Often nicknamed the “cat in sheep’s clothing,” the Selkirk Rex is instantly recognizable by its plush, curly coat. A close relative of the Persian, this calm and affectionate breed makes a wonderfully easygoing family companion that gets along with children and other pets alike.
Appearance
The Selkirk Rex is a medium-sized cat with a substantial, cobby build, heavy bone structure, and a surprisingly muscular body beneath all that curly fur. Mature males typically weigh between 4.5 and 7.0 kg, while females range from 3.5 to 5.0 kg. The overall impression is of a sturdy, well-balanced cat that feels heavier in the hand than its softly rounded silhouette suggests.
The head is broad and rounded, with full cheeks, a short muzzle, and a strong chin. Even the whiskers and eyebrows are curled, adding to the breed’s endearing, slightly tousled expression. The eyes are large, round, and set well apart, with a color that complements the coat. Ears are medium-sized with gently rounded tips, and the tail is thick, of medium length, and tapers to a rounded tip.
The coat is the breed’s signature feature: dense, plush, and arranged in soft, random curls over a thick undercoat. Curls are most pronounced around the neck, belly, and tail. Kittens are born curly, lose much of their curl during growth, and re-develop the full coat by around ten months of age, with the texture continuing to mature until about two years old. Both shorthaired and longhaired varieties exist, and every color and pattern is permitted by the breed standard.
Personality
Selkirk Rex cats are widely considered one of the most family-friendly breeds. They are quiet, patient, and remarkably tolerant, with a calm temperament inherited largely from their Persian ancestry. They get along well with respectful children, other cats, and even cat-friendly dogs, and they rarely react badly to the bustle of a busy household.
Despite their relaxed nature, Selkirks retain a playful streak. They enjoy interactive games, batting toys around, and following their humans from room to room, but they are not demanding or destructive when left alone. Owners often describe them as affectionate without being clingy — happy to settle on a lap, but equally content to nap nearby while you work.
Health
The Selkirk Rex is generally a robust, healthy breed, but its Persian and British Shorthair heritage means it can inherit certain conditions worth screening for. The most commonly reported issues are polycystic kidney disease (PKD), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and hip dysplasia. Responsible breeders DNA-test for PKD and screen breeding cats for HCM by ultrasound, so always ask to see current health results before bringing a kitten home.
Routine veterinary care — annual exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental checks — will keep most Selkirks in excellent shape. With good husbandry, the average life expectancy is 10 to 15 years.
Care
For such a fluffy cat, the Selkirk Rex is surprisingly low-maintenance. The curly coat is not prone to matting, so a gentle combing once or twice a week is usually enough to remove loose hair and keep the curls defined. Avoid heavy brushing, which can break the curls and leave the coat looking frizzy; a wide-toothed comb works best.
Bathing is only needed occasionally, typically before a show or if the coat becomes greasy. Use a mild, cat-safe shampoo and let the coat air-dry to preserve its natural curl rather than blow-drying it straight. As with any breed, check ears weekly, trim claws every couple of weeks, and feed a high-quality, age-appropriate diet to keep weight in check — the cobby Selkirk frame can mask early weight gain.
History
The Selkirk Rex traces back to a single curly-coated kitten born in 1987 at an animal shelter in Montana, USA. The breed takes its name from the Selkirk Mountains in the region. The unusual kitten was adopted by Persian breeder Jeri Newman, who recognized that the curl was caused by a dominant genetic mutation distinct from those behind the Cornish and Devon Rex breeds.
The original kitten, named Miss DePesto, was bred to a black Persian, and several of her offspring inherited the curly coat — confirming the gene’s dominant inheritance pattern. Outcrosses to Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, and American Shorthairs gave the breed its sturdy build and broadened the gene pool. Major registries accepted the breed quickly: TICA recognized it in 1992, and CFA followed with full championship status in 2000.
Today the Selkirk Rex is well established in North America and steadily growing in popularity in Europe, where it remains comparatively rare but increasingly sought after by lovers of plush, easygoing companion cats.
Registry Recognition
The breed is recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA), Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe), World Cat Federation (WCF) — first recognized in 1987.
Health Watchlist
Conditions reported in the breed include: PKD; HCM; Hip dysplasia. Reputable breeders screen breeding cats and guarantee against early-onset hereditary disease — always ask to see the parents’ test results before adopting a kitten.
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