The Selkirk Rex, the "sheep cat", with its unique coat and adorable expression.
The Selkirk Rex, the Curly Cat with a Big Heart
The Selkirk Rex is a relatively new and distinctive cat breed, originating from the United States, famous for its unique curly coat that earned it the nickname 'sheep cat'. This trait is due to a natural genetic mutation. The Selkirk Rex is a medium to large-sized cat, with a robust bone structure and a sweet, round expression.
Beyond its original appearance, the Selkirk Rex is appreciated for its patient, gentle, affectionate, and very relaxed temperament. It is an excellent family companion, adapting well to various environments and getting along harmoniously with children and other animals.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 15, 2025.
My personal tip : The Selkirk Rex's curly coat requires gentle and infrequent brushing (two to three times a week maximum) with a wide-toothed comb to avoid breaking the curls. Baths are only necessary if the cat is very dirty. This is a very social cat that loves company and cuddles. It needs attention and gentle play. It is ideal for families who can offer it a stable environment and lots of affection. Its calm nature makes it an excellent indoor pet.
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Identifying the Selkirk Rex: Characteristics of its Curly Coat
The unique texture of the Selkirk Rex's curly coat, whether short-haired or long-haired.
The Selkirk Rex is a robust cat with solid boning and a sweet appearance due to its curls.
Size: Medium to large-sized cat, with a powerful and muscular body.
Coat: Curly, can be short-haired or long-haired. The hair is soft, dense, and does not tangle easily. Curls are more pronounced on the belly, neck, and tail. All colors and patterns are accepted.
Head: Round, broad, with full cheeks and a short muzzle.
Eyes: Large, round, expressive. All colors are accepted.
Ears: Medium-sized, broad at the base, well-set apart, with or without curly hair tufts inside.
Tail: Medium-long, well-furnished, with curls along its entire length.
Dimensions and Key Information (Selkirk Rex)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 30 cm
20 – 25 cm
20 – 30 cm
Weight
4 – 7 kg
3 – 5 kg
3 – 7 kg
Life Expectancy
10 – 15 years
10 – 15 years
10 – 15 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-6
These figures indicate that the Selkirk Rex is a medium to large-sized cat, and its growth is completed around 2 years of age.
Behavior: Affectionate, Patient, and Easygoing
The Selkirk Rex is a cat breed with a distinctive look, recognizable by its soft, curly coat, which can be short or long. This unique feature gives it the appearance of a little "sheep" or a teddy bear. Beyond its original appearance, the Selkirk Rex is a cat with a remarkably gentle, patient, and affectionate temperament, making it an excellent family companion. It is known for its easygoing nature and tolerance.
Deeply attached to its owners, the Selkirk Rex loves human company and seeks cuddles and attention without being overly demanding. It gets along wonderfully with children, other cats, and even dogs, thanks to its calm and adaptable nature. While it enjoys interactive games, it is not hyperactive and is just as happy to comfortably lounge by your side. Its balanced temperament and affectionate character make it similar to the British Shorthair or the Exotic Shorthair, with whom it shares robustness and a calming presence, but with a touch of whimsy due to its curly coat.
The Selkirk Rex is an intelligent cat that adapts well to apartment living. Its grooming requires gentle brushing to preserve its curls without damaging them. If you are drawn to a cat with a unique look that is gentle and sociable, the Selkirk Rex is an excellent choice. For those who appreciate cats with textured coats, the LaPerm, the Devon Rex, and the Cornish Rex offer other variations of curly or wavy fur, each with its own charming and interactive personality.
Origin and History
The history of the Selkirk Rex began in 1987, at an animal shelter in Montana, USA. A domestic cat gave birth to a litter of kittens, one of which had a unique, curly coat. This kitten, named Miss DePesto, became the founder of the breed. She was crossed with a black Persian by a local breeder, and her kittens also exhibited the curly trait, confirming that the mutation was dominant.
The breed was named after the Selkirk Mountains and the breeder's grandfather, Patricia Nell. The Selkirk Rex is unique among Rex breeds as it is the only one to have a dominant curly gene. It was quickly recognized by feline associations, including TICA in 1992 and CFA in 2000, and continues to charm with its unique appearance and character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Selkirk Rex
What makes the Selkirk Rex's coat unique?
The Selkirk Rex has a distinctive curly coat, which can be short-haired or long-haired. The curls are due to a dominant genetic mutation and are soft and dense, giving the cat a "sheep-like" appearance.
What is the temperament of the Selkirk Rex?
It is a very gentle, patient, affectionate, and relaxed cat. It is sociable and gets along well with children and other pets. It is known for being a calm and cuddly companion.
Is the curly coat difficult to groom?
No, the Selkirk Rex's coat is relatively easy to groom. Gentle and infrequent brushing (2-3 times a week) with a wide-toothed comb is sufficient to avoid breaking and damaging the curls.
Are all Selkirk Rex kittens born with curls?
No, Selkirk Rex kittens are born with very distinct curls, but they may temporarily lose them at a few weeks old (a "declining" phase) before the adult coat regrows in full curls around 6-8 months.
Is the Selkirk Rex hypoallergenic?
While no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, the Selkirk Rex, like other Rex breeds, may be better tolerated by some allergic individuals due to its coat texture and potentially reduced shedding, but this is not guaranteed.
