Selkirk Rex

Relaxed companionship beneath the curls

A Selkirk Rex may enjoy a quiet evening on the sofa as much as a game with a rustling toy. The American Cat Fanciers’ Association, or CFA, describes a generally relaxed, affectionate and playful breed. Many like to be close to their people without being as talkative as some oriental breeds. You should still find out which kind of contact your own cat prefers. Sitting beside you and playing together may be as enjoyable for her as being stroked.

The soft curls invite touching. For that reason, children should learn not to hold the cat in place or lift her against her wishes. If she wants to walk away, she should be able to reach a resting spot. Several quiet places in a busy home help her sleep undisturbed between shared activities.

Caring for curls without pulling on the skin

The Selkirk Rex's hairs curl because of an inherited change. In cats, the word Rex is used for several breeds with distinctive coat structures. The Selkirk coat is dense and plush, with loose curls distributed through it.

Coat length makes a considerable difference to care. A shorthaired Selkirk should be gently combed regularly and checked for tangles. The longerhaired form should have daily grooming built into the routine. Working in small sections allows gentle care without continually pulling on the whole coat. Above all, grooming should remain comfortable for the cat. Seeing the coat and asking for a demonstration before the cat comes home gives a better idea of the work involved.

Compact mats should be assessed by a vet rather than cut out with scissors. Thin skin can easily be injured in the process. If a cat suddenly grooms less or no longer accepts touch in a particular area, pain should be considered. The veterinary practice should investigate why her behaviour has changed.

How Miss DePesto founded a breed

The Selkirk Rex originated in Montana in the United States. In the late 1980s, breeder Jeri Newman took in a curly cat called Miss DePesto. A mating with a Persian male produced curly kittens too, showing that the distinctive coat could be inherited. According to the CFA, the name Selkirk refers to Newman's stepfather.

The curl trait is dominant. This means that one copy of the relevant inherited variant can be enough to produce curls. Straight coated cats can nevertheless occur in breeding. The appearance of the curls also changes with age, season and coat length. A single curl on a kitten cannot therefore tell you exactly how the adult coat will look.

The international cat federation FIFe describes a medium to large, substantial body with a round head. Despite the round face, the muzzle should be clearly visible in profile. The breed comes with short or moderately long hair in many colours. Alongside the coat, you should pay attention to how a prospective cat moves, breathes and behaves in her surroundings.

Kitten, adult, senior: care that changes with your cat ↗