If you've ever thought your Selkirk Rex is like a living teddy bear, you're not alone — and the comparison goes far beyond their adorable looks. Unlike most curly-coated cat breeds, the Selkirk Rex is a medium-large cat weighing 3–7 kg, with a stocky, muscular build inherited from its Persian, British Shorthair, and Exotic Shorthair ancestry. That ancestry also means this beautiful breed carries specific health considerations that we, alongside you, want to help you understand.
The Selkirk Rex Coat — Unlike Any Other Rex
The Selkirk Rex coat is quite unique from the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex. While those breeds carry recessive rex genes, the Selkirk Rex curl is caused by a dominant gene — meaning only one copy is needed for those gorgeous curls to show up. This is why a Selkirk Rex crossed with a straight-coated cat can still produce curly kittens.
The coat comes in two varieties — longhair and shorthair — and both have loose, individual curls rather than tight waves. The whiskers are curly too, which is one of the breed's most delightful features. The coat texture is plush and dense, sometimes compared to sheep's wool, and it experiences changes in curliness throughout your cat's life. Kittens are often born with tight curls that loosen around 8–16 weeks, then gradually tighten again as the cat matures.
Grooming tip: Do not brush a Selkirk Rex the way you would a Persian or British Shorthair. Over-brushing straightens and damages the curls. Instead, use your fingers to gently separate any mats, and brush lightly no more than once or twice per week. After bathing, scrunch the coat with a towel rather than rubbing — the same technique used for curly human hair.
Coat Care Essentials
- Bathing frequency: Every 4–6 weeks. The curly coat can trap oils more than straight coats, which can make their coat feel a bit greasy if we're not careful.
- Drying: Air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat. Towel-scrunching preserves curl structure. Avoid high-heat blow-drying.
- Ear cleaning: Curly hair grows inside the ear canal, increasing wax buildup. Check and clean ears weekly.
- Shedding: Moderate. The curly coat traps shed hair, so loose fur tends to stay tangled in the coat rather than falling onto furniture — so regular grooming is key to keep them comfortable and mat-free.
Selkirk Rex cats are prone to Polycystic Kidney Disease due to their Persian heritage. But yours might show symptoms differently — every cat is unique.
Get Personalized Guidance →Health Concerns — The Persian Heritage Factor
The Selkirk Rex was developed using Persian, British Shorthair, and Exotic Shorthair outcrosses. While this created the breed's beautiful, stocky build and plush coat, it also introduced several hereditary health conditions that we, as their loving family, need to be aware of and proactively screen for:
| Condition | Prevalence | Action |
|---|---|---|
| PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) | Moderate — inherited from Persian lines | DNA test + ultrasound by 10 months |
| HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) | Present in breed | Echocardiogram annually from age 1 |
| Hip Dysplasia | Higher than average for cats | Monitor mobility, maintain healthy weight |
PKD — The Most Important Test
Polycystic kidney disease is an autosomal dominant condition inherited from the breed's Persian ancestry. Affected cats develop fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys that grow over time, eventually leading to kidney failure. The disease is progressive and has no cure, but early detection through DNA testing and ultrasound opens the door to dietary management that can significantly slow its progression, helping your cat live a longer, happier life. A PKD-positive cat should be fed a kidney-supportive diet — moderate protein, low phosphorus, and adequate hydration.
HCM Screening
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causes thickening of the heart muscle and is one of the most common heart conditions in cats. For Selkirk Rex cats, annual echocardiograms starting at one year of age are recommended. Early detection means we can start medication to manage symptoms and slow its progression, giving your feline friend the best possible care. Taurine supplementation through diet is important for heart health in all cats, but especially in breeds with HCM prevalence.
Temperament and Living with a Selkirk Rex
If you've ever thought your Selkirk Rex is like a living teddy bear, you're not alone — and the comparison goes far beyond their adorable looks. These cats are exceptionally gentle, patient, and affectionate. They tend to be less demanding than Siamese or Oriental breeds but more interactive than Persians. They truly enjoy being held, tolerate handling beautifully, and are generally wonderful companions for children and other pets.
Their energy level is moderate. Selkirk Rex cats enjoy play sessions but are equally happy lounging on a lap. They are not climbers or jumpers by nature — their stocky build makes them more ground-oriented. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular play sessions of 15–20 minutes twice daily are just right to keep most Selkirk Rex cats happy and engaged.
- Social needs: They truly thrive on companionship and don't do well left alone for long periods. If you work full-time outside the home, we recommend considering a companion cat to keep them company.
- Vocalization: Quiet breed. They communicate with soft chirps and purrs rather than loud meowing.
- Adaptability: Good with change, making them wonderful additions to apartments and multi-pet households alike.
Nutrition for the Selkirk Rex
As a medium-large breed (3–7 kg), the Selkirk Rex has moderate caloric needs — typically 200–350 calories per day depending on size, activity level, and whether the cat is sterilized. Their Persian ancestry means they can easily gain a little extra weight if we're not careful with their portions, and that extra weight can put additional strain on their joints, especially since they're already susceptible to hip dysplasia.
- Protein: At least 35–40% on a dry matter basis. High-quality animal protein supports the dense coat and muscular build.
- Omega-3 and omega-6: These are key for keeping that beautiful curly coat soft, shiny, and preventing dry, brittle curls. Look for foods with fish oil or salmon as an ingredient.
- Biotin and zinc: These help support that gorgeous coat health and curl quality from within.
- Joint support: Knowing this breed's predisposition to hip dysplasia, we know that foods with glucosamine and chondroitin can be really beneficial, especially for cats over 5 years old.
- Hydration: Wet food or water fountains help protect kidney function — which is particularly important given their PKD risk, and we care about their long-term kidney health.
Weight watch: The Selkirk Rex's plush coat can hide weight gain remarkably well. Run your hands along the ribcage regularly — you should be able to feel the ribs with light pressure. If you cannot feel them at all, your cat is likely overweight. Use a body condition score chart rather than relying on visual assessment through all that fluff.
Hip Dysplasia in Cats — A Real but Underdiagnosed Problem
Hip dysplasia is commonly associated with dogs, but it occurs in cats too — and certain breeds, including the Selkirk Rex, Maine Coon, and Persian, have higher rates than the general feline population. In cats, symptoms are often subtle: reluctance to jump, stiffness after rest, or a slight waddle when walking. We know it's easy to attribute these signs to your cat "slowing down," but often the underlying cause is a treatable joint disease, and we're here to help you recognize the difference.
Management strategies include:
- Weight management: This is truly the single most effective thing you can do. Every extra 500 g really matters for your medium-sized cat's hip joints.
- Low-impact exercise: Encourage horizontal play (chasing toys along the floor) rather than vertical jumping.
- Warm resting areas: Heated beds can reduce stiffness, especially in older cats.
- Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids support joint health. Many veterinarians, and we agree, also recommend green-lipped mussel extract for cats with joint concerns.
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