Cat Breed · United States
Selkirk Rex
A curly-coated teddy-bear cat with a plush, springy coat.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Selkirk Rex is a sturdy, plush-bodied cat famous for its soft, randomly curled coat, which gives it a tousled, teddy-bear look. Patient, tolerant and notably cuddly, it is calmer than most rex breeds and fits easily into family life.
Selkirk Rex: At a Glance
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium (3–7 kg) |
| Weight | 3-7 kg (6.5-15 lb), with males markedly heavier than females |
| Lifespan | 13–17 years |
| Coat | Comes in both longhair and shorthair, with loose, soft curls that are most pronounced around the neck, belly and tail; even the whiskers may curl. The dense, slightly woolly coat sheds and benefits from gentle weekly combing rather than brushing, which can straighten the curls. Over-bathing or heavy grooming relaxes the curl, so a light touch keeps the texture. |
| Temperament | Patient, tolerant, cuddly |
| Good with | A great all-rounder for families, children, multi-pet homes and first-time owners thanks to its easy-going, affectionate temperament. Its moderate energy suits both flats and houses, and it is content to be a relaxed lap companion rather than a demanding athlete. Like all cats it appreciates play and climbing options, but its exercise needs are modest. |
History & Origins
The Selkirk Rex began in 1987 in Montana, USA, when a curly-coated kitten appeared in a shelter litter and was given to Persian breeder Jeri Newman. She named the breed after her stepfather, making it one of the few breeds named after a real person, and bred the kitten to establish the curl. Crosses with Persians, British Shorthairs and others gave the breed its solid bone and rounded shape. Its curl comes from a dominant gene, distinguishing it from the recessive Cornish and Devon Rex.
Selkirk Rex Fun Facts
- Its curl is caused by a dominant gene, unlike the recessive curls of the Cornish and Devon Rex, so a single curly parent can pass it on.
- It is nicknamed the 'cat in sheep's clothing' for its dense, woolly, lamb-like coat.
- Even the whiskers and eyebrows are curled, and they can be brittle, sometimes breaking more easily than straight whiskers.
- The breed is named after Jeri Newman's stepfather, Selkirk, making it one of very few cat breeds named for an actual person.
Selkirk Rex Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Polycystic kidney disease
Polycystic kidney disease can occur in this breed and may need veterinary monitoring.
Care: Discuss prevention and treatment with your vet.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Thickening of the heart muscle that may cause sudden illness or heart failure.
Care: Breeding cats should be screened; affected cats may need lifelong medication under veterinary care.
Dental disease
Plaque and tartar build-up leads to gum infection and tooth loss.
Care: Brush teeth regularly and schedule professional dental cleanings as your vet advises.
Every cat deserves a chance
Whatever breed you love, countless cats live without a home or care. A symbolic adoption or a gift to WARN funds community-cat welfare — neutering, vaccination and treatment for cats most people never see.
