Description: Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is a unique and charming domestic cat breed, instantly recognized by its plush, curly fur that looks almost like a teddy bear's coat. Originating in Montana, USA, in 1987, the breed was the result of a natural mutation. Selkirk Rexes have a large, sturdy build and come in both long-haired and short-haired varieties. They are well known for their affectionate and laid-back temperament, often enjoying the company of people and other pets alike. Playful, gentle, and adaptable, Selkirks fit well into a variety of families, thriving in both quiet and active households. Their distinctive curly fur requires some grooming to prevent matting, but they're generally low-maintenance. With their expressive faces and loving nature, Selkirk Rex cats make delightful companions for those looking for a friendly and unusual feline friend.
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Properties
The Selkirk Rex is a unique and charming cat breed known for its distinctive curly coat and affectionate temperament. Originating from the United States in 1987, this breed was the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation observed in a kitten born in Montana. The curly fur, which is evident not only on the body but also on the whiskers and eyebrows, sets the Selkirk Rex apart from other Rex cat breeds such as the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex, whose coats are often finer and shorter. This breed can be found in both longhaired and shorthaired varieties, with both types displaying the signature curls. The overall appearance of the Selkirk Rex is robust and solid, featuring a muscular build, rounded head, full cheeks, and widely spaced eyes, often giving it a teddy bear-like appearance.
The temperament of the Selkirk Rex is one of its most endearing properties. They are often described as patient, tolerant, and sociable cats, making them excellent companions for families, children, and even other pets. This breed's gentle and laid-back demeanor allows it to adapt well to a variety of household environments, including homes with multiple pets and active children. While playful and curious, Selkirk Rex cats are also affectionate and enjoy cuddling with their owners, but they are not overly demanding of attention. They are generally friendly with strangers and do not exhibit an overly shy or skittish nature.
In terms of health, the Selkirk Rex is a generally robust breed, thanks in part to its broad genetic background. However, because it is often crossed with other breeds such as Persians, British Shorthairs, and Exotic Shorthairs, it may be predisposed to certain hereditary conditions found in those breeds, such as polycystic kidney disease or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Prospective owners should ensure responsible breeding and health screening practices. Grooming needs can vary depending on whether the cat is of the longhaired or shorthaired variety, but regular brushing is essential to prevent matting, given the nature of the curly coat.
The Selkirk Rex thrives best in environments where it receives ample affection and attention. This breed is well-suited for both active households and quieter homes, providing its need for interaction and mental stimulation is met. With its striking appearance and gentle personality, the Selkirk Rex is a delightful addition to many homes seeking a loving feline friend.
Appearance
The Selkirk Rex is a truly distinctive cat breed, renowned for its plush, curly coat that sets it apart from most other felines. This breed boasts a sturdy, medium-to-large frame with a substantial bone structure and muscular build, giving it a solid and robust appearance. The defining feature of the Selkirk Rex is undoubtedly its coat, which may be either long or short but is always characterized by its soft, dense, and curly texture. The curls are present throughout the body, including the tail and even the whiskers, and can vary from loose waves to ringlets, depending on the individual cat and the length of its fur.
The head of the Selkirk Rex is broad and rounded, with full cheeks and a generally sweet, open expression. The muzzle is well-developed, giving the cat what is often described as a 'padded' look. The eyes are large, round, and expressive, situated well apart and capable of displaying a variety of colors, depending on the coat color. The ears are of medium size, set well apart on the skull, and can sometimes appear slightly rounded at the tips, covered in soft fur with some curly furnishing inside.
The Selkirk Rex's body is described as cobby, meaning it is compact yet substantial, with a deep chest, strong shoulders, and a straight back. The legs are of medium length and exhibit muscular development, ending in rounded, firm paws. The tail matches the body’s proportions and is thick with a rounded tip, fully plumed in long-haired individuals and bushy in short-haired cats.
One of the joys of this breed is its coat variety, which can come in virtually every color and pattern recognized in the feline world. From solid hues to tabby, bicolor, and more, the Selkirk Rex celebrates diversity in appearance. Grooming needs are moderate; although the coat is thick and curly, it is less prone to matting compared to other long-haired breeds, though brushing a few times a week is recommended to maintain its health and prevent tangles. The curly whiskers and eyebrows are an endearing hallmark, often appearing crimped or wavy.
Altogether, the Selkirk Rex is a breed whose plush, teddy bear-like looks and whimsical curls combine to create an irresistibly charming and unique feline companion.
History
The Selkirk Rex is a relatively new and distinct cat breed, known for its unique curly fur and calm temperament. Its history begins in the United States, specifically in Montana in 1987, when a natural genetic mutation led to the first known Selkirk Rex. This unusual breed originated from a litter born to a stray blue tortoiseshell and white cat in an animal shelter. Among her six kittens was one female with a peculiar, curly coat, which instantly set her apart from her littermates.
The kitten, named Miss DePesto after a character in the TV show "Moonlighting," was adopted by Persian cat breeder Jeri Newman. Intrigued by the kitten's curly fur, Newman decided to breed her with a black Persian male. The resulting litter produced three kittens with curly fur and three with straight coats, confirming the dominant nature of the curly gene. Unlike many other curly-coated breeds, such as the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, the Selkirk Rex’s curl is a result of a separate genetic mutation. This makes the Selkirk Rex truly unique in the feline world.
Jeri Newman named the new breed "Selkirk" after her stepfather, making it possibly the only cat breed named after a person. "Rex" is a term commonly used to denote breeds with wavy or curly coats. Through careful selective breeding, Newman crossed the Selkirk Rex with Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs to establish a broad gene pool while maintaining the breed’s signature look. This breeding program helped to develop both longhair and shorthair varieties of the breed, both displaying the breed’s iconic soft curls or waves.
The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) granted the Selkirk Rex official recognition in 2000, and The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the breed in the 1990s. Today, the Selkirk Rex is known for its teddy-bear appearance, gentle demeanor, and robust health. Its development over the past few decades showcases the fascinating role natural mutations and selective breeding play in the evolution of domestic cat breeds.
The Selkirk Rex’s journey from a shelter kitten with a quirky coat to a globally recognized pedigree breed is a testament to the power of genetic diversity, breeder dedication, and the enduring appeal of unique feline companions.