About Selkirk Rex Cat

The Selkirk Rex is a distinctive breed known for its plush, curly coat that gives it a teddy bear like appearance. With a gentle and easygoing temperament, this affectionate cat is both playful and well suited for families.

History and Origins

The breed originates from a blue tortoiseshell and white feral cat found in Montana in 1987. This cat gave birth to a litter that included a curly haired kitten. This kitten was adopted by British Shorthair and Persian Cat breeder Jeri Newman and named DePesto due to her attention seeking nature. Through breeding DePesto and researching her mother, Newman discovered they both carried a new dominant gene that resulted in a curly coat. This gene was different from the ones causing curly coats in Cornish Rex or Devon Rex Cats. DePesto was then bred with a black Persian Cat, resulting in a litter of six kittens, three of which had curly coats.The Selkirk Rex breed, a type of Rex cat, is named after the Selkirk Mountain range in the Northwestern US and Southwestern Canada.

Selkirk Rex Personality

The Selkirk Rex is known for its gentle temperament, perfectly matching its charming, teddy bear like appearance. Loyal and devoted to its family, this breed is also friendly with visitors, making it an easygoing and low maintenance companion. Despite its fluffy exterior, the Selkirk Rex is an energetic and playful cat that enjoys interactive play but won’t disrupt your home if you’re busy.

Selkirk Rex Appearance

The Selkirk Rex is a medium to large-sized cat known for its distinctive curly fur, setting it apart from other breeds like the British Shorthair and Devon Rex. With a muscular, chunky build and a rounded head, this breed features unique curly haired coats that can be short or long. The plush, soft fur comes in various colors and patterns, and long haired Selkirks often have a plumed tail and a ruff around the neck and chest.

Family Life Compatibility

The Selkirk Rex is an excellent family cat, being relaxed and cuddly much of the time and ready for fun and games when available. This 'low chaos' cat is suitable for most households, provided someone is home during part of the day and each night to keep them company. Their teddy bear like softness may be too much for very young children to understand they are living beings who need space and respect, but they are wonderful with older children and teens.