The Selkirk Rex
The breed
The “cat in sheep’s clothing”
The Selkirk Rex: A Cat with a Unique Look and a Tender Heart
Appearance & Coat
The Selkirk Rex comes in both short-haired and long-haired varieties. Its dense, curly coat resembles that of a teddy bear or a little lamb. The curls are more pronounced around the neck, flanks, and belly. The coat is soft, full, and comes in a wide range of colors. It reaches its full beauty around the age of two.
Temperament
Affectionate, patient, and highly sociable, the Selkirk Rex enjoys companionship and adapts perfectly to family life. It combines the sweetness of the Persian, the calm nature of the British Shorthair, and the playful charm of the Exotic Shorthair. This playful cat appreciates daily interaction and moments of affection.
Grooming
A gentle brushing once or twice a week is sufficient to maintain its curls. Baths are rarely necessary. Air drying is preferred to preserve the fluffy texture of the coat. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing are also recommended. A good scratching post is essential.
Health
This is a generally robust breed. Keep vaccinations and parasite prevention up to date, and schedule regular veterinary checkups.
Nutrition & Hydration
No special dietary requirements: a high-quality wet or dry diet is suitable. Clean, fresh water should always be available. Tip: place the water bowl away from the food to encourage hydration. A water fountain can also be a great option.
In Summary
A gentle, original, and endearing companion, perfect for families seeking a unique, sociable, and easygoing cat.
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The Selkirk Rex: a curly companion full of tenderness
Often affectionately nicknamed the sheep cat, the Selkirk Rex is a truly unique feline. Its dense, curly coat offers a texture as soft as a teddy bear in the short-haired variety, while the long-haired version has a tousled look reminiscent of sheep’s wool.
Naturally calm and laid-back, the Selkirk Rex is an affectionate companion that fits perfectly into family life. It gets along wonderfully with children and wins hearts with its endearing appearance and gentle temperament—a true living plush toy.
To maintain its beautiful curly coat, a simple gentle brushing twice a week is usually enough to remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
Wondering if the Selkirk Rex is right for you? This irresistibly charming cat may very well become your family’s new favorite member.
The Selkirk Rex: Gentle, Affectionate, and Irresistibly Endearing
With its curly coat and teddy bear–like silhouette, the Selkirk Rex is a cat with truly unique charm. The short-haired variety displays dense, soft curls, while the long-haired version offers an even more tousled look, reminiscent of a little lamb’s wool.
Often described as a “dog disguised as a cat,” the Selkirk Rex is a loyal and affectionate companion. It enjoys being close to its family and can even learn to walk on a leash, allowing it to join outings calmly and confidently.
Sturdy and well-built, it has the presence of a small lynx, combined with the gentleness and loyalty of a domestic cat and the woolly appearance of a miniature sheep.
A Natural Beauty: the Unique Genetics of the Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex’s distinctive coat is the result of a dominant gene that affects all three types of hair: guard hairs, intermediate hairs, and undercoat. This produces a dense, curly coat with more pronounced curls around the neck and tail, whether in short-haired or long-haired individuals.
The guard hairs may feel slightly coarser to the touch, but the overall coat remains soft, plush, and pleasant. Even the whiskers and eyebrows display charming curls.
This medium-to-large cat is well proportioned, with a solid bone structure that gives it a surprisingly substantial weight. Males are generally more robust, but both sexes develop well-defined cheeks.
The adult coat develops gradually and reaches maturity around two years of age. For this reason, kittens are primarily evaluated based on their morphology (head and body). They are born curly, may temporarily lose their coat, and then begin developing their adult coat between 8 and 10 months of age.
Playful, Gentle, and Sociable: the Selkirk Rex Temperament
The Selkirk Rex is just as cuddly as it looks—calm, affectionate, and easygoing. But beneath that plush appearance lies an alert, playful, and energetic cat.
Highly sociable, it does not enjoy being left alone for long periods. It loves to follow its humans around the house and take part in daily life. To keep it entertained and mentally stimulated, interactive toys such as wand toys or laser pointers are ideal—guaranteed fun!
Thanks to its gentle and affectionate nature, the Selkirk Rex is an excellent companion for families, including those with children and well-socialized dogs.
A Cat You Can’t Help but Want to Cuddle
The Selkirk Rex is a calm and relaxed cat that looks just like a soft plush toy you can’t resist wrapping your arms around for a cuddle. Belonging to the family of curly-coated breeds, it sports a dense, slightly tousled coat that gives it the appearance of having a bad hair day—for our greatest delight.
Affectionately nicknamed the sheep cat, this gentle companion has a special way of bringing a smile to your face and warming your heart, much like a favorite childhood toy once did.
Medium in size but with a solid bone structure, the Selkirk Rex has a comforting presence. When you hold it in your arms, its soft, plush weight fills the embrace perfectly.
A Blend of Gentleness and Tenderness
The Selkirk Rex reflects the personalities of the breeds that contributed to its development. The British Shorthair passed on its calm, composed temperament, the Persian its cuddly nature, and the Exotic Shorthair added a touch of playful mischief.
Visitors are always intrigued by these cats with such a distinctive look and can’t help but want to touch their coat. As for their owners, they often feel an irresistible urge to scoop them up for a cuddle. Thankfully, the Selkirk Rex is a patient and easygoing cat, happily accepting our bursts of affection with great gentleness.
Coat, Colors, and Presence: the Selkirk Rex at Its Finest
The Selkirk Rex comes in two varieties—short-haired and long-haired—each with its own distinctive charm. Short-haired individuals display dense, plush curls reminiscent of a teddy bear, while long-haired cats, even more tousled, evoke the look of a little lamb’s wool.
Both coat types are found in a wide range of colors and patterns. The coat often reaches its most impressive expression in spayed females and neutered males, particularly as they reach maturity.
Curls are generally more pronounced along the flanks, belly, and neck. Their texture is thick and soft, forming beautiful, flexible waves that invite touch.
Medium to large in size, the Selkirk Rex has a strong, well-developed bone structure that gives a solid, substantial feel when held. Its development is slow, reaching full maturity gradually over time. The head is round, with large, expressive eyes and a gentle gaze. The body is slightly rectangular and very muscular, offering a firm structure beneath its curly, silky coat.
A Naturally Healthy Breed
The Selkirk Rex is generally a robust and healthy breed. To ensure long-term well-being, it is essential to keep vaccinations and parasite prevention treatments up to date.
Regular veterinary visits are also recommended to monitor overall health and to prevent potential issues.
With proper care and routine follow-up, the Selkirk Rex can enjoy a long, balanced life filled with affection alongside its family.
Caring for the Selkirk Rex’s Curls
Whether short-haired or long-haired, the Selkirk Rex has a dense coat that requires regular care. Brushing once or twice a week helps prevent tangles and remove loose hair, as the Selkirk naturally sheds a small amount. To maintain its curls gently, run your fingers through the coat—this helps aerate it and restore volume to the beautiful waves.
Bathing is generally unnecessary, but if your cat gets dirty, use a moisturizing shampoo formulated for cats. Then allow the coat to air dry in a warm, draft-free area. Avoid using a blow dryer, as it can give the coat an unflattering “poodle-like” appearance.
As with all cats, regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing with a veterinary toothpaste are recommended. Providing a sturdy vertical scratching post is also essential to satisfy its natural scratching needs.
Nutrition and Hydration: Simplicity and Quality Above All
The Selkirk Rex has no specific nutritional requirements. A high-quality diet, whether wet or dry, is sufficient to meet all of its essential needs.
As with all cats, it is important to provide fresh, clean water at all times. Cats are more likely to drink when the water is renewed daily and offered in an appealing container.
A small expert tip in feline behavior: place the water bowl at least one meter away from the food. The strong smell of kibble or wet food nearby can reduce the desire to drink, as cats have a very sensitive sense of smell.
If your cat tends to drink little, a filtered water fountain can be an excellent option. It keeps the water fresh and moving—a real advantage for encouraging daily hydration.