The Selkirk Rex is a cat breed noted for its unusual and striking curly coat, which can be either short or long. This characteristic gives it a unique, fluffy appearance. Unlike the other Rex cat breeds, with wavy fur, in this case we have a robust and larger animal, with a strong appearance. This breed is known for its calm and affectionate temperament.
General details
Selkirk Rex cats are medium to large in size, with males typically weighing between 5 and 7 kilograms and females between 3 and 6 kilograms. They are approximately 23 to 30 centimeters tall and have a body length of about 30 to 38 centimeters, making them one of the largest of the curly-haired breeds. Under normal conditions, they can live between 12 and 15 years. This breed is recognized by associations such as the International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).
Breed history in brief
The Selkirk Rex is a relatively new breed, originating in 1987 in Montana, USA. A Persian cat breeder discovered a kitten with curly fur in a litter of rescued cats. This cat, whom she named Miss DePesto Noface, was crossed with a Persian, and from this combination more kittens with the same type of curly coat were born. In this way she discovered that the curly coat came from a dominant gene. From there, a selective breeding program was developed to establish the breed. In 1992, the Selkirk Rex was recognized by TICA and later by other cat associations.
Breed characteristics
The Selkirk Rex is a medium to large sized breed with a muscular and robust body. Their eyes are large, round and can be any color, giving them a sweet, open expression. The ears are medium-sized, with rounded tips, and may have tufts of hair on the inside. They have a rounded head, with a short, broad muzzle. The coat of the Selkirk Rex is its most distinctive feature: curly, dense and soft. They can have long or short hair. The curls are more or less pronounced and vary according to the length of the coat. They have three layers of hair, and all three are curly, which contributes to the distinctive feel of their coat. Coat colors and patterns are varied, making each cat unique. Selkirk Rexes are known to be calm, affectionate and friendly cats. They are intelligent and playful, but also enjoy quiet moments and relaxation.
Common health problems
The Selkirk Rex is generally a healthy breed. The long-haired variant can have health problems derived from the coat. Like other cat breeds, they are predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and have in common with the Persian cat the risk of polycystic kidney disease.
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