The Selkirk Rex Cat

The Selkirk Rex cat was created in the U.S. in the late 1980's when a Montana women discovered a rescue cat with unusual fur. The cat gave birth to several kittens, only one of which showed the same unique coat. The kitten, named "Miss DePesto" was sent off to a Persian cat breeder who crossed her with both Persian cats and American Shorthair cats. Soon, the incredibly cool Selkirk Rex was born - a big, fluffy living teddy-bear with a loving and sweet personality, excellent as a lapcat and a champion cuddler. These are very nice, even-tempered and tractable cats that do well in a variety of situations and are sensational to behold!  

 Cool Cat Facts...
Every Selkirk Rex cat born today can be traced back
to one single individual, a curly female who was named "Miss DePesto" after a curly-haired character in the popular T.V. show "Moonlighting", starring Bruce Willis.                                                                     

Is A Selkirk Rex Cat Right For You?

The Selkirk Rex is recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the world's largest cat organization. It is a relatively rare pure-bred or "pedigreed" domestic cat breed. Although there is a belief that the Rex (curly haired) breeds have less of the glyco-protein in their saliva and glands that is the true trigger of allergic reactions, this does not appear to be the case with the Selkirk. The Selkirk is a dominant mutation, in which all hairs in the outer and undercoats have a wave or soft curl, giving the cat an amazing appearance. The coat has a unique, soft texture and comes in any color or pattern including pointed and parti-colors. The coat is plush like a teddy-bear with a thick undercoat. Shedding is heavy and regular grooming is required.  Some cats have a greasy quality to the fur which requires occasional bathing to keep the skin healthy. These are bulky, large-sized cats that have few breed-related health issues. Because it is laid-back and affectionate and desires interaction, the Selkirk Rex is a superb family cat that does well with considerate children, dogs, and other cats. A good choice for singles or apartment dwellers, but remember that regular grooming is required.

Selkirk Rex Cat Breed Standards

Head Shape: The head should be large and round with full cheeks and no flat or angled areas. The muzzle is short, wide, and well padded, slightly boxy but not pugged or dished. The ears are medium in size, round tipped, wide at the base and with curly furnishings. The eyes must be large and round with little, if any, slant. Wide set and brilliant. Any color is acceptable.
Body and Tail: Medium-large size body, well muscled, powerfully built, almost as tall as it is long. Legs are of medium length with plenty of bone and large, round, full feet and toes. Five toes in front and four in back. The tail is average in length and shape with an average taper. It should not be whip-like.
Coat: The coat is double and thick with each individual hair curled or wavy. Thick and standing off from the body, with no bare or thin spots. Soft and plush to the touch - exquisite!
Pattern: Any acceptable color or pattern, and many colors are seen including pointed and part-colors and solid smokes and blues.
Overall Appearance: This should be a medium-large, heavy boned, bulky cat with a powerful appearance. The coat is astonishing but it is equaled by the superior personality. Quite cuddly.

Inside Cat or Outside Cat?

Wondering if you should allow your cat to go outside unsupervised? Well there are definitely some pure breeds that should never be outside cats. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx are extremely vulnerable and should always be supervised outdoors. Docile breeds like the Burmese may not be able to defend themselves. All cats allowed outdoors are exposed to diseases and parasites that they would not otherwise encounter. Fred Flintstone put his saber-tooth out every night, but the cat jumped right back in the window - and he was a saber-tooth! Still, most of us feel a little envy when we see our domestic companion out on some high perch, sniffing the breeze of liberty, and there is no doubt that cats love their freedom. So what do YOU think ....Inside Cat or Outside Cat? Comment Here...

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