Breed Profile - Selkirk Rex - the Curly Kitty!

Selkirk Rex kittens

The Selkirk Rex is a fairly recently developed breed. A litter of kittens was born to a rescue cat in Montana, USA, in 1987. One of the kittens was born with a curly coat, and that kitten ended up with a cat breeder. Using first Persians, and then a number of other breeds (including American and British shorthairs, Himalayans, and exotics) the breed was established. They come in two coat lengths, both shorter and longer. The long-coated Selkirk Rex has a very plush coat. Their coats are distinct from other rex cats by being regular in length and there are no patches of missing fur. They have a somewhat wooly look and feel, especially the longer-coated ones.

The head is rounded, the ears medium-sized, eyes large and round, and body solidly built and of medium size. While it is possible for genetic disorders of the founding breeds to creep in, reputable breeders screen for these defects, and all in all, the Selkirk Rex is a healthy and robust cat.

Shorthair variety of Selkirk Rex ... a very nice example!

They tend to be both playful and affectionate with their owners, and if well socialized can be quite outgoing, though they may also be reserved. They are not the high-energy powerhouses of the cat world, and enjoy laid-back time as well as playtime.


While some have claimed they are "hypoallergenic" due to their coat type, the reverse may in fact be true. No cat it completely "hypoallergenic" to someone who is allergic to cats, and the Selkirk Rex may actually prove more irritating to some people's allergies. Some of them need extra maintenance of the coat to prevent it becoming slightly greasy, but that is a genetic factor and does not apply to the breed as a whole.

All colors are accepted, including pointed cats, lilacs, solid colors, bi colors, smokes, albinos, and chocolates.

Note the curling hairs over the entire body of the cat

Fewer variations exist among cats, and it is refreshing to find such a unique type that doesn't introduce any negative issues along with it. We absolutely adore these kitties!