THE SELKIRK REX CAT

The Selkirk Rex cat is a big, fluffy living teddy-bear with a loving and sweet personality, excellent as a lapcat and a champion cuddler. 

The breed was created in the U.S. in the late 1980's when a Montana women discovered a rescue cat with very unusual sheep-like fur.

The cat gave birth to several kittens, only one of which showed the same unique coat.

The kitten, named "Miss DePesto" after a curly-haired character on the television show "Moonlighting", which starred Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd, 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. These are very nice, even-tempered and tractable cats that do well in a variety of situations and are sensational to behold.

The grooming requirements vary greatly with Selkirk Rex cats due to the variety in curl, texture and coat length found throughout the breed, but most often just running your fingers through their fur during regular handling is all that is needed to keep them, well, as tidy as their gonna get.

Selkirk Rex cats usually shed quite a bit, and unlike other Rex breeds, they are not found to be hypoallergenic.

SELKIRK REX CAT-STATS

SELKIRK REX PERSONALITY

The centuries of domestication and refinement as a true companion and "house cat" are evident, and this gorgeous breed excels as a perfect modern day pet.

They make a fine choice for busy singles and/or apartment dwellers as they tend to trend toward the couch-potato side of life.

Interacting with a Selkirk can be a very relaxed and happy experience, as they have a bit of the clown in them as well, and can be quite endearing and amusing. 

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, and possibly bathing, is required. -Selkirk Rex Cat Facts

SELKIRK REX KITTENS

Selkirk Rex kittens are incredibly sweet and very interested in their new family. They may be less likely to fly about the house exploring and more likely to want to be on someones lap cuddling. 

Kitten-proofing is still certainly recommended, especially when considering inviting places to take a nap like spaces under counters, crawl-spaces and closets.

Selkirk Rex kittens have an abundance of hair early on, and tend to be consistent throughout their lives as far as coat texture and length. The coat will fill out, of course, as they get older, but the fluffiest kitten in the litter will most likely be the fluffiest adult.

They tend to grow at an average rate and reach mature height at about 6 months, filling out and maturing to full size and weight at about one year old.  

Because this is a rare cat, breeders of pedigree Selkirk Rex kittens may not be easily found, but prices are not usually too steep for a pure-bred kitten.

SELKIRK REX BREED STANDARD

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.

A FEW MORE SELKIRK REX 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

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Copyright 2011-2019 by Jenise Alongi, Cat Breeds Encyclopedia.com