Selkirk Rex

— Patient. Playful. Affectionate.

Nicknamed the "cat in sheep's clothing," the Selkirk Rex is known for a naturally curly, plush coat caused by a spontaneous genetic mutation discovered in Montana in the 1980s. Patient, playful, and affectionate, Selkirk Rex cats combine their distinctive teddy-bear appearance with a genuinely easygoing temperament.

United StatesOrigin

Shorthair/Longhair (Curly)Breed Group

10 - 15 YearsLife Expectancy

QUICK OVERVIEW

Families with children

Owners wanting a low-maintenance temperament

Households wanting a playful companion

Owners wanting a highly independent cat

About the Selkirk Rex

Last updated: August 12, 2026

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Key Facts

Known for a naturally curly, plush coat, earning the nickname "cat in sheep's clothing"

Discovered as a spontaneous genetic mutation in a Montana shelter litter in 1987

Known for a famously patient, tolerant temperament

Comes in both shorthair and longhair varieties, unusual for a single breed standard

Is Selkirk Rex Right for You?

Families with children

Owners wanting a low-maintenance temperament

Households wanting a playful companion

Owners wanting a highly independent cat

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The Selkirk Rex has a curly, plush, dense coat (short or long) coat in wide variety, no restricted breed standard color, with moderate shedding year-round.

Selkirk Rex

Personality

PatientKnown for exceptional tolerance of handling, making them well suited to households with children.

PlayfulEnjoys interactive play, retaining a relaxed but engaged temperament into adulthood.

AffectionateForms close bonds with family, often seeking closeness and attention.

EasygoingGenerally adaptable to different households and routines without excessive stress.

Care & Needs

GroomingTheir curly coat requires gentle, careful brushing — over-brushing can actually straighten the curl, so specific technique matters.

ExerciseBenefits from moderate interactive play to match their calm-but-engaged energy level.

DietStandard portion control helps maintain healthy weight for this moderately active breed.

HandlingTheir exceptionally patient temperament makes them well suited to gentle handling practice with children.

Did You Know?

Unlike most curly-coated cat breeds where the mutation is recessive, the Selkirk Rex's curl gene is dominant, meaning even a single copy from one parent produces the distinctive curly coat.

Selkirk Rexs have been serving humans in many important roles including: Show Cats and Companion Cats .

Health & Common Issues

Hypertrophic CardiomyopathyA heart condition documented in many purebred cats including the Selkirk Rex, making cardiac screening valuable.

Polycystic Kidney DiseaseA hereditary condition documented in some lines with Persian ancestry; genetic testing helps reduce risk.

Hip DysplasiaOccasionally documented in the breed, similar to concerns seen in some larger-bodied cat breeds.

Training & Exercise

Use gentle, specific grooming technique — brushing too vigorously can straighten their distinctive curl rather than maintain it.
Take advantage of their exceptional patience to introduce grooming and handling routines easily from an early age.
Provide moderate interactive play appropriate to their calm but genuinely engaged temperament.
Introduce children to gentle handling practices, given this breed's unusual tolerance for such interaction.

History & Origin

1987 A curly-coated kitten was discovered in a litter at a Montana animal shelter, becoming the foundation of the breed.

1987-1990s Breeder Jeri Newman developed the breeding program, crossing the original cat with Persians, British Shorthairs, and Exotic Shorthairs to establish the breed.

1990 The breed was officially named after the discoverer's stepfather's surname, Selkirk.

2000 Achieved championship status with the Cat Fanciers' Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Selkirk Rex cats good with children?

Yes, notably so — their exceptionally patient, tolerant temperament makes them one of the more commonly recommended breeds for families with children.

How do you groom a Selkirk Rex's curly coat?

Gently — over-brushing can actually straighten their distinctive curl, so specific, careful grooming technique matters more for this breed than for straight-coated cats.

Do Selkirk Rex cats come in different coat lengths?

Yes — unusually for a single breed, the Selkirk Rex is recognized in both shorthair and longhair varieties, both sharing the same distinctive curl.