A medium to large cat, the Selkirk Rex has characteristics in common with other cats in the “rex” group, which includes breeds like the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex that have the genetic mutation for curly or wavy hair. Although she is sturdy like a Devon and strong like a Cornish, the Selkirk is stockier than these elf-like cats and has a round face as opposed to a narrow one with sharp ears. She often resembles a curly British Shorthair due to her stockiness, particularly in the legs, but she is of a different breed.

History

In 1987, a rescued cat in Montana, USA, gave birth to the first Selkirk Rex litter. Miss DiPesto, the litter’s lone kitten with an unique coat, was eventually adopted by breeder Jeri Newman. After mating with a black Persian male, this foundation cat gave birth to three Selkirk Rex and three straight-haired kittens. This proved that the gene’s pattern of inheritance was autosomal dominant. The cat Miss DiPesto is the ancestor of every Selkirk Rex. This is the first cat breed to have the name of a real person thanks to Jeri Newman, who gave the breed the name “Selkirk” in honor of her father. The ICA, the ACFA, and the CFA all recognized the breed in 1992, 1998, and 2000, respectively. Australia and the CFA.

Size

The Selkirk rex is a huge cat that can be born in a range of colors, including chocolate, lilac, white, black, red, bicolor combinations, and those with pointed coats. Selkirk Rex cats typically have huge statures. A fully developed Selkirk Rex cat may weigh between 7 and 12 pounds and measure between 9 and 11 inches tall. The average life expectancy is 15 years.

Personality

The Selkirk Rex Cat has gained the title “the cat in sheep’s clothing” thanks to her renowned luxurious, curling fur. She is born with free, flowing hair and curly whiskers. Although the gene for curly hair is predominate, not all Selkirks are born with these ringlets. A few people have straight hair. The Selkirks with long hair have long ringlets, whilst those with short hair usually have shorter, tighter curls. She is the ideal choice for pet owners searching for a playful and affectionate buddy thanks to her “teddy-bear” like physical characteristics.

Food

The bigger size of the Selkirk Rex makes it especially crucial to avoid overfeeding. Maintaining a healthy weight helps guard against conditions that are known to plague the breed, including as heart disease, hip dysplasia, diabetes, and arthritis. To guarantee correct quantities, serve measured meals two or three times each day. Consult your veterinarian or breeder for advice on the best diet to feed your Selkirk Rex cat. Free feeding, which involves leaving food available all day, can result in overeating, which can add to weight gain.

Grooming

The Selkirk Cat has a special coat that requires maintenance to prevent hairs from getting stuck. Excessive brushing should be avoided as it can make the curls looser. Instead, using a wide-toothed comb will help prevent matting and preserve the coat’s curl. Regular bathing and towel-drying are recommended to prevent matting, but avoid using conditioners or sprays as they may loosen the curls. Weekly ear inspections and nail trims are advised, and if the ears are dirty, use a pet-safe ear cleaner with a cotton ball or gauze.

Training

The Selkirk Rex’s socialization is the most crucial factor to take into account. Selkirk Rex cat will undoubtedly draw a lot of interest from your neighbors, friends, and even random passersby. Your Selkirk Rex will eagerly take advantage of any training opportunities to pick up simple commands and entertaining tricks. They’ll like learning how to play fetch and walk on a leash because they are a playful breed of cat. During training and playtime, use their favorite treats or toys to keep their interest. Maintain consistency. Selkirks are intellectual even if they appear to be more silly than serious. They have been known to educate themselves how to unlock doors and drawers if they aren’t given enough mental stimulus.

Health

The Selkirk Rex Cat has some health issues that may be of concern, although he is generally healthy and can be outcrossed to Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs for purposes of genetic diversity. They typically involve polycystic kidney disease(hereditary disease that causes cystic degeneration of the kidneys and potential kidney dysfunction), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(thickening of the heart tissue) and hip dysplasia(hereditary defect of the hip joint). Keep in mind that one of the simplest ways to safeguard a Selkirk’s general health is to maintain a healthy weight. Utilize your preventive skills to the fullest to keep your cat healthy for life. Get health insurance as well to lower veterinary costs.

Bottom Line

A superb family cat, the Selkirk Rex is usually calm and loving cat breed but is also game for some fun and games if they are offered. This cat is “low chaos,” making it appropriate for the majority of people as long as you are present during part of the day and every night so that they have company the majority of the time. They are fantastic with older kids and teenagers but are frequently a little too cuddly and soft for very young children to properly learn that they are sentient animals who need space and respect.

The Selkirk Rex cat breed does share a vibrant, lively, and amiable personality with her rex cousins. She would be a wonderful addition to a household with kids and other animals because of her outgoing attitude and patience with both children and dogs.