Selkirk rex

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of cat selkirk rex!

Here, you will find all the useful information about selkirk rex. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

The Selkirk Rex is a unique breed of cat appreciated for its curly coat and charming character. Its history dates back to the 1980s, and its distinctive appearance is the result of a rare genetic mutation.

The history of the Selkirk Rex begins with a cat named Miss DePesto, found in an animal shelter in the state of Montana, USA, in 1987. Miss DePesto had an exceptionally curly coat, an unusual feature for a cat. This peculiarity caught the attention of Jeri Newman, a feline breeder, who decided to adopt Miss DePesto and incorporate her into her breeding program.

In 1988, Miss DePesto gave birth to a litter of kittens, half of which inherited her curly coat. Newman then crossed these curly kittens with different cat breeds, including Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs. This step aimed to establish the new breed while preserving its curly coat characteristic.

The Selkirk Rex stands out for its curly coat, which can vary in texture, from short and dense to long and soft. Unlike some other breeds with curly coats, the curls of the Selkirk Rex are present all over the body, including the tail. The colors and patterns of the coat can vary widely, offering a diverse palette ranging from solid to tabby, and bicolor.

Regarding morphology, the Selkirk Rex is medium to large-sized, with a well-muscled body and a rounded head. The eyes are large and expressive, highlighting the gentle and curious nature of the breed. Males can weigh between 4 and 7 kg (9 to 15 lb), while females typically weigh between 3 and 5.5 kg (7 to 12 lb).

The character of the Selkirk Rex is often described as friendly, affectionate, and adaptable. These cats are known for their gentle nature and high tolerance towards children, other pets, and even strangers. They generally enjoy human contact and appreciate cuddling and attention moments.

In 1994, the Selkirk Rex breed was officially recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA), allowing breeders to register and showcase these cats at cat exhibitions. The breed has also been recognized by other cat associations such as the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) and the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe).

The Selkirk Rex is the result of a carefully orchestrated combination of genes, aiming to preserve the curly coat while maintaining good health and a pleasant temperament. Thanks to the efforts of Jeri Newman and other passionate breeders, the Selkirk Rex has become a cherished cat breed worldwide, admired for its outer beauty and exceptional character.

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Origins

The Selkirk Rex is unique for its distinctive curly coat, resulting from a spontaneous genetic mutation. This breed originated in the United States, in Montana, in 1987, thanks to a farm cat named Miss DePesto. She was adopted by a breeder, who recognized the potential of her unusual curls and set out to develop a new breed.

History

First recognized in the 1990s, the Selkirk Rex breed quickly established itself due to its gentle nature and unique coat. The initial crossbreeding with British Shorthairs, Persians, and Exotics helped to establish the breed's body type and coat variety, while ensuring genetic diversity.

Standard

The Selkirk Rex standard highlights its sturdy and round body, with strong legs and thick, curly fur. This breed is distinguished by its hair, which can be either long or short and has soft curls. Its round, expressive eyes complete its charming and welcoming appearance.

Physical characteristics

With its distinctive wavy coat, the Selkirk Rex is often compared to a plush sheep. Its soft and voluminous curls are present from birth, although their texture may vary between individuals. It has a strong and cobby stature, with a broad chest and a round head.

Character

The Selkirk Rex is known for its patient, affectionate, and sociable temperament. It easily adapts to family life, enjoying the attention and company of its humans. This breed is also reputed for its playful and curious nature, often seeking to participate in household activities.

Life expectancy

With proper care, including a balanced diet and regular veterinary checkups, the Selkirk Rex can expect a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Like all breeds, it benefits from special attention to its health and well-being.

Exercise and activity needs

Although he enjoys cuddles, the Selkirk Rex also needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. Interactive games, food puzzles, and climbing structures are excellent ways to keep this breed active and engaged, contributing to its enrichment.

Recommended diet

A high-quality diet, rich in proteins and tailored to its age, weight, and activity level, is essential for the Selkirk Rex. It is important to monitor its caloric intake to prevent obesity, especially in less active cats.

Training and obedience

Intelligent and eager to please, the Selkirk Rex is generally receptive to training. The use of positive reinforcements, such as treats and praise, can encourage the learning of desired behaviors and facilitate socialization.

Behavior with children

The Selkirk Rex, with its patient and tolerant attitude, often makes an excellent companion for children. Its gentle character and playful nature make it a loyal friend for the younger members of the family, although supervising interactions remains important to ensure everyone's safety.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Selkirk Rex, thanks to its amiable and relaxed nature, coexists harmoniously with other pets. This tolerant and friendly breed can get along with cats of other breeds, dogs, and even small animals, provided that careful and supervised introductions are carried out to ensure a smooth introduction and establish positive relationships.

Grooming needs

The unique coat of the Selkirk Rex requires regular maintenance to keep its distinctive curls in good condition. Weekly brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and keep its fur clean and healthy. Individuals with long hair may require more frequent grooming. Although their curly fur holds fewer allergens, special attention to their ears and eyes is also necessary.

Health

The Selkirk Rex is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, it can be prone to specific genetic conditions, including heart disease and joint problems. It is essential to choose responsible breeders who perform genetic testing to ensure the health of the kittens and to plan for regular veterinary checkups.

Average price

The cost of a Selkirk Rex kitten can significantly vary, ranging from 600 to 1500 euros, depending on the lineage, sex, coat color, and whether the kitten is intended for companionship, breeding, or shows. Kittens with specific features or high-quality pedigrees may be more expensive.

Expenses

The annual expenses to maintain a Selkirk Rex, covering food, veterinary care, grooming, and accessories, can amount to about 1000 euros. These costs can increase depending on the individual needs of each cat, particularly in terms of health and well-being.

Name ideas

Names such as Curly, Rex, Merlin, Bubbles, or Willow can reflect the unique look and charming personality of the Selkirk Rex. The names can also be inspired by its gentle nature and distinguished appearance.

Legislation and regulation

There is no specific legislation or category classification directly affecting Selkirk Rex owners. However, it is important to abide by local regulations regarding pet ownership, including registration, vaccination, and animal welfare.

Official recognition

The Selkirk Rex is recognized by major feline organizations, including the International Feline Federation (FIFé) and The International Cat Association (TICA). This global recognition attests to the breed's compliance with established international standards and encourages responsible breeding.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees, documenting the ancestry, characteristics, and any health tests of the Selkirk Rex, are available from reputable breeders and feline associations. These documents are essential for purchasers concerned about the genetic quality and health of their future companion.

Destination and usage

The Selkirk Rex is primarily valued as a companion cat, offering affection, entertainment, and companionship to its owners. Its adaptable personality and amiable temperament make it an excellent choice for a variety of households, including those with children or other pets.

Prohibitions

There are no specific restrictions in place regarding the ownership or breeding of Selkirk Rex. However, owners must ensure they provide a loving and appropriate environment that meets the breed's specific needs in terms of care, exercise, and mental stimulation.

Breeders of selkirk rex

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Breed clubs of selkirk rex

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