Selkirk Rex
Why Selkirk Rex?
There is something truly special about the Selkirk Rex cat. With their uniquely curly coats, expressive round eyes, and incredibly patient, affectionate nature, Selkirk Rexes have a magical way of making every moment feel warm, playful, and full of love.
At The Cats Collective, the Selkirk Rex holds an especially exciting place in our story. As we expand our family, this wonderfully quirky and loving breed has completely stolen our hearts, inspiring us to share their unique charm with other cat lovers through our cattery.
Their Story
The Selkirk Rex breed began in Montana in 1987, when a breeder named Jeri Newman rescued a unique shelter kitten with an unusually curly coat and crinkly whiskers. Named Miss DePesto, this special cat became the foundation of the breed. When bred to a black Persian, she gave birth to a litter where half the kittens inherited her signature curls, proving it was a dominant genetic trait.
In a charming twist of history, the Selkirk Rex is one of the only cat breeds named after a person — Jeri Newman named them after her stepfather. Over the years, by carefully outcrossing with Persians, British Shorthairs, and Exotic Shorthairs, breeders developed a cat known not just for its stunning, plush curls, but also for its exceptionally sweet and laid-back temperament.
Appearance
Often affectionately called the "cat in sheep’s clothing" or the "living teddy bear," the Selkirk Rex is a sturdy, heavy-boned breed with a dense, woolly coat that twists into loose curls. Even their eyebrows and whiskers are beautifully crinkled! Unlike some other rex breeds, their coat is thick and plush to the touch.
They come in both shorthair and longhair varieties, and because their breed standards allow for incredible diversity, they come in an amazing array of options:
Colours & Patterns: Available in virtually every colour and pattern imaginable, from solids and bi-colours to pointed and tabby patterns.
Eyes: Large, round, and incredibly expressive, coming in various shades that beautifully match their coat colour.
They are solid, muscular cats with big hearts to match. Males usually weigh between 5–8 kg, and females between 3–6 kg. They have a wonderful, substantial presence and love nothing more than using their plush bodies to cuddle up right against you.
Personality
The Selkirk Rex inherits the best traits of its ancestral roots: the playful, goofy nature of the Exotic Shorthair, the serene placidity of the Persian, and the easygoing, loyal companionship of the British Shorthair. They are incredibly patient, gentle, and thrive on human affection.
While they enjoy a fun game with a feather toy, they are not hyperactive. They are perfectly content to follow you around the house to see what you are doing, before happily settling down as your dedicated work-from-home companion or couch buddy. They are remarkably relaxed, taking life's daily commotions completely in stride.
Compatibility
Selkirk Rexes are ideal for families, couples, or individuals who want a companion to share everyday life with.
They are wonderful for:
Families with children or other pets (their patient nature makes them incredibly tolerant and loving)
Those who want a present, interactive pet that is affectionate without being overly demanding
Anyone looking for a unique, visually stunning, and calm feline friend
Because of their sociable and laid-back personality, they generally welcome strangers with open paws, making them excellent, charming co-hosts whenever you have guests over.
Diet & Nutrition
Selkirk Rexes do best on a high-quality, protein-rich diet to support their dense bone structure and luxurious coat. Choose premium wet or dry food made with real meat and always keep fresh water available.
A mix of wet and dry food helps maintain proper hydration and excellent dental health.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid supplements (like high-quality salmon oil) are highly recommended to keep their unique, curly fur soft, healthy, and vibrant.
Because they have a sturdy build and a relaxed lifestyle, managing their portion sizes is key to ensuring they maintain a healthy weight.
Grooming & Care
Despite their dramatic curls, grooming a Selkirk Rex is surprisingly straightforward, though it requires a specific touch. Because their fur is prone to looking frizzy if over-brushed, the key is using a wide-tooth comb rather than a fine brush.
A gentle combing once or twice a week is usually all it takes to keep their coat free of tangles while preserving those beautiful, soft ringlets. Most Selkirk Rexes absolutely adore the attention, turning grooming sessions into a wonderful bonding routine.
Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and keeping their eye areas clear are all they need to stay perfectly comfortable, healthy, and looking their absolute best.
Health & Wellness
Selkirk Rexes are generally robust and healthy cats. However, because of their genetic background with Persian and British Shorthair lines, they can be predisposed to a few hereditary conditions:
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – a genetic heart condition that ethical breeders systematically screen for.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) – a genetic kidney disease that can be entirely avoided through DNA testing of parent lines.
Obesity – due to their relaxed, indoor lifestyle, monitoring their caloric intake is important.
Our Selkirk Rex parents and ancestry lines are fully health-tested and cleared of these genetic conditions. They are also registered with reputable cat associations like GCCF and NZCF, ensuring your new kitten comes from healthy, ethically bred lines.
Why We Love Selkirk Rexes (and You Will Too)
A Selkirk Rex will greet you with a soft chirp at the door, charm you with their crinkly whiskers, and wrap you in a plush, curly embrace at the end of a long day. They are perfect for anyone who believes that pets are family.
Every Selkirk Rex we raise at The Cats Collective is loved, deeply socialised, and cared for from day one. When you bring one home, you are welcoming a gentle, beautifully unique soul who will bring endless joy and comfort to your life.
Visit Us & Meet Our Selkirk Rexes
If you have been dreaming of a cat that is uniquely beautiful, wonderfully gentle, and full of love, we’d be delighted to introduce you to our Selkirk Rex kittens.
Check out our Available Kittens and Upcoming Litters pages to see their availability and arrival schedules!