Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is a distinctive breed known for its plush, curly coat that has earned it the beloved nickname 'the cat in sheep's clothing.' Originating from a natural mutation discovered in Montana in 1987, the Selkirk Rex is the only cat breed named after a person, as the Selkirk Mountains were named after an individual. Unlike other Rex breeds such as the Devon and Cornish Rex, the Selkirk Rex has a stockier, more substantial body inherited from its Persian and British Shorthair ancestry. Available in both longhair and shorthair varieties, with all colors and patterns accepted, these patient, affectionate cats combine a strikingly unique appearance with one of the most easygoing temperaments in the feline world, making them outstanding companions for families and first-time cat owners alike.
Key Stats
Weight
8-16 lbs
Height
8-11"
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Energy
3/5
Is This Breed Right For You?
Origin & History
The Selkirk Rex originated in 1987 in a shelter in Montana when a feral cat named Miss DePesto gave birth to a litter that included one remarkable curly-coated kitten among her otherwise normally-coated siblings. Persian breeder Jeri Newman recognized the kitten's potential and adopted her, naming her Miss DePesto of Noface. Newman bred this curly kitten to her champion black Persian, PhotoFinish of Deekay, and three of the resulting six kittens had curly coats, conclusively proving the curl gene was dominant.
This dominant inheritance pattern distinguished the Selkirk Rex from other Rex breeds like the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, which carry recessive curl genes. Newman named the breed after her stepfather, making the Selkirk Rex the only cat breed in history named after a real person. The breed was developed using outcrosses to Persians, British Shorthairs, and Exotic Shorthairs, which contributed to the Selkirk's substantial body type, gentle temperament, and variety of coat colors.
TICA recognized the Selkirk Rex in 1994, followed by the American Cat Fanciers Association. CFA granted full championship status in 2000. The breed has steadily grown in popularity worldwide, valued for its unique appearance and exceptionally gentle personality. Today, both longhair and shorthair varieties are shown, with the longhair displaying more dramatic ringlets and the shorthair showing a plush, teddy bear-like texture.
Traits & Characteristics
Individual cats may vary from breed-typical traits
Family & Social
Personality
Cattitude
Adaptability
Health & Wellness
Key health information for Selkirk Rex owners
Health Screening
- Hip & Elbow Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Eye Certification
Exercise Needs
- 20+ minutes daily
- Mental stimulation important
- Moderate activity
Watch For
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Dental Disease
Care Guide
Everything you need to know about caring for a Selkirk Rex
Grooming
2x weekly
Exercise
20+ min/day
Training
Very Easy
Health
Generally Good
Training Your Selkirk Rex
Training Approach
Use positive reinforcement with treats, gentle praise, and affection. Selkirk Rex respond well to patience and consistency. Keep training sessions short and enjoyable. Their calm demeanor makes them good candidates for clicker training.
Training Tips
- Teach tricks using their food motivation
- Use puzzle feeders for mental enrichment
- Leash training is achievable with patience
- Reward calm behavior during grooming
- Train them to accept regular coat care
Common Challenges
- May prefer cuddling to active training
- Can be stubborn if not interested
- Needs motivation through treats or play
Is a Selkirk Rex Right For You?
Great Match If...
- You have children or a family
- You want an easy-to-train cat
- You're active and outdoorsy
- You want a loyal companion
Think Twice If...
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Selkirk Rex cats are not hypoallergenic despite their unusual curly coat. Like all domestic cats, they produce the Fel d 1 protein that causes approximately 85% of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The curly coat does not reduce allergen production in any meaningful way, and in fact their dense, plush fur may actually trap more dander within its curls than smoother-coated breeds, potentially releasing concentrated allergens during grooming or petting sessions.
Some allergy sufferers report varied reactions to different individual cats regardless of breed, as Fel d 1 production varies between individual animals based on factors including sex, neuter status, and genetics. Male intact cats typically produce the highest allergen levels.
If you have cat allergies but are drawn to the Selkirk Rex, spending extended time with the specific cat you plan to adopt in a home environment is essential before committing. Should you proceed, regular grooming to remove trapped dander, HEPA air purifiers in living areas, restricting bedroom access, and discussing allergy management with your physician can help make coexistence more comfortable for mild allergy sufferers.