Selkirk Rex Cats

The Selkirk Rex cat breed began with a curly-haired cat that was given to a Persian cat breeder. The curly-haired cat was bred with a black Persian cat by the cat breeder. The curly-haired cat had six kittens, three of which had curly hair. Selkirk Rex kittens may not have developed their curly coat at birth, but a Selkirk Rex kitten that will have a curly coat has curled whiskers that distinguish it from its straight-haired siblings.

Selkirk Rex cats are large cats that have heavy bone structure similar to the British Shorthair cat breed. Their heads are rounded. The curled hair is plush with loose curls. The curl tends to be more pronounced on longhaired Selkirk Rexes. Spayed females and adult males usually have the best curl to their coats.

The Selkirk Rex cat is tolerant and loving. Selkirk Rex cats are described as active and endearing. They are typically playful. Frequent brushing should be avoided. To maintain the curl of the coat, the cat may be brushed before bathing, but brushing a wet coat should be avoided. Therefore, owners should only use cat shampoos that will condition the hair, leaving the coat silky without the need for brushing.

The coat and eye color of Selkirk Rex cats can be any genetically possible variation according to the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA). The color patterns of Selkirk Rexes can be solid, tabby, calico, tortoiseshell, sepia, smoke, shaded, silver, bi-color, mink, color point, or lynx point. The possible solid colors are white, black, red, cream, chocolate, lavender, and blue. The coats can be either short or longhair.

The large eyes of Selkirk Rex cats are round and set well apart. The muzzle is not as short as its Persian ancestors. The Selkirk Rex cats have muzzles of medium width with the length being half the measure of the width. Ears are medium and tapered. The ears are also set well apart and should fit the rounded contours of the head. The Selkirk Rex is a sturdy cat breed. The cat’s overall appearance should reflect the breed’s substance, balance, and solid form.