The Selkirk Rex cat breed comes with highly curled coats. There are other curly-coated cat breeds like Cornish Rex cat, Devon Rex cat, and LaPerm cat but the Selkirk Rex breed is different from them. Selkirk Rex has off normal hairs in length and not partly missing, and plusher and thicker than the LepPerm.
The Selkirk Rex gene is incompletely dominant (Se). incompletely dominant allele pairs produce 3 possible Genotypes and phenotypes. Heterozygous cats (Sese) come with full coats whereas Homozygous cats have tighter and fewer volume coats. The breed hailed in Montana, USA in 1987 and has been rocking since then. It has an easy-going personality and charming beauty. You’ll fall in love with their doll-like appearance.
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Longhair VS Shorthair Selkirk Rex cat
Both the Longhair and Shorthair Selkirk Rex have come from the same genetic line. The breed’s mother was usually a curled-coated cat Miss Dipesto. Dipesto was crossed with a Black Persian male cat. So, the gene came from both 2 cats. Later other cat breeds like American Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, and Himalayans have been used as the outcrosses. So, both the long-haired and short-haired Selkirk Rex cats are the same except for the coat length.
Breed specialty of the Selkirk Rex cat
Other names:
Shepherd Cat, Sheep cat, a cat with sheep-clothing.
Nature and Personality:
Affectionate, friendly, sociable, laid-back, active, playful, gentle, patient, quiet, sociable, and also intelligent.
Body length:
Up to 30 inches
Body weight:
Up to 16 pounds
Body height:
Up to 11 inches
Coat length:
Both long and short
Coat color:
Any genetically possible color or combination.
Coat patterns
Bi-color, Tri-color or Calico, Shaded, Smoke, Tabby, Pointed, Mint, Sepia, Tortoiseshell, Cinnamon, Lavender, Lilac, and many more.
Eye colors:
Any possible color.
Relationship with children and other pets:
very good
Shedding amount:
Medium
Vocalizing:
Medium
Maintenance requirement:
Medium
Life circle:
Up to 15 years
Origin:
USA
Selkirk Rex mix breed:
There is a cat breed that is the result of a Selkirk Rex and a Munchkin cat and the breed’s name is Lambkin cat.
Origin of the breed- Selkirk Rex Cat
Well, the cotton ball Selkirk Rex neither came from any royal pagoda nor from a desert area. It is a natural cat breed that was sheltered in Montana, USA. this unusual curly-coated cat was a female.
There was a Persian cat breeder, named Jeri Newman. She discover a curly coat in a shelter in Montana in 1987. She adopted the kitten and gave her a name- Miss Dipesto. Nobody knows why Dipesto’s coats were like that.
However, Jeri got inspired by a TV series, named ‘Moonlighting’ and there was a curly-coated cat in this TV series. Jerry crossed Dipesto with a Black Persian Tomcat. The result was 6 kittens- 3 were Selkirk Rex cats and 3 were straight-haired kittens. So, Miss Dipsesto was the mother and a Persian is the father cat of the Selkirk Rex breed. Jeri named the new breed after his stepfather Selkirk and this is the only breed that was named after a human.
Gradually, the British Shorthair, American Shorthair, Himalayan, and Exotic Shorthair breeds were used as outcrosses to develop the breed. Other cat associations discontinued using American Shorthairs later except for The International Cat Association (TICA).
Moving forward, TICA recognized Selkirk Rex as a breed in 1992, The American Cat Fancier’s Association (ACFA) in 1998, and the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) in 2000. CFA and in Australia, all outcrosses were discontinued in 2015.
The appearance of the Selkirk Rex cat breed
The Selkirk Rex breed has a very exceptional and stunning look and appearance. You may be confused about whether it is a doll or a living animal. Its coats also resemble sheep’s furs.
Body:
The whole body is medium to large-sized and well-balanced, round, and stockier with a rectangular torso. The backside is straight and raised to the hindquarters.
Head:
Their head is round and broad with full cheeks. The muzzle is medium with a small nose. The chin is firm, well-developed, and proportionate to the head.
Ears:
The ears are medium-sized and situated at the top corner of the head and also a bit curly.
Eyes:
The eyes are large, rounded, and set wide apart from each other with a calm, cute, and sweet expression.
Legs and paws:
The legs are medium and proportionate and the paws are wide and well-balanced. The hind legs are curved and larger than the back legs. There are 5 fingers in the front legs and 4 fingers in the back legs.
Tail:
Their tails are medium-length and proportionate to the body. The base is wide and neither blunt nor tipped.
Coats:
Any genetically possible color is accepted. The Selkirk Rex cats come in both long and short coat lengthed and the breed also has a variety of coat patterns.
Temperament and nature of the Selkirk Rex cat breed
Well, the Selkirk Rex is a loving, loyal, affectionate, friendly, champion companion, cute, calm, medium playful, and active cat. They love human companions and are equally easy-going with guests and strangers. They don’t feel shy to cope with any situation like big and busy families and houses.
Your children and other pets will get a champion company from your Selkirk. But one thing I would like to let you know is that the Selkirks don’t like change. So, if you have adopted or purchased an adult Selkirk and after that thinking to bring any change in your life such as getting a GF/ BF or married, having a baby or any other pet, or going to move anywhere then it will be difficult for you.
In that case, I suggest you a kitten Rex so that you can get enough time to make your kitty sociable and adapt to the changes that are coming to your family. Adult Rexes are suitable for those people whose lives won’t change in the future.
Nature of Selkirk Rex cat
The Selkirks are very attached to their owners. The kittens will follow you across the house until you give them the food their desired thing. The Selkirk Rex cats don’t like to be alone as they’re very people-oriented. So, either you have to make a family schedule to give company to your Rex or you have to keep 2 cats together so that they can give company to each other.
Beneath the fluffy, sheepy, well-textured, and luxurious coats, the Selkirk Rex cats are an active, playful, smart, and intelligent cat breed.
Do Selkirk Rex cat go outside?
The Selkirk Rex cats are usually indoor cats. You must keep them indoors because of their stunning beauty. There is a high chance to be theft, road accidents and infections, and germ attacks. you can take your Selkirk along with you for a walk. Never let them out alone.
Caring, grooming, exercise, and training for the Selkirk Rex cat
Caring:
The Selkirk Rex is a human-oriented cat breed. They can’t stay alone. So, you have to accompany them frequently. If you live in a big family and busy household then it is ok. Your Selkirk rex will never feel alone.
But if you live in a small family of only 2 or 3 people then you have to maintain a schedule to accompany the kitty. If you can’t maintain a schedule then at least keep 2 cats so that they can accompany each other. Give them lots of love and attention and this will be the best care. Besides, Selkirk Rex is not too active and playful. So, ordinary toys, climbing, and scratching posts will be enough for them.
Selkirk Rex cat Grooming
The coats of Selkirk Rex are fuffy, plush, and luxurious. So, too much coat brushing will make their coats lose and the gloss will decrease. One-time weekly brushing is eniugh for both long and short coats. Brush their coats gently so they can’t be loose and get free from matting, tangled, or hairballs. Give a bath to your Selkirk kitty occasionally when their coats smell or get dirty.
Grooming tools for the Selkirk Rex:
As your Selkirk comes with an unusual coat so they deserve some investments. As their coats have 3 layers so a long-tined mouth comb is required so that it can penetrate the coat’s deep. Keep a de-grease handy when you haven’t bathed your kitty for a long time.
If your kitty is going to a show or championship then you need to bathe the ‘wash and wear’ kitty. After bathing it dries its coat with a towel very well. After that spritz and scrunch the coats with your hand to maintain the fluffiness.
Besides, oral care is very important for all cats. Brush their teeth daily with special cat toothpaste and toothbrushes. Don’t use human toothpaste as Fluoride is harmful to them. Check their ears after every 15 days and clean them with soft cotton or clothes when they get dirty. An ear infection is a big problem for a cat’s health. Trim their nails regularly and carefully.
What about exercise and training?
Cats don’t need any special exercise at all. Their playing is their exercise. So, provide them with playing opportunities. This will be the best exercise.
Train them to listen to your commands, and respond when you’re calling their names, clicker training, leash training, and obviously potty training.
The Selkirk Rex kittens:
The Selkirk Rex kittens are born with straight coats, they are not curly-coated. Taking care of any kitten is more vulnerable than adults. So, ask the breeder or the veterinarian how can you take care, groom, and feed the kitten. Don’t purchase a kitten before it spend at least 16 weeks with its mother because those 16 weeks are very important to learn scoailaizing and surviving which will be very active for the rest of 15 years of life.
Living needs of a Selkirk Rex cat
Selkirk Rex cats are happy cats. They are happy with their families and households. They can adjust both in big houses and apartments. The cats are affectionate and love to stay beside and around their family but not so much dependable and clingy. They don’t need the laps of their fav person all day long. They are happy around you or beside you. Just snuggle a little time with them and it is enough.
You should keep in mind that you can’t leave your Rex alone. Someone has to be present in the house and it can be another cat. Just provide with them a safe and secure house, some toys with a cat tree or shelf, and any companion.
Health and problems of the Selkirk Rex cat breed
The Selkirk Rex cat breed is related to the Persian cats, and British and American Cats. so, it is natural that they’re prone to some health issues by birth.
Polycystic Kidney Disease ( PKD):
PKD is a condition when cysts grow on the Kidneys because of birth-related problems. Gradually, it turns into kidney failure. The Persians and Exotic Shorthairs both have problems and are inherited from the Selkirk Rex breed.
Hypertrophic Cardio Myopathy (HCM):
When the heart muscles get thickened and make obstacles in the blood generation and pumping process- it is called HCM. it is one kind of heart disease inherited from the Persians and British Shorthairs.
Hip Dysplasia:
One kind of arthritis is inherited from Persian cats. Only surgery can solve this problem.
The problem can’t be tressed in kittenhood. So, the only prevention is to keep aloof the affected cats from the breeding program.
Shedding:
The Selkirk Rex is a fluffy-coated cat breed. So, they don’t shed too much. The shedding level is medium in the Spring and very low the rest of the years.
Are the Selkirk Rex cat hypoallergenic?
Actually, no cats are hypoallergenic. Actually, there is a protein that exists in the cat’s skin, named Fel D1, Fel D2, Fel D3, and Fel D4. some people have problems and allergies to these proteins. So, those people consider cats along with the Selkirk Rex cat breed.
All cats produce allergens in their Salivery (Mouth), lacrimal ( eye) glands, and skins. So, if you can’t tolerate this protein-related problem then I would advise you not to have a cat.
The lifespan of a Selkirk Rex cat:
The Selkirk Rex cats live generally up to 15 years but if you are taking very good care of your Rex then it can be increased up to 18 years.
Food and nutrition tips for the Selkirk Rex cat
The Selkirk Rex cat breed is mid-level active and playful and they are medium to large in size. So, feed them according to their age, activity, and size so they can’t get obese. You know well that obesity causes Diabetes which is a dangerous problem for cats. You better ask your vet or the person from whom you have got your Rex.
The kittens are more active and also in a growing period, so, they need more food and nutrients than the adult and old cats. A commercial high-quality feline diet is ideal for your Rex. commercial diet provides a lot of essential nutrients and food elements. So, I prefer that but if you want to feed your kitty homemade food that is also ok the food should be made according to the advice of your vet or the cat’s breeder.
A mixture of wet and dry food is ideal if your kitty is a poor drinker. It will keep your kitty safe from dehydration and kidney disease. Provide plenty of fresh and clean water to your Selkirk daily. Add a fountain or Bubble-maker to the water pot so that your cat feels an attraction to drink more water.
Reasons why a Selkirk Rex cat may not be the best for you
Selkirk Rex is usually a very good family pet. It is an adorable, friendly, calm, sociable, and human-oriented cat. But as you know that all goods are not for all. There is some reason that either you or a Selkirk Rex may not be the best for each other.
- The Selkirk Rex is a very affectionate breed. They will conquer you. When you’re home, they will always stay beside you. So, if you don’t like a cat like that then A Selkirk Rex may not be the best for you.
- If you want a super active, adventurous, and curious cat then the Selkirk Rex is not the cat. They want always to hang out with their owners. So, if you don’t have the time to give them then look for another cat.
- They are very smart cats. The people-oriented cats need human company. So, if you are not willing to play with them and give them human company then The Selkirk Rex may not be the best for you.
- They are super curious. They love to discover enclosed things. So, you have to keep an eye on your Rex to what is it doing actually.
- The breed is medium to large-sized. They can be up to 30 inches in length, height 11 inches, and 16 pounds in weight. Big cats need more food. So, if you can’t afford the cost and don’t want a big cat in your house, then a Selkirk Rex may not be the best for you.
- The Selkirk Rex doesn’t like changes. If you are going to adopt an adult Selkirk and after that, you have a plan of having a Bf/Gf or getting married or having a baby or moving somewhere then stop. The Selkirk Rex cats don’t like change. So, either you adopt a kitten Rex so that you can make it sociable and adaptable or you better look for another cat.
Some myths and facts about the Selkirk Rex cat breed
- The Selkirk Rex is the only breed named after a human. The human was the breeder Jeri Newman’s stepfather Selkirk.
- The most popular Selkirk Rex cat was the Pompous Albert. It was from Salt Lake City. Pompous Albert was named after Albert Einstein. Pompous was a Grey-colored Selkirk Rex cat and had over 3 Lac Instagram followers.
- The Selkirk Rex is a curly-coated breed but it also has a curly Whisker pad which gives it a stunning look.
- The breed’s mother was found in a shelter in Montana, USA in 1987.
- The curly-coated gene is dominant in Selkirk Rex whereas the Devon and Cornish Rex breed’s gene is recessive.
- Selkirk Rex cats resemble the British Shorthair cats.
- Their curly coats are a natural mutation. Nobody knows the reason behind the sheep coats.
Cons of the Selkirk Rex cat
- The breed is very rare and hard to get.
- very expensive to have.
- The genetic health history can’t be found of the breed Selkirk Rex.
- Their coats are very sensitive to groom properly.
- Not suitable for first-time parents.
Breed overview of the Selkirk Rex cat
A very unusual coat owner is the breed, Selkirk Rex. the reason behind the sheep coats is unknown. The breed’s ancestor was found in a shelter in Montana, USA.
The Selkirk Rex was named after a human. The medium to large-sized cats is up to 30 inches in length, 11 inches in Height, and 16 pounds in weight. Their coats are both short-haired and long-haired and any possible gene color is accepted. Their coat patterns are also various. The natural breed originated in the USA.
Are Selkirk Rex good pets:
The Selkirk Rex is a good pet for those people who are willing to
- Provide frequent company to the cat?
- Have the experience to have cat’s before.
- Leaving a stable life. That means any changes won’t occur in their lives.
If you fulfill these criteria then Selkirk Rex is a good pet for you.
The Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) approved the breed standard for the Selkirk Rex breed:
The Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) is a parent association for cats worldwide. It was established in 1906. CFA determines a breed and coat-pattern standard for all cats. So, the Selkirk Rex also has a breed standard.
According to the CFA, all possible coat and eye colors and coat patterns are accepted for the Selkirk Rex breed. If you want to know the details about yourself then visit the website of CFA.
Getting tips for the Selkirk Rex breed:
Go to a Cat Show:
Well, you better to go cat shows near you to have a Selkirk Rex cat. Show cats are generally genuine, healthy, and well-trained. so, find a local cat show. Search the website of CatShows.us.
Find a breeder:
The Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA), and The International Cat Association (TICA) publish the trusted and reputable breeder’s list. So, go to these websites and get the list. Established breeders also have their own websites. You can also check them.
Note: A reputable and trusted breeder has the following signs:
- They will ask you a lot of questions about your house, lifestyle, and your family.
- They will never claim that their cats and kittens are problem free.
- They’ll encourage you to meet the kitty several times before you purchase it.
- The genuine breeders will also encourage you to meet the parent cats if it is possible.
- They will give you a take-back guarantee and will be willing to keep close contact after the purchase is done.
- The breeder will provide you with the certificate of purchase and the health test results including Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and Hypertrophic Cardio Myopathy (HCM) that were conducted on the kitty you have purchased.
- They will provide you with the pedigree papers and vaccination cards.
Adopting from a shelter or Rescue center:
It is hard to find a Selkirk Rex in a shelter or Rescue center because the adorable and expensive cat generally doesn’t be abandoned generally. But you don’t know that when a Selkirk Rex cat’s life is changed due to its owner’s death, financial crisis, or any other reason and it needs a new home.
So, search the websites of petfinder.com, adopt-a-pet.com, and local cat rescue clubs. You may get your desirable Selkirk Rex.
