Emma Jones
The Selkirk Rex stands out from other cat breeds with its naturally curly coat. This can be short or long and feels wonderfully soft. The character of these rare, affectionate velvet paws from the USA is characterized by gentleness.
The character of the Selkirk Rex
Are you dreaming of a plush housemate who follows you affectionately at every turn? Then you will be delighted with the Selkirk Rex. Her gentle, friendly nature is just as engaging as her appearance, which fascinates with its curly coat of fur. She gets along well with other cats and with dogs and is also affectionately referred to as a “dog cat” among breeders due to her pronounced human affinity.
Keeping and caring for the Selkirk Rex
Caring for the robust Selkirk Rex is less complicated than their curly coat would suggest. Depending on whether you decide to have short or long hair, brushing once or twice a week is sufficient. Your new family member loves to be cuddled and sometimes asks for it with a meow. It is best to hold the cuddly velvet paw with at least one of their own kind to cuddle and play with.
Colors of the Selkirk Rex
According to the breed standard of the US CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association), all genetically possible coat colors and combinations are permitted for the Selkirk Rex. These include white, black, red, red tabby, cream, cream-tabby, lavender, cinnamon, beige, chocolate, and the following shadow patterns: silver, blue, chocolate, lavender, and shaded cameo, respectively. According to the CFA, any color is also accepted for eye colors.
History of the Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is a young cat breed. She was discovered by chance in an animal shelter in the American state of Montana in 1987: A kitten attracted attention with its curly fur, frizzy whiskers, and bright green eyes and soon found a new home with Jeri Newman. The renowned breeder of Persian cats discovered through mating with a black Persian cat that dominant genes are responsible for the curls. She enthusiastically set up a new breed, naming it Selkirk after her father-in-law, while Rex refers to the unique curls. Today, the Selkirk Rex is one of the recognized breeds of the Cat Fanciers’ Association.
Peculiarities of the Selkirk Rex
Since the gene pool of this rare cat breed is very small, the Selkirk Rex is not bred as a purebred. Breeders therefore specifically cross British Shorthair, the Exotic Shorthair, and Persian. A responsible Selkirk Rex breeder will provide you with the pedigree and will not release their kittens into your care until they are 12 to 16 weeks old.