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.
Quick Facts
| Origin | United States (Montana) |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium (males 4.5–7.0 kg / 10–15 lb, females 3.5–5.0 kg / 8–11 lb) |
| Coat | Semi-long, curly; all colors and patterns |
| Body type | Cobby and substantial |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Temperament | Patient, tolerant, affectionate, playful |
| Activity level | Moderate |
| Vocalization | Quiet |
| Grooming needs | Moderate |
| Good with children | Yes |
| Good with other pets | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Recognized by | TICA, CFA, FIFe, WCF |
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 (about 10 to 15 pounds), while females range from 3.5 to 5.0 kg (roughly 8 to 11 pounds). 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, in a color that complements the coat. The 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. The curls are most pronounced around the neck, belly, and tail. Kittens are born curly, lose much of their curl as they grow, and re-develop the full coat by around ten months of age, with the texture continuing to mature until roughly 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 keep a playful streak well into adulthood. They enjoy interactive games, batting toys around, and following their humans from room to room, yet 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. For background on these inherited conditions, the Cornell Feline Health Center is a reliable, owner-friendly resource.
Routine veterinary care — annual exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental checks — keeps most Selkirks in excellent shape. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers helpful guidance on preventive care and what to expect at wellness visits. 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 the ears weekly, trim the claws every couple of weeks, and feed a high-quality, age-appropriate diet to keep weight in check — the cobby Selkirk frame can easily mask early weight gain. The ASPCA’s general cat-care guidelines are a good starting point for grooming, nutrition, and home care routines.
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: The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized it in 1992, and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Selkirk Rex cats hypoallergenic?
No. Despite the unusual curly coat, the Selkirk Rex is not hypoallergenic. The breed has a full, dense coat with a thick undercoat, and it produces the same allergy-triggering proteins as any other cat. People with allergies should spend time around the breed before committing.
Do Selkirk Rex cats shed a lot?
They shed a moderate amount, much like other semi-long-haired breeds. Their loose hair tends to stay caught in the curls rather than scatter, so a gentle comb-out once or twice a week keeps shedding manageable and the coat looking its best.
Is the Selkirk Rex a good family cat?
Yes. The Selkirk Rex is one of the most family-friendly breeds, with a patient, tolerant temperament that suits homes with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. They are affectionate and playful without being demanding, which makes them an easygoing companion for busy households.
How is the Selkirk Rex different from the Cornish and Devon Rex?
The curl in each breed comes from a different genetic mutation. The Selkirk Rex carries a dominant gene and has a thick, plush coat over a heavy, cobby body, whereas the Cornish and Devon Rex carry recessive genes and have finer, closer-lying coats on slimmer frames. The Selkirk also looks and feels much heavier than those two breeds.
Registry Recognition
The Selkirk Rex is recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA), the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe), and the World Cat Federation (WCF). The founding kitten was born in 1987, with TICA granting recognition in 1992 and CFA awarding full championship status in 2000.
If you are considering a kitten, choose a breeder who screens breeding cats for the conditions noted above and guarantees against early-onset hereditary disease. Always ask to see the parents’ test results before adopting.
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