Selkirk Rex
"Cat in sheep's clothing" — plush curly coats that look like teddy bears.
Selkirk Rex cats have a unique fully-curled coat, with curls in their whiskers, ears, and even their belly fur. Calm, patient, and affectionate, they have been described as "cats in sheep's clothing." Unlike other rex breeds, they have a full thick coat — not just fine down.
Key facts
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 10–16 lbs |
| Lifespan | 14–18 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Comb gently weekly |
| Shedding | Medium |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●● |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Distinctive teddy-bear look
- Calm and patient
- Excellent family cat
- Long-lived
✗ Things to know
- Coat needs careful grooming
- Curls vary kitten to kitten
- Less common
Ideal owner
A Selkirk Rex may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
A Selkirk Rex may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Selkirk Rexs are generally considered a robust, healthy breed with no well-documented breed-specific conditions at this time. As with all cats, annual vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention are the best health investments you can make.
Is a Selkirk Rex right for you?
The best way to find out if a Selkirk Rex suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Selkirk Rex a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Selkirk Rexs are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: calm, patient, and quietly affectionate.
Are Selkirk Rexs good for apartments?
Yes — Selkirk Rexs adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Selkirk Rexs good with children?
Selkirk Rexs are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Selkirk Rexs hypoallergenic?
Selkirk Rexs are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a Selkirk Rex suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Selkirk Rex on Wikipedia