Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex is a curly-coated domestic cat breed established in Montana, United States, in 1987. Breeder Jeri Newman adopted a curly rescue kitten named Miss DiPesto and mated her with a Persian tomcat, proving the autosomal dominant nature of the mutation. The breed achieved formal recognition from TICA in 1992, CFA in 2000, and FIFe in 2017.

Sturdy proportions and heavy bone structure give the body a solid, rectangular form with broad hips and a deep chest. Weight ranges from 3.6-7.3 kg (8-16 lb) across the breed, with males reaching 5.0-7.0 kg (11-15 lb) while females remain moderately lighter. A round skull supports full cheeks, prominent whisker pads, and medium-sized ears spaced wide apart. Large, circular eyes sit well apart across the broad face. The medium-length tail carries substantial thickness at the base and tapers toward a rounded tip.

Unlike sparse-coated rex breeds, the coat has dense guard, awn, and down hairs forming soft, unstructured individual curls rather than neat waves. Both shorthair and longhair lengths are accepted in every coat pattern and color, including pointed and tortoiseshell varieties. Whiskers and eyebrows show distinct crinkles and break easily. Standard breed profiles emphasize a patient, affectionate disposition and relaxed demeanor. Cats adapt comfortably to family life, demonstrating tolerance around dogs and young children while offering quiet companionship without demanding persistent vocal attention.

Gentle combing two or three times weekly with a wide-toothed metal comb detangles the plush coat without stretching the curls into frizz. Weekly ear inspections and cleanings remove excess wax caused by internal curly hair follicles that stimulate secretions. Occasional bathing prevents greasy skin build-up in homozygous individuals carrying two copies of the rex mutation. Inherited health issues identified in veterinary literature comprise polycystic kidney disease derived from Persian foundation stock, feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and persistent ear canal inflammation.