The "Sheep Cat" with Curly Fur

The Selkirk Rex is one of the most unique cats: curly fur that resembles sheep wool.

Personality:

  • Calm and relaxed.
  • A "feline dog" like many, but quieter.
  • Suitable for families.

Different from the Devon Rex (smaller, more active) and the Cornish Rex (more athletic).

Let’s explore this fascinating breed.

The History

Origin: Montana, USA, 1987.

Story:

  • A stray cat "Miss DePesto" found with curly fur.
  • Dominant mutation (unlike Devon/Cornish).
  • Selection founded by Jeri Newman.

Name: from the Selkirk Mountains (USA mountains).

Recognition:

  • 1992: TICA.
  • 2000: CFA.

Physical Characteristics

Size: medium-large.

Weight:

  • Males: 4.5-7 kg.
  • Females: 3-4.5 kg.

Body:

  • Robust, "cobby" (compact).
  • Muscular.

Head:

  • Round.
  • Full cheeks.

Coat:

  • Characteristic curly.
  • Two variants:
    • Shorthair (short curly fur).
    • Longhair (long curly fur).

Texture:

  • "Sheep wool".
  • Soft.
  • Distinctive curls.

Colors:

  • All colors and patterns.

Lifespan: 12-15 years.

The Mutation

Selkirk Rex Gene:

  • Dominant (unlike Devon/Cornish).
  • Only one parent needed to pass it on.

Kittens:

  • Born curly.
  • Fur evolves in the first 8-10 months.
  • Becomes curlier with maturity.

The Character

Typical Traits

Calm:

  • The calmest among Rex breeds.
  • Balanced.

Affectionate:

  • Bonds with family.
  • Not "overly attached".

Social:

  • Good with children.
  • Suitable for multi-pet households.

Intelligent:

  • Learns well.

Curious:

  • Explores.

Tolerant:

  • Visits, changes.

Unique Aspects

Balance:

  • Neither hyperactive like Devon.
  • Nor as calm as British.
  • A middle ground.

Coat Care

Curly Coat

Surprisingly easy care:

  • Brush 1-2 times a week (excessive brushing = curls can "unravel" and lose shape).
  • Occasional bathing.

Never excessive brushing:

  • Ruins curls.

Bathing

Monthly optimal:

  • Reactivates curls.
  • Cleans.

Drying:

  • Natural (maintains curls).
  • Hair dryer with caution.

The Needs

Space

Suitable for:

  • Apartment.
  • House.

Exercise

Moderate:

  • 30-45 minutes a day.

Nutrition

  • Quality food.
  • Adequate quantities.

Health

Predispositions:

  • HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy): testing.
  • PKD (polycystic kidney disease): testing.
  • Hip dysplasia (rare in cats).

Serious breeders: testing.

Lifespan: 12-15 years.

The Cost

Purchase:

  • Registered breeder: 1,500-2,500 €.
  • Below 1,200 €: beware.

Year 1:

  • Vaccinations, sterilization, kit: 500-700 €.

Annual:

  • Quality food: 400-600 €.
  • Veterinary: 200-400 €.
  • Total: 600-1,000 €.

Total life cost: 9,000-15,000 €.

Selkirk vs Devon vs Cornish

Aspect Selkirk Devon Cornish
Mutation Dominant Recessive Recessive
Coat Curly "sheep wool" Fine curly "Lamb" curly
Body Cobby/robust Slender/elfin Athletic
Character Calm Hyperactive Hyperactive
Ears Normal Huge Large

Selkirk: the calmest of the three Rex breeds.

Relationship with Others

With other cats:

  • Tolerant.

With dogs:

  • Good.

With children:

  • Excellent.

Myths to Dispel

Myth 1: "Selkirk is like Devon Rex". False: different body and character.

Myth 2: "Curly fur = hypoallergenic". False: produces Fel d 1.

Myth 3: "Difficult care". False: surprisingly simple.

Myth 4: "Fragile breed". False: robust.

The Truth

The Selkirk Rex is one of the most balanced cats:

✅ Unique appearance (curly fur).

✅ Calm character.

✅ Good health.

✅ Simple care.

Investment: 1,500-2,500 € + care.

Benefit: 12-15 years of calm companionship.

If you are looking for a cat:

  • "Different" (curly fur).
  • Calm (not hyperactive like Devon).
  • Suitable for families.

The Selkirk Rex is ideal.

And that fur that looks like sheep wool is a unique feature in the world. Magnificent, soft, to be petted for hours.