to know more about these cute and curly felines by reading on!
Selkirk Rex cats have a solid build, but their fluffy fur can make them appear larger than they actually are. They are considered medium to large in size, with males being slightly bigger than females. Although they are muscular and well-balanced, they are not the most active breed. Selkirk Rexes have a unique appearance, with round faces, ears, and bodies, and large, round eyes resembling those of Persian cats. These felines are known for their density, weighing between 7 to 16 pounds. As they age, they may gain a few extra pounds due to their docile nature. While they do enjoy playing, they prefer to nap, so it’s important to initiate playtime to keep them active and healthy. Selkirk Rexes are also longer than other cat breeds, reaching up to 30 inches nose to tail. The most distinctive feature of Selkirk Rexes is their curly coat, which can be either short or long and come in various colors and patterns. Unlike the Devon Rex, which has wavy fur, the curls of Selkirk Rexes resemble ringlets and give their coat an airy, delicate feel. Moreover, this breed sets itself apart from the Cornish Rex as it can have long hair. With proper care, Selkirk Rexes can live a long life of 10 to 15 years. This breed is relatively new and has been recognized for its curly-haired gene.
In the late 1980s, the Selkirk Rex breed of cats was first discovered in the United States by Jeri Newman, a Persian cat breeder from Montana. She stumbled upon a curly and fluffy kitten that was born to a feral mother in a nearby shelter. Jeri named this kitten Miss DePesto because of her constant pestering for attention. Miss DePesto was mated with one of Jeri’s black Persians when she reached maturity, and three of their six kittens were born with curly coats like their mother’s. One of the remaining kittens had a long straight coat, indicating that Miss DePesto carried the recessive gene for long coats. Jeri named this kitten after her stepfather. The Selkirk Rex is unique among cat breeds in being named after an individual.
The Selkirk breed has many notable features, but their coats are undeniably adorable. Whether it’s long and wooly like a sheep or short and sweet like a lamb, their coats are a real charm. Even their whiskers can be curly! Interestingly, Selkirk Rex litters can have both curly or straight-haired kittens. Kittens born with curly coats lose their curls in the first months of life, but they return at 8-10 months old and gradually increase in curliness until they reach two years of age. The length of their coat determines the curliness of their hair, with longer coats having more defined curls. Selkirks have snubbed noses and large circular eyes due to breeding with Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs. Although they are muscular and heavy-boned, they are not likely to show off their strength by playing parkour around the house. Instead, they prefer sitting on laps. In terms of personality and behavior, Selkirk Rexes are known for being affectionate, social, and playful.
The Selkirk Rex breed is known for their loving and affectionate nature, which makes them great companions and popular with strangers. These cats crave attention and love nothing more than a good cuddle session with their humans. They are people-oriented and tend to warm up quickly to new people, but they do not enjoy being alone for long periods of time. Having other people or animals in the house can provide them with comfort and a sense of security. Because of their calm and gentle temperament, Selkirk Rexes can make excellent family pets. They get along well with other pets and children, but it’s important to introduce them properly and supervise their interactions. These cats are patient and will tolerate new family members as long as they are shown respect. While Selkirk Rexes enjoy playing games every once in a while, they are generally laid-back and don’t require a lot of exercise. They are content to laze around and relax, making them the perfect cat for anyone who wants a low-maintenance companion. Taking care of a Selkirk Rex requires regular grooming to keep their curly fur in good condition. They should also be fed a healthy diet and given plenty of fresh water. With proper care and attention, your Selkirk Rex will be a loving and loyal companion for years to come.
Caring for a Selkirk Rex entails a lot of attention to their hair, as their loose strands can lead to matting. Keeping their litter box clean with a self-cleaning litter box like Litter-Robot helps prevent any mess from getting stuck in their coat. When grooming a Selkirk cat, use a wide-toothed comb and lightweight, pet-safe shampoos to avoid de-curling their hair. Additionally, regular teeth cleaning and nail trimming are important. However, due to their outcrossings with other purebred cats, the Selkirk Rex is prone to genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, PKD, and HCM. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring your cat’s behavior are essential. Adopting a Selkirk Rex can bring joy to your life, as they are affectionate and make great family pets.