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    Hairless & Rex Group

    Selkirk Rex

    A 'cat in sheep's clothing' — Selkirk Rex have a thick plush curly coat that gives them a teddy-bear appearance. Calm and patient, more like the British Shorthair (a foundation breed) than the high-energy Cornish or Devon Rex. Both shorthair and longhair varieties exist.

    Selkirk Rex cat with thick plush curly cream coat sitting on a rustic wooden chair

    Quick Facts

    Origin
    Montana, USA (1987)
    Weight (M / F)
    10–16 / 8–12 lb
    Lifespan
    14–18 years
    Coat
    Plush curly coat in shorthair or longhair varieties
    Shedding
    medium
    Hypoallergenic
    No
    Energy
    ●●●○○ (3/5)
    Affection
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Vocal
    ●●○○○ (2/5)
    Grooming need
    ●●●○○ (3/5)
    Climber
    ●●●○○ (3/5)
    Kid-friendly
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Apartment OK
    Yes
    Indoor only
    Recommended
    Multi-pet OK
    Yes

    History & Origin

    Selkirk Rex began in 1987 when a curly-coated kitten was found in a Montana shelter and adopted by a Persian breeder. Outcrossing to British Shorthair, Persian and Exotic gave the breed its calm temperament.

    Temperament & Personality

    Calm, patient, affectionate. The most laid-back of the rex breeds.

    Health Watchouts

    Top conditions reported by CFA/TICA parent clubs, AAFP, the Winn Feline Foundation, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

    Breed-elevated risk

    Thickening of the left ventricular heart wall — the most common heart disease in cats. From British Shorthair lineage — recommended to screen.

    Screening: Annual echocardiogram from a board-certified cardiologist; DNA test where available (Maine Coon, Ragdoll)

    Polycystic kidney disease

    From Persian outcross

    Inherited renal cysts.

    Screening: DNA test of breeding stock

    Periodontal disease

    70%+ of cats by age 3

    Plaque hardens to tartar and inflames gums, leading to tooth loss and bacteremia.

    Screening: Annual oral exam; daily brushing or VOHC-approved dental treats; professional cleaning every 1–2 years

    Obesity

    ≈60% of indoor cats (AAHA)

    Excess weight increases risk of diabetes, arthritis, hepatic lipidosis and shortens lifespan by ~2 years.

    Screening: Monthly body condition score (target 4–5/9); measure all food; structured play 2× daily

    Hip dysplasia

    Slight elevation

    Joint issues from larger frame.

    Screening: Annual gait observation

    Enrichment & Play

    Moderate play and climbing.

    • Cat trees
    • Wand toys
    • Puzzle feeders
    • Window perches
    • Daily petting

    Nutrition

    Daily calories: Adult: 230–310 kcal/day.

    Two measured meals daily; obesity prone.

    Common allergens to watch: Beef, Fish.

    ⚠ Plush coat hides weight changes — body-score monthly.

    Grooming & Coat Care

    Brush 2× weekly with a wide-tooth comb (longhair variety daily). Avoid blow-drying — it damages curls.

    Cost of Ownership

    Lifetime cost depends on lifespan, vet care, and litter/food choices. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →

    Cost band for Selkirk Rex: medium.

    How insurance, vet care & grooming connect for the Selkirk Rex

    These three costs move together. The Selkirk Rex’s coat, energy, and breed-specific health watchouts shape each one — here’s how they line up.

    Insurance band

    Moderate

    Multiple breed-specific health watchouts

    Vet service load

    Moderate

    Several conditions worth annual screening

    Grooming demand

    Above average

    Long coat tangles without weekly grooming

    Most spend goes to coat care, not the vet — a grooming budget matters more than rich insurance.

    Estimated monthly spend (typical adult)

    Insurance

    $60

    Routine vet

    $45

    Grooming

    $60

    Combined estimate

    ~$165/mo(±20%, US averages)

    * Estimates derived from breed traits (coat, energy, health watchouts, lifespan). Actual costs vary by location, age, and provider.

    Living Situation Fit

    Calm family homes.

    Choosing a Kitten

    Verify HCM and PKD testing. Pet-quality kittens $800–$1,500.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the Selkirk Rex hypoallergenic?

    No — unlike other rex breeds, Selkirk Rex have a normal three-layer coat (just curly) and shed normally.

    Related breeds

    Blue-gray British Shorthair cat sitting on a tweed armchair

    British Shorthair

    A round, plush 'teddy bear' of a cat. British Shorthairs have a chubby cobby build, dense plush coat (most often blue-gray), round copper eyes and a famously calm, undemanding temperament. They prefer to sit beside you rather than on you. Health watchouts include HCM (specific BSH gene variants) and obesity.

    Silver Persian cat with a long flowing coat sitting on a velvet armchair

    Persian

    The classic glamour cat. Persians have a luxurious flowing coat, a flat brachycephalic face and a sweet, placid temperament. They are quiet, low-energy and devoted to a calm household. The cost: daily grooming is non-negotiable, the flat face causes breathing and tear-duct issues, and PKD affects ~38% of the breed without screening.

    Chocolate tortoiseshell LaPerm cat with loose curly coat sitting on a windowsill

    LaPerm

    A spontaneous curly-coat mutation from an Oregon barn. LaPerm coats range from soft loose ringlets (longhair) to tight wavy curls (shorthair), often with a unique 'tousled' look. They are gentle, affectionate and particularly people-oriented. Generally one of the healthiest pedigreed breeds.

    Reviewed by PetHelpAnswers Editorial Team

    This profile is shared for informational and educational purposes only. Individual cats vary — always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical guidance.