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United States (Montana, 1987)
9" - 11"
6 - 16 pounds
12 - 15 years
The Selkirk Rex is one of the most affectionate cat breeds you can meet. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being around people, other cats, and even dogs. Their calm and gentle nature makes them approachable, and they rarely act standoffish. Instead, they tend to follow their humans around the house, wanting to be part of the action. They are excellent family cats because they tolerate children well and love cuddles. Their friendly temperament also makes them a great choice for first-time cat owners. Unlike more independent breeds, the Selkirk Rex actively seeks out attention. They are happiest when sharing their space with others and create strong bonds with their family.
While not as hyperactive as some breeds, the Selkirk Rex enjoys regular playtime and interactive toys. They strike a nice balance between calm and playful. Expect bursts of activity, especially with feather wands or puzzle toys, but they are not overly demanding. Their curly coat does not slow them down from chasing balls or exploring. They enjoy enrichment and benefit from climbing trees or cat shelves. This breed’s playfulness is gentle, making them a fun but not overwhelming presence in the home. Families with kids will love how this breed plays without being rough. Their curiosity ensures they won’t get bored easily, but they also know when it’s time to relax.
The Selkirk Rex is moderately active. They won’t constantly run around the house, but they also won’t spend the entire day sleeping. Instead, they alternate between playful moments and long, relaxed naps. This makes them suitable for homes that enjoy a cat with a balanced energy level. They enjoy exploring new spaces and often follow their owners from room to room. Providing climbing spaces and scratching posts will keep them engaged. Their activity needs are not excessive, so even apartment living works fine. With regular play sessions, they remain fit and healthy. This balance of activity and calmness is one of the reasons people love them as family companions.
Selkirk Rex cats are excellent companions. They provide emotional comfort with their sweet and calm presence. Their tendency to stay close to humans makes them almost dog-like in their devotion. They are not clingy in an anxious way but enjoy being in the same room as their family. This makes them well-suited for people who want a reliable, affectionate pet to keep them company. They often curl up beside their owners during reading, TV time, or sleep. Their affectionate temperament provides stress relief, making them wonderful therapy animals. For families, individuals, or seniors, their companionship value is top tier. They are gentle, dependable, and always willing to share affection.
The Selkirk Rex is intelligent and trainable. They respond well to positive reinforcement like treats and gentle praise. You can teach them to use scratching posts, walk on a harness, or even do simple tricks. Their social and cooperative personality helps with training since they enjoy working with their humans. While they may not be as quick as highly active breeds like Bengals or Siamese, their willingness makes training easier. Litter training is usually a breeze, and they adapt well to household rules. If you use clicker training, they’ll catch on even faster. Their smart but gentle nature makes them easier to guide than many other breeds.
Selkirk Rex cats are generally quiet. They are not heavy talkers like Siamese, but they do vocalize occasionally to express needs or affection. Their voice is soft and pleasant, so it won’t disturb the household. This quiet personality makes them suitable for apartment living. They communicate more with body language and presence rather than constant meowing. When they do “speak,” it is usually to remind you of feeding time or request gentle attention. Their balance between quietness and occasional vocalization makes them ideal for people who want a peaceful but not completely silent companion.
The Selkirk Rex is one of the most easygoing and affectionate cat breeds you can bring into your home. Known as “the cat in sheep’s clothing” because of its soft curly coat, this breed combines playfulness with a relaxed, social nature. Unlike some cats that prefer independence, the Selkirk Rex loves company. They enjoy being near their humans, whether it’s curling up on the couch, following you around, or lounging in the same room while you work.
What makes their personality special is their balance between activity and calmness. They are playful without being hyperactive, so they’ll chase toys, climb cat trees, and bat around balls of yarn, but they’re just as happy napping on a cozy bed for hours. Their patient and tolerant temperament makes them excellent companions for families with children and even for homes with other pets. Unlike more demanding cats, the Selkirk Rex doesn’t constantly crave attention, but they deeply appreciate affection when offered.
They are intelligent and curious, so you may find them exploring new corners of the house or investigating objects you bring home. Yet, their laid-back approach means they rarely become destructive. They thrive in environments where they get love, moderate playtime, and plenty of cuddles.
Overall, if you want a cat that is affectionate without being clingy, playful without being overly active, and adaptable to almost any living situation, the Selkirk Rex is an ideal choice. Their personality makes them a charming, low-stress companion.
The Selkirk Rex thrives on a balanced diet that supports their overall health, coat quality, and moderate activity level. Because they are medium-to-large cats, they benefit from high-quality protein as the foundation of their meals. Chicken, turkey, salmon, and other lean meats are excellent protein sources that help maintain strong muscles and provide energy.
Their curly coat also benefits from foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help reduce shedding and keep their fur shiny and soft. Fish oils, flaxseed, or foods fortified with healthy fats are particularly beneficial. Taurine, an essential amino acid, must always be part of their diet to support heart health, vision, and development.
While Selkirk Rex cats enjoy playtime, they are not overly active, which means they can be prone to weight gain if overfed. Feeding them portion-controlled meals two to three times a day is recommended instead of leaving food out all the time. Always include fresh water to prevent urinary tract issues.
Kittens need higher calorie and protein intake to support growth, while seniors benefit from a diet lower in fat but rich in joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin.
Treats can be given but should not exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake. A diet combining dry kibble and wet food usually works well, offering both dental benefits and hydration. Consulting your vet for personalized feeding guidelines ensures your Selkirk Rex maintains a healthy weight and vibrant coat.
Despite their curly coats, Selkirk Rex cats are not high-maintenance compared to some long-haired breeds. However, grooming is still important to keep their fur healthy and prevent matting. Their coat can be short or long, but both types have a plush, dense texture that requires attention.
Weekly brushing is usually enough, but during shedding seasons, you may need to groom them twice a week. A wide-toothed comb works best for gently detangling curls without breaking them or causing discomfort. Unlike cats with straight fur, the Selkirk Rex’s curls can trap loose hairs, so brushing helps reduce shedding around the house.
Bathing is rarely needed unless they get dirty, but if you do bathe them, always use a mild cat-safe shampoo to maintain the coat’s natural oils. Overbathing can dry out their skin and make the curls less defined.
Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also essential. Their ears can accumulate wax, so check them weekly. Brushing their teeth or providing dental treats helps reduce tartar buildup and supports long-term oral health.
Because their fur is thick, it may trap dust or debris more easily than straight-haired cats, making grooming even more important for indoor cats. With consistent care, their unique curls remain beautiful, soft, and healthy, adding to their adorable charm.
The Selkirk Rex is playful but not overly energetic, making moderate exercise essential for their health and well-being. While they won’t climb the curtains or race around the house as much as high-energy breeds, they still benefit from daily play sessions that keep their body fit and their mind engaged.
Interactive toys, such as feather wands, laser pointers, and puzzle feeders, are excellent for keeping them stimulated. Cat trees and scratching posts provide climbing opportunities and allow them to stretch, which is important for joint and muscle health.
Since Selkirk Rex cats can be prone to weight gain, exercise helps prevent obesity-related issues such as diabetes and joint problems. Aim for at least two 15–20 minute play sessions per day. They especially enjoy games that mimic hunting, like chasing moving toys.
Their gentle and adaptable nature makes them suitable for apartment living, as they don’t need excessive space. However, providing vertical spaces like shelves or condos will encourage natural climbing behaviors.
They also enjoy companionship, so engaging them in play strengthens the bond between cat and owner. With consistent daily activity, Selkirk Rex cats stay healthy, mentally sharp, and emotionally satisfied.
The Selkirk Rex is generally a healthy breed, but like all cats, they are prone to certain conditions. Because they are often outcrossed with Persians, British Shorthairs, and Exotic Shorthairs, they can inherit health risks associated with these breeds.
One potential issue is polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a hereditary condition that can affect kidney function. Responsible breeders usually screen for PKD, so choosing a trusted breeder is essential. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition, is another possible concern. Regular vet checkups with heart and kidney screenings help catch issues early.
Dental health should also be monitored, as they may be prone to tartar buildup. Brushing their teeth or using vet-approved dental treats can prevent periodontal disease.
Their dense coats, while beautiful, can trap oils or debris, so maintaining good grooming habits helps prevent skin problems.
Obesity is one of the biggest preventable risks for Selkirk Rex cats. Overfeeding combined with their moderate activity levels can lead to excess weight, which increases the risk of diabetes and joint stress. Keeping them on a balanced diet and encouraging regular play is the best prevention.
With proper care, regular vet visits, and a healthy lifestyle, Selkirk Rex cats often live long, happy lives averaging 12–15 years.
The Selkirk Rex originated in Montana in 1987 when a shelter cat with a curly coat gave birth to a kitten named Miss DePesto, who had a unique curly fur texture. A breeder named Jeri Newman adopted Miss DePesto and bred her with a Persian, which helped establish the Selkirk Rex breed. Unlike other Rex breeds, which often have finer coats, the Selkirk Rex was developed with a dense, plush coat, making them stand out. Over time, British Shorthairs and Exotic Shorthairs were introduced into the breeding program to enhance health and maintain their appearance. Today, the Selkirk Rex is recognized worldwide and admired for its distinctive “sheep-like” look and charming personality.
The Selkirk Rex has a unique curly coat caused by a natural genetic mutation. Unlike other curly-coated breeds, their curls can be either loose or plush depending on whether the cat has short or long hair. While the fur is beautiful, it does need moderate care. You don’t need to brush them daily because over-brushing can actually loosen their curls. Instead, a gentle combing once or twice a week is usually enough. Bathing is also not necessary often unless the coat becomes greasy. Their fur does not mat as much as other long-haired breeds, making upkeep easier. However, owners should be mindful of seasonal shedding. Regular grooming keeps the coat shiny, healthy, and free from tangles.
Yes, the Selkirk Rex is one of the most family-friendly cats you can choose. Their affectionate and calm personality makes them ideal for homes with children. They are patient and tolerant, which means they don’t get easily stressed with gentle handling. With proper introductions, they get along very well with dogs and other cats too. Since they thrive on companionship, having another pet in the home often keeps them entertained and happy. Their playful but gentle demeanor allows them to enjoy playtime with kids without being rough. Overall, their adaptable temperament ensures they can easily fit into multi-pet households and family settings.
Selkirk Rex cats do shed, but not as heavily as some breeds with thick coats. Their unique curly fur tends to trap loose hair, which makes shedding less noticeable around the house. However, during seasonal changes, they may shed more. Weekly grooming helps reduce loose fur and prevents tangles. Compared to long-haired breeds like Persians, their shedding is easier to manage. A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids also helps maintain coat health and reduces excessive shedding. Owners should expect some hair on furniture, but with regular care, shedding remains at a manageable level.
The Selkirk Rex is a medium-to-large-sized cat. On average, males weigh between 11–16 pounds, while females weigh around 8–12 pounds. They have a sturdy, muscular build with broad shoulders and a round face, which makes them appear plush and teddy-bear-like. Their size is enhanced by their thick, curly coat, which adds to their unique appearance. Unlike slender breeds, they are stockier and more solid. They typically reach full size by the age of two to three years. Their larger frame makes them strong but still very cuddly, which adds to their charm as family pets.
No cat is truly hypoallergenic, including the Selkirk Rex. However, some people with mild allergies report fewer symptoms with this breed compared to heavy-shedding cats. Their curls may help trap dander and loose fur, reducing the spread in the home. Still, those with allergies should spend time with the breed before committing to adoption. Regular grooming, vacuuming, and using HEPA filters can also help reduce allergens. If you are highly allergic, no breed is a guaranteed solution, but the Selkirk Rex may be a better option than some long-haired or high-dander cats.
The Selkirk Rex is relatively quiet compared to breeds like the Siamese or Oriental Shorthair. They may meow to communicate needs, but their voice is soft and not demanding. They prefer showing affection through presence rather than constant chatter. For example, they may follow you around silently or curl up beside you. When they do vocalize, it’s usually around mealtime or when seeking gentle attention. Their balanced communication style makes them great for people who prefer a calm household but still enjoy occasional interaction with their cat.
Selkirk Rex cats are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they may be prone to certain conditions. Because their gene pool includes Persians and British Shorthairs, they may inherit issues such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Responsible breeders screen for these conditions to reduce risks. Their curly fur itself does not cause health problems, but maintaining proper grooming helps prevent skin issues. A healthy diet, regular vet checkups, and preventive care keep them strong. With good care, Selkirk Rex cats live long, healthy lives of around 12–15 years.
Yes, the Selkirk Rex is fairly easy to train. They are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement like treats and praise. Litter training is typically straightforward, and they adapt quickly to scratching posts and household rules. Some owners even train them to walk on a harness or perform simple tricks. They are not as high-energy as Bengal cats, so training takes patience, but their cooperative and affectionate nature makes the process smooth. They enjoy working with humans, which makes them more trainable than independent breeds.
The Selkirk Rex is often described as sweet, patient, and affectionate. They love spending time with their families and are friendly with strangers. Their balanced temperament makes them suitable for many types of households. Unlike overly active breeds, they enjoy both playtime and lounging, making them easy to live with. They are social but not clingy, playful but not hyper, and gentle yet affectionate. Their teddy-bear-like appearance perfectly matches their loving personality. This makes them excellent companions for singles, families, and seniors.
On average, Selkirk Rex cats live between 12–15 years, though some live longer with proper care. Their lifespan depends on genetics, diet, exercise, and regular veterinary attention. Feeding them a balanced diet, ensuring they get enough exercise, and scheduling routine health checks help extend their life. Indoor cats typically live longer than outdoor cats because they face fewer risks like accidents and disease exposure. With their affectionate and calm temperament, Selkirk Rex cats make wonderful long-term companions, providing years of love and joy to their families.
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