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Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex

Curly-coated. Easygoing. Big heart in a plush package.

The Selkirk Rex is known for its distinctive plush, curly coat and relaxed, affectionate personality. They are gentle, laid-back cats that get along well with everyone and make wonderful family companions.

❤️Affectionate & Sweet
🛋️Calm & Laid-back
👪Great with Families
🐾Good with Pets
🛡️Adaptable
🏠Indoor Living

Selkirk Rex Breed Score

86/100
★★★★★★★★★★
Family Life
90
Trainability
75
Intelligence
70
Apartment Living
85
Grooming Ease
65

How We Score ⓘ

🌍Origin
United States
🐾Breed Group
Natural
📏Size
Curly, Plush
Height
9-11 in
Weight
6-16 lbs
Life Expectancy
12-15 years

Breed Ratings

👪

Family Friendly

★★★★★★★★★★
🧒

Good with Kids

★★★★★★★★★★
🐕

Good with Dogs

★★★★★★★★★★
🐱

Good with Cats

★★★★★★★★★★
🏢

Apartment Friendly

★★★★★★★★★★

Energy Level

★★★★★★★★★★
🧠

Intelligence

★★★★★★★★★★
🎓

Trainability

★★★★★★★★★★
✂️

Grooming Needs

★★★★★★★★★★
〰️

Shedding

★★★★★★★★★★
🔊

Vocal Level

★★★★★★★★★★

Independent

★★★★★★★★★★
❤️

Affection Level

★★★★★★★★★★

Meet the Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex arose from a natural genetic mutation in a shelter cat named Miss DePesto in Montana in 1987. Her curly-coated kittens led to the development of the breed. Selkirk Rex cats have a dense, plush coat that comes in both long and short hair varieties and a calm, easygoing nature.

Where It All Began

The breed began in the United States in 1987 when a curly-haired kitten born in a Montana shelter was adopted by Jeri Newman. Breeders carefully developed the Selkirk Rex while maintaining health, temperament, and coat quality. Recognized by TICA in 2000.

Personality

Affectionate Calm Gentle Sweet Easygoing Patient People-Oriented Adaptable

🏃 An Active Lifestyle

This breed does well with regular, moderate exercise such as daily walks and playtime.

  • ✓ 30–45 minutes of exercise daily
  • ✓ Daily walks plus some playtime
  • ✓ Benefits from occasional training sessions

✂ Grooming Needs

The plush coat benefits from regular but simple care.

  • ✓ Brush 1-2 times per week
  • ✓ Use a wide-tooth comb
  • ✓ More brushing for long hair
  • ✓ Regular nail trimming

❤ Keeping Healthy

A balanced diet and regular vet care keep your Selkirk Rex happy and healthy.

  • • Regular vet checkups
  • • High-quality protein diet
  • • Maintain healthy weight
  • • Dental care is important

$ Cost of Ownership

Selkirk Rex cats are moderately priced with ongoing care costs.

Purchase Price: $800 - $2,500+

Monthly Cost: $40 - $90

First Year Cost: $700 - $1,400

Lifetime Cost: $10,000 - $15,000+

👍 Pros

  • Affectionate and gentle
  • Laid-back and adaptable
  • Great with families and pets
  • Unique curly, plush coat

👎 Cons

  • Coat can mat without care
  • Not the most energetic breed
  • Needs regular brushing

💡 Did You Know?

The Selkirk Rex originally comes from United States and belongs to the Selkirk Rex — a fitting background for a breed so often described as patient.

Compare Selkirk Rex

See how the Selkirk Rex stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.