It was way back in 1987 when a feral white and blue tortie cat had a litter of five kittens. Among this litter was a strange little kitten with not-quite-right fur. This kitten's fur had a kink at the end, curly whiskers and kinky, coarse hair in its ears. At the age of 14 months, the kitten was bred to a Persian male. The resultant litter was of six kittens, three of which had the same curly hair. The Selkirk rex was accepted to the new breed program and, in 1994, recognized for championship competition.
The Selkirk Rex is a medium-sized cat either with a long or a short curly coat. This breed of cat has solid boning with a sleek covering. The small heads contain prominent cheekbones, slanted eyes and a flat space between the ears. The breed is strikingly similar in build to the Siamese. Even though this breed possesses a solid boning, its build is remarkably fine and long. The build of the breed make it instantly recognizable and regal.
Personality
This is a very sociable cat that is very affectionate and gentle. It likes to cuddle and snuggle but is not clingy or demanding. This cat breed is smart and easygoing, but can be playful and clownish. It gets on well with older children and mellow dogs. These cats have a loving personality that humans adore. Selkirk Rex cats are as calm as they come, but they possess a playful streak that owners love. When you own one of these cats, you find it hard to stop yourself from caressing its unique coat. You will develop a unique bond with your cat that others envy. A great deal of patience and a high tolerance for people make this cat perfect for families.
Breed Characteristics
| Origin: | US, 1980s |
| Life Span: | 10-15 years |
| Nicknames: | Selkirk Rex Longhair |
Selkirk Rex Build Information
The Selkirk Rex is a medium-sized cat either with a long or a short curly coat. This breed of cat has solid boning with a sleek covering. The small heads contain prominent cheekbones, slanted eyes and a flat space between the ears. The breed is strikingly similar in build to the Siamese. Even though this breed possesses a solid boning, its build is remarkably fine and long. The build of the breed make it instantly recognizable and regal.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
This is a very sociable cat that is very affectionate and gentle. It likes to cuddle and snuggle but is not clingy or demanding. This cat breed is smart and easygoing, but can be playful and clownish. It gets on well with older children and mellow dogs. These cats have a loving personality that humans adore. Selkirk Rex cats are as calm as they come, but they possess a playful streak that owners love. When you own one of these cats, you find it hard to stop yourself from caressing its unique coat. You will develop a unique bond with your cat that others envy. A great deal of patience and a high tolerance for people make this cat perfect for families.
| Activity Level: | Moderate |
| Affection Level: | High |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The long hair of the Selkirk rex requires daily combing to keep tangles and mats at bay. Like most cats, this breed only needs a bath when dirty. Clipping toenails once a month ensures that your furniture is not ripped to bits.
| Grooming: | Minimal (Regular Brushing, nail trimming and tooth cleaning) |
Selkirk Rex Common Health Conditions
The breed is not prone to any specific health issues. Like all cats, as it ages it may develop kidney or heart disease. Asthma is a consideration when bringing home any breed of cat. The Selkirk is a relatively healthy breed not typically predisposed to serious problems.
Selkirk Rex Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The soft coat of the Selkirk covers a firm, muscular body. An impish playfulness is at odds with the sedate personality of this breed. The breed is incredibly tolerant of humans, making it perfect for families with children. The breed most similar to the Selkirk rex is the Cornish rex. When it comes to personality, the Selkirk is very similar to the Persian. The breed does not have any common nicknames, but its official name is often shortened to Selkirk.