Selkirk Rex Cat Complete Guide — Personality, Grooming, Lifespan & More

The Selkirk Rex cat is a curly-coated, medium-to-large pedigree breed originating in Montana, USA in 1987. Known for its thick, randomly waving coat, round teddy-bear face, and deeply affectionate temperament, the Selkirk Rex cat breed is one of the most distinctive and sought-after companion cats in the world. It comes in both shorthair and longhair varieties, is accepted in all coat colors, and typically lives around 15 years.

Whether you are researching your first Selkirk Rex cat or comparing it with other curly cat breeds, this complete guide covers everything you need to know.

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Selkirk Rex Cat: Quick Facts at a Glance

 

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The Origins of the Selkirk Rex Cat Breed

Most pedigree cats have origins lost somewhere in antiquity — but the Selkirk Rex cat breed has a birth certificate. The story begins on a single date: 1987, in Sheridan, Montana, USA, when a shelter cat gave birth to six kittens. Five were unremarkable. The sixth had a thick, softly curled coat unlike anything recorded in domestic cat breeding. Her mother was a tortoiseshell-and-white longhair with a slightly wavy undercoat; her father was unknown. The unusual kitten was the only curly-coated individual in the litter.

The shelter contacted Persian breeder Jeri Newman, who had a known interest in feline genetics. Newman adopted the kitten and named her Miss DePesto, after a curly-haired character in the television series Moonlighting. To understand whether the curl trait was heritable, she bred Miss DePesto with her own black Persian male. The resulting litter — born 4 July 1988 — contained three curly-coated kittens and three straight-coated ones. That 50/50 split confirmed that the curly coat was caused by a single autosomal dominant gene: one copy was sufficient to produce curls.

This genetic mechanism sets the Selkirk Rex cat apart from other Rex breeds. Unlike the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex, which carry recessive curl genes, a Selkirk Rex cat only needs to inherit one copy of the Selkirk gene to express the curly coat.

Newman named the new Selkirk Rex cat breed after her stepfather, making it the only recognized cat breed named after an actual person. Development of the breed involved outcrosses to Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs — a decision that shaped both the physical appearance and the Selkirk Rex personality we know today. TICA accepted the breed in 1992, CFA in 2000, and GCCF granted it Championship status in 2009.

 

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Selkirk Rex Cat Breed: Appearance and Physical Characteristics

What does a Selkirk Rex cat look like?

The Selkirk Rex cat breed is built for cuddling. It is a medium-to-large cat with a cobby, muscular body and unexpectedly heavy bones — when you pick one up, you will immediately notice it is considerably heavier than it appears. Adult males weigh between 12 and 15 pounds (5–7 kg); females are lighter but equally solid. The GCCF records the average weight range as 9–16 lbs.

The head is broad and round, with full, well-padded cheeks. The eyes are large, round, and set wide apart. Ears are medium-sized with wide bases and may have curly inner furnishings. The muzzle is rectangular, clearly defined, and visually distinct from the cheeks. The nose is short and broad. The tail is medium in length, thicker at the base, tapering to a rounded tip.

The coat is the Selkirk Rex cat's defining characteristic: thick, dense, and full of loose, unstructured curls. Unlike the tight, close-lying waves of the Cornish Rex or the fine waves of the Devon Rex, the Selkirk Rex coat is plush and voluminous. The curls are most prominent on the neck, flanks, belly, and tail. Even the whiskers are curly, though they are fragile and may break off.

The Selkirk Rex cat breed is accepted in every coat color and pattern, including solid, bicolor, tabby, tortoiseshell, smoke, silver, and colorpoint. Eye color may be any shade.

 

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Selkirk Rex Longhair vs. Shorthair: What Is the Difference?

The Selkirk Rex cat comes in two official coat-length varieties: the Selkirk Rex longhair and the Selkirk Rex shorthair. Both carry the same curly gene, but the visual effect differs significantly.

Selkirk Rex Longhair

The Selkirk Rex longhair has a semi-long coat that creates a dramatic, cloud-like appearance. Curls are most prominent on the flanks and underside, and a heavily curled ruff frames the face. The tail is spectacular: a plume of puffed-out curls that stands away from the body like a bottlebrush. The Selkirk Rex longhair gives the overall impression of a soft, magnificent, artfully disheveled creature. It requires more intensive grooming than its shorthaired counterpart — daily combing is recommended to prevent matting.

Selkirk Rex Shorthair

The shorthair variety has a uniform, dense, plush coat that lies more compactly against the body. The effect is rounder and more "teddy bear" in character. Selkirk Rex shorthair cats are somewhat easier to maintain, needing grooming two to three times per week.

Do Selkirk Rex Kittens Keep Their Curls?

Not always immediately. Selkirk Rex kittens are born with visible curls, but those curls may temporarily relax and thin between roughly 6 and 12 months of age. This is normal and not a sign that the kitten has lost its Rex traits. The adult coat develops progressively from around 8–10 months and reaches full maturity at approximately two years of age. Selkirk Rex longhair kittens in particular take time to grow into their full coats.

The degree of curl in any Selkirk Rex cat also varies with age, sex, hormonal cycles, climate, and season. Females may notice changes in curl tightness around heat cycles.

 

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Selkirk Rex Personality: Affectionate, Playful, and Endlessly Patient

What is the Selkirk Rex temperament like?

The Selkirk Rex personality is one of the breed's greatest selling points — arguably as impressive as the coat. The breed draws its temperament from three foundations: the laid-back warmth of the Persian, the playful intelligence of the Exotic Shorthair, and the steady, loyal nature of the British Shorthair. The result is a cat that is genuinely easy to live with.

Key Selkirk Rex personality traits include:

• Affectionate without being clingy — they love company and seek proximity but are not demanding or vocal about it

• Playful well into adulthood — they engage enthusiastically with interactive toys and games

• Patient and tolerant — the Selkirk Rex cat handles children, other cats, and dogs with notable composure

• Calm and adaptable — they adjust to new environments and routines without excessive stress

• People-oriented — they follow their owners around and enjoy being involved in household activity

The Selkirk Rex personality makes this breed a strong choice for families with children, multi-pet households, and first-time cat owners. These are not high-strung cats. They rarely demand attention aggressively, but they will make their affectionate intentions clear — a soft head bump, a slow blink, a warm weight settling onto your lap.

 

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Selkirk Rex Grooming: How to Care for the Curly Coat

How often should you groom a Selkirk Rex cat?

Selkirk Rex grooming is the most time-intensive aspect of ownership, particularly for the longhair variety. The curly coat requires a specific, careful technique to stay healthy and retain its characteristic texture.

The golden rule of Selkirk Rex grooming: comb, don't over-brush. A wide-toothed comb is the correct tool. It loosens dead hair and prevents tangles without flattening the curls. Brushes — especially slicker brushes — can damage the curl pattern and should be used sparingly if at all.

Grooming frequency by coat type:

Over-grooming is a real risk. Excessive combing straightens the coat and defeats the purpose. The Selkirk Rex cat should always look slightly tousled — this is correct and intentional, not neglect.

Bathing is occasionally necessary, particularly for homozygous Selkirk Rex cats (those with two copies of the curl gene), who tend to produce more coat oils than average. When bathing a Selkirk Rex cat, use a gentle, cat-formulated shampoo and pat — never rub — the coat dry to preserve curl structure.

Ear care is an important part of Selkirk Rex grooming. The curly hair inside the ear canal can trap wax more efficiently than in straight-coated breeds. Weekly ear checks and gentle cleaning with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner should be part of every Selkirk Rex cat's routine from kittenhood.

 

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Selkirk Rex Kittens: What to Expect When Buying

Selkirk Rex kittens are born curly-coated and irresistibly soft, but finding a healthy one requires careful research into the breeder.

What a responsible Selkirk Rex breeder will provide:

• Genetic health testing of both parents for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and screening awareness for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

• Evidence of socialization — well-handled Selkirk Rex kittens are confident, curious, and comfortable with people

• A kitten contract and health guarantee

• Transparency about lineage and outcross breeds used

• In the UK: confirmation that breeding cats are registered with the GCCF and PKD-tested

In the UK, all Selkirk Rex cats registered with the GCCF for breeding are required to be genetically tested for PKD or come from two tested parents. This is a mandatory standard, not optional.

What price should you expect for Selkirk Rex kittens?

Prices vary by country, coat type, and pedigree quality. The Selkirk Rex longhair typically commands a higher price than the shorthair. Always prioritize health testing over price — an untested litter is a false saving.

How long before Selkirk Rex kittens develop their adult coat?

The curls develop in stages. Selkirk Rex kittens may temporarily lose some curl definition between 6 and 12 months. The full adult coat — denser, curlier, and more textured — emerges progressively from 8–10 months and is complete by around two years of age.

 

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Selkirk Rex Lifespan and Health: What You Need to Know

How long do Selkirk Rex cats live?

The Selkirk Rex lifespan is approximately 15 years, which is at the higher end for pedigree cat breeds. Some well-cared-for individuals live beyond this.

Supporting a long Selkirk Rex lifespan requires:

• A high-quality, species-appropriate diet

• Maintaining a healthy body weight (obesity shortens lifespan significantly)

• Annual or bi-annual veterinary check-ups

• Up-to-date vaccinations and parasite control

• Dental hygiene — dental disease is a leading cause of health decline in older cats

• Prompt veterinary attention to any changes in behavior, appetite, or coat condition

What health conditions affect the Selkirk Rex cat?

There are no diseases specific to the Selkirk Rex cat breed. However, because the breed was developed using Persian, Exotic Shorthair, and British Shorthair outcrosses, it may inherit conditions associated with those breeds:

Responsible breeders screen their cats for PKD and HCM before breeding. When buying Selkirk Rex kittens, always ask for proof of parental health testing.

 

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Is the Selkirk Rex Cat Hypoallergenic?

No. The Selkirk Rex cat is not hypoallergenic.

This is one of the most persistent myths about the Selkirk Rex cat breed, and it is important to address it clearly. The misconception arises because curly-coated cats are sometimes assumed to shed less — and shedding less is incorrectly assumed to mean fewer allergens.

Here is the reality:

• The primary cat allergen is Fel d 1, a protein produced in the saliva and skin glands — not in the fur

• Coat type and length have no direct impact on Fel d 1 production

• The Selkirk Rex cat has a full, thick coat that sheds regularly, unlike reduced-coat Rex breeds

• No pedigree body or veterinary authority classifies the Selkirk Rex cat as hypoallergenic

Anyone with known cat allergies should spend extended time with a Selkirk Rex cat before committing to ownership. Allergy responses are individual, and some people with mild sensitivities may react less strongly to particular cats — but this is about the individual animal, not the breed as a category.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Selkirk Rex Cat

What is a Selkirk Rex cat?

The Selkirk Rex cat is a pedigree cat breed with a thick, curly coat caused by a dominant gene mutation. It was first bred in Montana, USA in 1987 and is recognized worldwide by major cat fancy organizations including TICA, CFA, and GCCF.

How big do Selkirk Rex cats get?

Adult males typically weigh 12–15 lbs (5–7 kg). Females are smaller but still solidly built. The Selkirk Rex cat breed is medium-to-large with heavy boning.

Are Selkirk Rex cats good pets?

Yes. The Selkirk Rex personality is exceptionally well-suited to family life. These cats are affectionate, calm, tolerant of children and other pets, and adaptable to most living environments.

How long do Selkirk Rex cats live?

The Selkirk Rex lifespan is typically around 15 years with proper care.

How much grooming does a Selkirk Rex cat need?

Selkirk Rex grooming involves combing with a wide-toothed comb — daily for the Selkirk Rex longhair, two to three times per week for the shorthair. Over-brushing must be avoided as it flattens the curl.

Is the Selkirk Rex cat hypoallergenic?

No. The Selkirk Rex cat produces the Fel d 1 allergen like all cats and has a thick, shedding coat. It is not suitable for people who are allergic to cats.

What is the difference between the Selkirk Rex longhair and shorthair? 

Both varieties carry the same curly gene, but the Selkirk Rex longhair has a semi-long, dramatically tousled coat with a curly ruff and plumed tail. The shorthair has a uniform, dense, plush coat. The Selkirk Rex longhair requires more intensive grooming.

Do Selkirk Rex kittens stay curly?

Selkirk Rex kittens are born curly but may temporarily lose some curl definition between 6 and 12 months. The full curly adult coat develops by around two years of age.

 

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Is the Selkirk Rex Cat Right for You?

The Selkirk Rex cat is the full package: extraordinary looks, a warm and steady Selkirk Rex personality, and a manageable — if committed — grooming routine. It is a patient, affectionate animal that thrives in busy family homes and quieter households alike. It asks for company, consistency, regular Selkirk Rex grooming, and high-quality care — and in return, it offers 15 or more years of devoted companionship.

If you are drawn to a cat that turns heads in every room, melts into your arms like a warm, curly cloud, and greets the world with unshakeable good humor, the Selkirk Rex cat breed is almost certainly the one for you.