Selkirk Rex: The Curly-Coated Teddy Bear Cat

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

The Selkirk Rex looks like a teddy bear that has been through a permanent wave. Plush curls, a sturdy body and a sweet disposition make it one of the most huggable cats around. It is also one of the newest breeds, with an origin that traces to a single shelter kitten.

Origins

In 1987, a curly-coated kitten was born in a litter in Montana, in the United States. A breeder, Jeri Newman, took her in and named her Miss DePesto of Noface. Her curly coat came from a dominant gene, which makes the Selkirk different from the Devon and Cornish Rex, whose curls are recessive. Newman bred her with a black Persian, and the curls passed on. The breed was named after her stepfather, Selkirk, and was recognized by registries in the 1990s. Breeders have since added British Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs and Persians to the gene pool. See the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex for the other rex breeds.

Appearance

Selkirks are medium to large and stocky, with a rounded head and a broad chest. Males usually weigh 10 to 16 pounds and females 6 to 12 pounds. Distinctive features include:

• A thick, plush coat with loose curls, in shorthair or longhair
• Curly whiskers, which are often short and may break
• A round face with full cheeks
• A solid, muscular body
• Any color or pattern

Kittens are born with tight curls that may relax and then come back as the coat matures at around two years.

Temperament

The Selkirk Rex has a calm, easygoing personality. Typical traits include:

• Patient and tolerant, often good with children and other pets
• Affectionate, enjoying lap time and cuddles
• Moderately playful, with bursts of activity but not frenetic
• Quiet, with a soft voice
• Adaptable, coping well with household changes

They may be less demanding than active breeds. Compare them with the calm British Shorthair.

Grooming

The coat can be tricky.

• Comb gently, with a wide-toothed comb, once or twice a week. Brushing dry curls with a regular brush can create frizz and break the curl.
• Mist the coat lightly with water before combing to define the curls.
• Bathe only when needed. Bathing can disturb the curl and take time to recover. See how to bathe a cat.
• Check the ears, which can collect wax. See how to clean a cat's ears.
• Trim nails regularly. See how to trim cat nails.

Longhaired Selkirks may mat more, so check behind the ears and under the legs. See how to brush a cat.

Health

Selkirk Rexes are generally healthy, but some conditions are seen:

• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), inherited from Persian ancestry. A DNA test can screen parents. See chronic kidney disease in cats.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition found in many breeds. Ask about heart scans for breeding cats.
• Hip dysplasia, reported in some lines.
• Ear and skin problems, such as wax build-up and seborrhea.
• Dental disease. See cat dental disease.
• Obesity, since they can be placid. See how to help an overweight cat lose weight.

Ask breeders for screening records, and see your vet regularly. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

Living with a Selkirk Rex

Selkirks adapt to apartments and houses. They enjoy:

• Window perches and a sturdy climbing tree. See how to choose a cat tree.
• Gentle play and puzzle toys
• Time with family members
• Warm, cozy beds

Keep them indoors, since their curly coat offers less protection than it seems, and use identification. See cat microchipping and identification.

Is a Selkirk Rex right for you?

A Selkirk suits families, seniors and anyone who wants a relaxed, cuddly cat. It may not suit people who dislike regular grooming, or who want a very active or independent cat.

Allergies

The curly coat does not make the Selkirk hypoallergenic. Allergens come from skin, saliva and dander. Spend time with the cat before deciding. See hypoallergenic cat breeds: the truth.

Questions to ask a breeder

Ask whether both parents have been tested for PKD and screened for heart disease, how old the kittens will be when they go home, what vaccines and deworming they have had and whether there is a written health guarantee. Ask to see the kitten's litter and mother. A good breeder answers openly, keeps kittens until at least twelve weeks and takes the cat back if you cannot keep it.

Finding one

Look for a breeder who tests for PKD, screens for heart disease and lets you meet the parents. Be wary of sellers who advertise rare colors or offer kittens too young. Many shelters have curly-coated cats too.