Recognizing organizations
Independent registries that list this breed. Tap a badge to learn more.
These statuses reflect each registry’s recording and show systems. They are not a health, quality, or superiority score.
Breed Traits
Moderate energy
High compatibility
Moderate grooming need
Easy to train
Fits apartments well
Half-day is hard
Manageable with guidance
Generally gets along well with other pets
The Selkirk Rex is a modern curly-coated breed that traces to a single unusual kitten from a shelter litter in Montana in the late 1980s. Persian breeder Jeri Newman named the kitten Miss DePesto of NoFace and bred her to a black Persian. Three of the six kittens had curly coats, supporting a dominant mode of inheritance and providing the foundation for an organised breeding programme.
This is a medium-to-large, substantial cat with heavy boning, firm musculature, a slightly rectangular body, a broad rounded head, full cheeks, a clearly defined muzzle, and large round eyes. The breed's dense coat includes guard, awn, and down hairs, all of which may curl; the whiskers and eyebrows are also commonly curled or broken.
Selkirk Rex cats occur in longhaired and shorthaired forms and in many genetically possible colours and patterns. The Shorthair has a dense, plush coat with compact curls, while the Longhair has a semi-long, more tousled coat with loose curls, a fuller ruff, and a plumed tail. BondPals maintains separate Selkirk Rex Longhair and Selkirk Rex Shorthair pages in addition to this breed-family entry.
Are Selkirk Rex cats good family pets?
Selkirk Rex cats are generally affectionate, patient, and comfortable in family life. Well-socialized individuals often live successfully with respectful children, although adults should supervise handling and ensure that the cat can retreat when it wants quiet.
Do Selkirk Rex cats get along with other pets?
Many adapt well to compatible cats and calm cat-friendly dogs after gradual introductions. Separate food, water, litter, resting, and hiding resources help prevent conflict, especially when another animal is more active or intrusive.
Can a Selkirk Rex live in an apartment?
The breed can adapt well to apartment living when provided with daily play, scratching surfaces, sturdy climbing furniture, observation points, and regular companionship. Windows and balconies should be secured, and the environment should support movement without encouraging excess weight.
Can Selkirk Rex cats be left alone during the day?
Many adults can manage ordinary short absences when their routine is predictable. Frequent prolonged isolation is not ideal for this social breed, and enrichment does not fully replace dependable human or compatible animal companionship.
How much grooming does a Selkirk Rex need?
Most need gentle combing once or twice a week, while longhaired or especially dense coats may require more frequent attention. Groom enough to remove loose hair and tangles without repeatedly brushing out the natural curl pattern.
What is the difference between Selkirk Rex, Selkirk Rex Longhair, and Selkirk Rex Shorthair?
They belong to the same breed family and share the same substantial body type, dominant curl trait, and general temperament tendencies. BondPals maintains separate Longhair and Shorthair pages because coat structure, furnishings, grooming needs, and registry classification differ.
Is the Selkirk Rex hypoallergenic or the same as a Devon Rex or Cornish Rex?
No cat breed can guarantee a hypoallergenic response, and Selkirk Rex cats still shed and produce allergens. The Selkirk's dominant KRT71-associated curl, heavy rounded body, and dense three-layer coat distinguish it from the more slender Devon Rex and Cornish Rex breeds and their different coat mutations.
What health screening should a Selkirk Rex breeder provide?
Documented PKD1 testing is particularly relevant because of Persian-derived ancestry. Buyers should also ask for family health and longevity records and any veterinarian-guided heart, kidney, hip, or mobility assessments used in the breeding line; a curl DNA result does not guarantee overall health.
- Species
- Cat
More about Selkirk Rex
Pet profiles and public accounts open soon. For now, explore verified breed guides in the atlas.