Selkirk Rex
USA · 1987Curly teddy bear — relaxed and cuddly
SizeMedium6–16 lb
Life span10–15 years
CoatShort or long, curly
Typical price$1,000–$2,000
Selkirk Rexes have a plush, curly coat, short or long, and a sturdy body. The curl comes from a natural mutation found in Montana in 1987.
At a glance
EnergyModerate
Cuddlylikes touch and being heldLap & hugs
TalkativeQuiet
GroomingRegular
SheddingAverage
With kidsGreat
With petsLoves company
Alone timehow long they’re happy aloneHalf a day
Life with a Selkirk Rex
They are calm, patient and affectionate, with a playful streak. They like laps and get along with kids and other pets. The curls can relax during kittenhood and come back by about age 2.
Great for
- Families with kids
- Multi-pet homes
- People who want a relaxed, huggable cat
Think twice if
- You expect no shedding — they do shed
- You like to brush a lot — over-brushing ruins the curls
Care tips
- Comb gently once or twice a week; heavy brushing frizzes the curls.
- An occasional bath brings the curls back.
- Keep their weight in check.
Health
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) from Persian outcrosses and HCM occur.
Ask the breeder for
- PKD DNA test
- Heart scan (echocardiogram) of the parents
Typical US price$1,000–$2,000
RegistriesCFA · TICAAsk for both parents’ papers
Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.
See Selkirk Rex kittensSimilar breeds
Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.