Did you know the Selkirk Rex breed started from a rare genetic change in a cat about 25 years ago¹? This breed is known for its unique curly coat. It’s thanks to a genetic twist that has led to a new type of cat. Selkirk Rex cats are big, strong, and have round faces and big eyes. They’ve won the hearts of cat lovers all over the world.

In 1987, a breeder named Jeri Newman found a cat named Miss DePesto with a curly coat in a shelter²³. This chance find led to the creation of the Selkirk Rex. These cats mix genes from Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, and American Shorthairs. They are medium-sized and known for being patient and easygoing. This makes them great for families and living with other pets.

Key Takeaways

• The Selkirk Rex breed started from a rare genetic change in a single cat about 25 years ago¹.
• Their curly coat comes from a genetic quirk called SADRE (Selkirk Autosomal Dominant REx)¹.
• Selkirk Rex cats have both shorthaired and longhaired types. They have a thick, curly coat².
• They are not hypoallergenic and can shed a lot, similar to Exotic Shorthair and Persian breeds².
• They have a calm temperament, combining the British Shorthair’s calmness, the Persian’s cuddliness, and the Exotic Shorthair’s playfulness².

What Is a Selkirk Rex Cat?

The Selkirk Rex is a unique cat, known for its soft, curly coat. It can be long or short. They have a strong body and a round face with big eyes, making them look like a teddy bear⁴.

Origins and Unique Appearance

In 1987, a chance find led to the Selkirk Rex breed. Jeri Newman found a cat named Miss DePesto with a curly coat⁵. Newman started a breeding program to create the friendly Selkirk Rex. They mixed genes from Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, and American Shorthairs⁴.

These cats stand out from other Rex breeds because their hair is normal length. You can find both longhair and shorthair types⁴. Their curly hair comes from a special gene, making their hair tightly curled⁴.

Personality Traits

Selkirk Rex cats are calm and love to relax, often wanting to be in your lap⁵. They are patient and adaptable, making them great pets for any home⁵.

Caring for a Selkirk Rex

Grooming Requirements

Selkirk Rex cats have soft, curly coats that need regular grooming. This keeps their look neat and stops mats or felting⁷. They can have short or long fur, with short-haired ones having coats up to 2 inches long⁷.

Brushing your Selkirk Rex about twice a week helps reduce loose hair and keeps their coat shiny⁸. But, don’t brush too much, as it can make the curls frizzy and overfluffy⁸.

These cats shed moderately⁷, so regular brushing is key for coat care⁸. Sometimes, they might need baths to stop their hair from getting too oily⁷. But, use light shampoos and avoid conditioners that could make their curls heavy⁹.

With a regular grooming routine, you can keep your Selkirk Rex’s coat looking great and reduce home hair⁸. A bit of care and attention ensures their curly coat stays soft, healthy, and well-kept⁸.

Selkirk Rex Health Considerations

The Selkirk Rex is usually a healthy breed. However, it can be mixed with other breeds like Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs. This can lead to some health issues. Responsible breeders address these by selective breeding and genetic testing¹⁰. These cats can live up to 13 years or more¹⁰. The curly coat gene is dominant, so kittens in the same litter might have both curly and straight coats¹¹.

Potential Genetic Conditions

Selkirk Rex cats may face genetic issues like polycystic kidney disease (PKD), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and hip dysplasia¹⁰. PKD can affect one or both kidneys and starts showing signs between 7 and 10 years old¹⁰. HCM is the most common heart disease in cats, causing the heart muscle to thicken. Breeders should test for this¹⁰. Hip dysplasia, a defect in the hip joint, can make Selkirk Rex cats lame. Testing for this is crucial before breeding¹⁰.

Responsible breeders aim to create PKD-free breeding programs and provide proof of screenings¹⁰. They also test for HCM and hip dysplasia to reduce these genetic issues in the breed¹⁰.

Regular vet check-ups, preventive care, and a healthy diet are key for Selkirk Rex cats’ well-being¹². Keeping them at a healthy weight is important to prevent obesity-related problems¹². Obesity can shorten their lives and increase the risk of diabetes and liver disease¹². Dental disease is also common in cats, so brushing their teeth regularly is a must¹².

By focusing on the health and well-being of Selkirk Rex cats through responsible breeding, regular vet care, and balanced diets, owners can ensure they live long, happy lives¹⁰¹¹¹².

Selkirk Rex Diet and Nutrition

Selkirk Rex cats need a diet full of animal proteins to stay healthy¹³. They can grow quite big, up to seven kilograms¹³. Their unique curly coat comes from one parent, making it easy to pass on¹³. A balanced diet is key for their health and happiness.

Choosing the right cat food is important for a Selkirk Rex. Look for food with the AAFCO statement to meet their nutritional needs¹³. Both wet and dry foods are good, but pick a high-quality, grain-free option with lots of meat¹⁴.

Supplements like Shiimun Skin for coat health, Dental powder for dental care, and Shiimun Immune for immune support can be useful¹³. Regular vet visits and vaccinations are key to prevent diseases¹³.

Feeding a proper diet is vital for Selkirk Rex, as they can easily gain weight¹⁴. A balanced, high-quality diet and regular vet check-ups help them live a long, healthy life, about 12-15 years¹³.

Behaviour and Training

Selkirk Rex cats are known for their loving, patient, and easygoing nature. They come from Persian and British Shorthair lines¹⁶. These cats love to be cuddled and are perfect companions. They also have a playful side, thanks to their Exotic Shorthair roots, but they’re generally more laid-back¹⁶.

Temperament and Activity Levels

Selkirk Rex Longhairs are not super energetic, but they can get playful at times¹⁶. They are medium-energy cats with gentle and easygoing personalities¹⁶. They enjoy playing with their family and love to cuddle afterwards. They prefer living in homes where they’re not left alone for too long¹⁶.

These cats need regular grooming because of their curly fur¹⁶. They learn to use a litter box quickly¹⁶. About 30 minutes of exercise is good for them each day¹⁶.

Even though Selkirk Rex Longhairs are generally healthy, they can face some genetic health issues¹⁶. Responsible breeders aim to reduce these risks. It’s important for potential owners to understand and prepare for any extra needs they might have¹⁶.

The Selkirk Rex breed started in 1987 with a genetic mutation in a Montana litter¹⁷. Major cat associations like the International Cat Association, the American Cat Fanciers Association, and the Cat Fanciers Association have recognized them¹⁷. Breeders have mixed different breeds like Persians, Shorthairs, Exotics, and Himalayans, creating a variety of looks and personalities¹⁷.

The Selkirk Rex breed fits well in families with kids and homes with other pets¹⁶. They are social and do best in homes where they’re not left alone for too long¹⁶.

“The Selkirk Rex is a breed that embodies the perfect balance of playfulness and affection, making them a delightful addition to any family.”

The Selkirk Rex Breed History

The Selkirk Rex is a fascinating cat breed with a history that started in a local animal shelter in Montana¹⁸. In 1987, Jeri Newman found a curly-coated kitten named Miss DePesto at a shelter. This kitten was the start of the Selkirk Rex breed¹⁹.

Miss DePesto, a feral blue tortie and white cat from Montana, had a unique genetic mutation. This mutation led to a curly coat, whiskers, and ear hair¹⁸. When Miss DePesto was bred, three kittens from her litter also had curly coats. This showed the dominant nature of the rex gene¹⁸.

The International Cat Association (TICA) made the Selkirk Rex a new breed in 1990¹⁸. The breed was officially accepted for competition in February 1994¹⁸. This was when the Selkirk Rex was introduced to competitive cat shows and fans¹⁹.

The Selkirk Rex stands out because of its unique genetic makeup. Unlike other rex breeds, the Selkirk Rex gene is dominant¹⁸. This means the curly coat and look can be passed down easily. Its humble start and genetic trait have made it popular among cat lovers.

“The Selkirk Rex is the only cat breed named after a person – Jeri Newman’s stepfather, Selkirk.”¹⁹

The Selkirk Rex’s story from a chance find in a Montana shelter to a recognized breed is amazing. It shows the power of cat genetics and the hard work of breeders like Jeri Newman. This breed still fascinates cat lovers with its unique look and history.

Fun Facts About Selkirk Rex Cats

Selkirk Rex cats stand out with their unique curly coats, which can be tight ringlets or loose waves²⁰. They are one of just four cat breeds with wavy fur, alongside the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and LaPerm²⁰. The curly hair gene is autosomal dominant, so only one parent needs it for the kittens to have curly coats²⁰.

The breed started in 1987 with a curly kitten found in a shelter in Montana, bred with a Persian male²⁰²¹. These cats are medium to large, muscular, and can be 9 to 11 inches tall and weigh 6 to 16 pounds²⁰²¹. They live between 10 to 15 years²⁰.

Not only do they have curly fur, but their whiskers are curly too, adding to their charm²⁰. They are known for being gentle, affectionate, and social²¹. They’re perfect as therapy cats, loved for their patience and fun nature²⁰.

These cats come in many colours like white, black, lavender, red, cream, and chocolate²⁰. They fit well in various homes, from busy families to apartments, and get along with other pets, including dogs²⁰²¹.

Pompous Albert, a famous Selkirk Rex, has over 1.2 million followers on Instagram. His curly coat and charming personality have made him a beloved feline influencer.

The Selkirk Rex is smart and responds well to training, making them great for families or individuals wanting a unique pet²¹. They need regular grooming to keep their coats looking great and to prevent matting²⁰.

With their curly whiskers and gentle nature, Selkirk Rex cats add a special touch to any home²⁰²¹.

Is a Selkirk Rex Right for You?

The Selkirk Rex is loved for its patient and affectionate nature, along with its soft, curly coat²². They are easygoing and get along well with kids, other pets, and even strangers²². This makes them a great choice for families²². They have medium energy levels and need moderate grooming, so they’re not too hard to care for²².

These cats live between 10-15 years and can weigh 7-16 lbs²². They shed a bit and can grow up to 30 inches long²². With the right care, they can live up to 15 years²².

It’s important to know that Selkirk Rexes might face health issues like hip dysplasia, PKD, and HCM²². If you’re thinking of getting one, make sure you’re ready for the vet bills²².

The Selkirk Rex is a friendly and calm breed, perfect for many owners²². Their unique look and friendly nature have made them more popular⁸. But, think about their grooming and health needs before deciding if they’re right for you²².

If you want a Selkirk Rex, do your homework and find a good breeder⁸. They usually cost between $850 and $2,000⁶. Knowing what they need will help make sure they fit well into your home.

Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex is a captivating cat breed known for its dense, soft curly coat. It can be either long or short. These cats are medium-sized and muscular, with a round, expressive face and large eyes. They look almost like teddy bears²³. Selkirk rex cats can weigh up to 16 pounds²³ and are considered medium to large in size²⁴.

These cats come in almost every colour and pattern²³. Their coat can range from short hair with tight curls to long, wavy coats²³. They were developed by breeding with Persian, Exotic shorthair, and British shorthair cats⁴.

Selkirk rex cats are intelligent but can get bored if not kept mentally active²³. They need regular grooming, at least once a week, to prevent mats or felting²³. These cats require love and attention to be happy and don’t like being alone for long²³.

The Selkirk Rex breed is not as common as some others²³. Yet, they are accepted by many cat associations. The International Cat Association accepted them in 1992, the American Cat Fanciers Association in 1998, and the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 2000⁴.

The Selkirk Rex breed has an autosomal dominant woolly rexoid hair (ADWH) abnormality. This makes their hair tightly curled⁴. They come in two coat lengths, long and short, and have a specific gene linked to their curly coat⁴.

The Selkirk Rex is a unique and charming cat. It captivates with its curly coat and teddy bear-like look. With their friendly, intelligent nature and easy grooming needs, they make great pets for many families.

Finding a Reputable Selkirk Rex Breeder

Looking for a Selkirk Rex kitten or cat means finding a reputable breeder. These breeders focus on the health and happiness of the breed. They follow best practices to reduce genetic conditions²⁵.

Importance of Responsible Breeding

Responsible breeders test for health and genes to keep their cats healthy²⁶. This ensures their kittens are healthy and have the breed’s unique curly coats and sweet nature²⁴.

They also offer support to new owners, helping with care and answering questions²⁵.

When choosing a breeder, pick one who cares for the breed’s health and ethics. They should be dedicated to the kittens’ care and placement²⁶. This way, you get a healthy, happy Selkirk Rex that will be great for your family.

Conclusion

The Selkirk Rex is a truly captivating cat breed loved by many in the UK. They stand out with their curly coats and charming personalities. These cats are perfect as lifelong friends²⁷.

They first appeared in Montana in 1987 and were officially recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1990²⁷. The Selkirk Rex is a resilient and adaptable breed. They come in both short-haired and long-haired types, with many coat colours and patterns²⁸.

If you’re looking for a cat with charm, a unique look, or a friendly nature, the Selkirk Rex is a great pick²⁸. With the right care, these cats can be a source of happiness and companionship for years.

Source Links

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