Last updated: April 27, 2026

Selkirk Rex Cat Breed Profile: The Curly-Coated Teddy Bear Cat

If you could design a cat that looked like a living teddy bear, you would probably end up with something very close to the Selkirk Rex cat. This delightful breed sports a coat of loose, tumbling curls that gives it a wonderfully plush, huggable appearance unlike any other cat in the world. But the Selkirk Rex is far more than a pretty face and a remarkable coat. Behind those soft ringlets is a patient, affectionate, and wonderfully easy-going personality that makes the Selkirk one of the most companionable cats you will ever meet.

Among the four Rex breeds recognized by major cat registries (Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Selkirk Rex, and LaPerm), the Selkirk stands out as the most substantial in body type and the most laid-back in temperament. Where the Cornish and Devon Rex are slender, active, and elfin, the Selkirk Rex is round, solid, and serene. It is the teddy bear of the cat world in both appearance and personality, and this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about this irresistible breed.

Origins: From a Montana Shelter to a New Breed

The Selkirk Rex has one of the most charming origin stories in the cat breeding world. In 1987, a stray cat in a Montana animal shelter gave birth to a litter of six kittens. Five kittens had normal straight coats, but one female kitten was covered in unusual curly fur, including curly whiskers. The shelter contacted Jeri Newman, a local Persian breeder and cat genetics enthusiast, who recognized the curly kitten as something potentially special.

Newman adopted the curly kitten and named her Miss DePesto (after the curly-haired character Rhonda on the television show Moonlighting, whose last name was DePesto). When Miss DePesto matured, Newman bred her to a black Persian male named PhotoFinish of Deekay. The resulting litter of six kittens included three curly-coated individuals, indicating that the curly gene was dominant. This was a significant finding, because the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex curly coats are both caused by recessive genes.

Newman named the new breed “Selkirk” after the Selkirk Mountains near the area where Miss DePesto was born. This makes the Selkirk Rex the only cat breed named after a person, as the mountains themselves were named after the Selkirk family. The breed’s development involved outcrosses to Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs, which contributed the Selkirk’s round, substantial body type and patient temperament.

The International Cat Association granted the Selkirk Rex championship status in 1994, and the Cat Fanciers’ Association followed in 2000. Today the breed has a devoted following worldwide, with breeders on every continent working to develop and refine this unique curly-coated cat.

The Selkirk Rex is one of several Rex breeds, each with its own distinct look and personality. If you are curious about how they compare, you might enjoy learning about the Devon Rex or the Cornish Rex, both of which share the Rex name but differ significantly in body type, coat structure, and temperament.

That Remarkable Curly Coat

The Selkirk Rex coat is its most immediately striking feature and the characteristic that distinguishes it from every other breed. The curls are loose, plush, and randomly arranged, creating a soft, cloud-like effect that makes the cat look like it just stepped out of a salon with a fresh perm. Unlike the tight, uniform waves of the Cornish Rex or the tousled curls of the Devon Rex, the Selkirk’s curls are big, soft, and unstructured, giving the coat a luxuriously tousled appearance.

The breed comes in both long-haired and short-haired varieties, and the curl expression differs between them. Long-haired Selkirks have more dramatic ringlets that cascade over the body in soft, flowing curls. Short-haired Selkirks have a plush, dense coat with tighter curls that give them more of a teddy bear texture. Both varieties are equally charming, and personal preference often determines which a potential owner prefers.

The Selkirk Rex’s curly gene is autosomal dominant, meaning only one copy of the gene is needed to produce curly fur. This means that litters from a Selkirk Rex parent often include both curly-coated and straight-coated kittens. Straight-coated Selkirks, sometimes called “Selkirk Straights,” have the same wonderful temperament and body type but lack the curly coat. They are valued as pets and in breeding programs.

Interestingly, Selkirk Rex kittens are born with obvious curls, but the coat may go through dramatic changes as the cat matures. Many kittens lose much of their curl during the first few months, going through an awkward “straight” phase before the curls return and fully develop by about two years of age. Patience is required, as a Selkirk kitten that looks barely curly at six months may blossom into a magnificently curly adult.

The coat comes in every color and pattern imaginable, from solid colors to tabbies, tortoiseshells, bicolors, and pointed varieties. The curly texture can sometimes make pattern markings appear softer and more diffused than they would on a straight-coated cat, adding to the breed’s unique visual appeal.

Personality: The Gentle, Patient Companion

The Selkirk Rex’s personality is a beautiful reflection of the breeds that contributed to its development. From the Persian comes patience and a calm demeanor. From the British Shorthair comes an easy-going, undemanding nature. And from the Exotic Shorthair comes a sweet, people-oriented disposition. The result is a cat that is affectionate without being clingy, playful without being hyperactive, and social without being demanding.

Selkirk Rex cats are known for their gentle, tolerant nature. They tend to get along well with everyone, from small children to elderly adults, from boisterous dogs to timid cats. Their patience makes them excellent family pets, and they are often recommended for households with young children because they tolerate handling better than many other breeds. They are also popular therapy cats due to their calm disposition and inviting, touchable coat.

While not as intense as a Siamese or as energetic as a Bengal, the Selkirk Rex is far from lazy. These cats enjoy interactive play sessions, puzzle toys, and exploring their environment. They have a playful, sometimes silly streak that persists well into adulthood, and many Selkirk owners describe their cats as having a subtle sense of humor. They may not demand constant attention, but they clearly enjoy and seek out companionship.

The Selkirk Rex is moderately vocal, with a soft voice that it uses to communicate its needs without becoming a nuisance. These cats will let you know when they are hungry, when they want attention, or when something interests them, but they are unlikely to engage in the marathon vocalization sessions that Siamese-type breeds are known for.

One of the most endearing aspects of the Selkirk Rex personality is its desire to be near its humans. These cats are not typically aloof or independent. They want to be in the same room as their family, participating in whatever is happening, whether that means sitting on the couch while you watch television, supervising you in the kitchen, or curling up on the bed beside you at night. If you are looking for a devoted lap cat breed, the Selkirk Rex is an excellent candidate.

Health Considerations for the Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex is generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of fifteen to twenty years. The genetic diversity from its various outcross breeds has contributed to a relatively robust constitution. However, because Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs were used in the breed’s development, some health conditions associated with those breeds can appear in the Selkirk Rex.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited condition from the Persian side that causes cysts to develop on the kidneys. These cysts grow slowly over time and can eventually impair kidney function. Responsible breeders test for PKD using ultrasound and have worked to eliminate the gene from their breeding programs. Always ask about PKD testing when considering a Selkirk Rex kitten from a breeder.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can affect the Selkirk Rex, as it can affect any cat breed. This condition causes the heart walls to thicken, reducing cardiac efficiency. Regular veterinary checkups that include cardiac evaluation are important for early detection. Echocardiograms may be recommended for breeding cats or those with a family history of heart disease.

Hip dysplasia can occasionally occur in the Selkirk Rex, likely inherited from the heavier-boned breeds in its ancestry. This condition involves abnormal development of the hip joint and can lead to arthritis over time. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing joint-supporting supplements as recommended by your veterinarian can help manage this condition.

Eye and dental issues may be more common in Selkirk Rex cats with more pronounced Persian facial features. Excessive tearing and eye discharge can occur in cats with flatter faces, requiring regular cleaning. Dental crowding and periodontal disease are also potential concerns. Regular veterinary dental evaluations and at-home dental care are important parts of preventive health.

The curly coat can sometimes predispose the Selkirk Rex to ear wax buildup, as the curly hairs inside the ear canal may trap more debris than straight hairs. Regular ear checks and cleaning with a veterinarian-approved solution can prevent ear infections and maintain comfort.

Grooming the Curly Coat

Grooming a Selkirk Rex requires a slightly different approach than grooming a straight-coated cat. The goal is to maintain the coat’s health and cleanliness while preserving the natural curl structure rather than brushing it out. Over-brushing can flatten and frizz the curls, causing the coat to lose its distinctive plush appearance.

For long-haired Selkirk Rex cats, gentle brushing two to three times per week with a wide-toothed comb helps prevent mats while preserving curl definition. Focus on areas that are prone to tangling, such as behind the ears, under the legs, and around the belly. After brushing, you can lightly mist the coat with water and scrunch it with your hands to help the curls reform.

Short-haired Selkirk Rex cats require less grooming, as their denser, tighter curls are less prone to matting. A weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or grooming mitt is usually sufficient. Again, be gentle to avoid disrupting the natural curl pattern.

Bathing should happen every four to six weeks for the Selkirk Rex, somewhat more frequently than for many other breeds. The curly coat can trap oils close to the skin, which can lead to a greasy feel and sometimes skin irritation if not managed. Use a gentle cat-specific shampoo and conditioner, and avoid blow-drying, as the heat can damage the curls. Instead, gently towel-dry and allow the coat to air-dry, scrunching the curls back into shape as they dry.

The Selkirk Rex’s curly whiskers are one of its most charming features, but they are also fragile. Curly whiskers can be more brittle than straight ones and may break more easily. This is normal and not a cause for concern, as they will regrow. Just be aware that your Selkirk’s whiskers may sometimes look shorter or uneven, which is perfectly fine.

Standard grooming tasks such as nail trimming every two to three weeks, regular ear cleaning, and dental care are important additions to the coat care routine. Starting all grooming routines during kittenhood will help your Selkirk accept and even enjoy the process as an adult.

Finding and Choosing a Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex has grown in popularity but remains less common than many other breeds, so finding a kitten may require patience and research. Start by looking for breeders who are registered with a recognized cat association such as CFA or TICA, as these organizations hold breeders to established standards of care and ethics.

A reputable Selkirk Rex breeder will health-test their breeding cats for PKD and HCM, raise kittens in a home environment with extensive socialization, and provide a health guarantee. They should be willing to answer all your questions and should ask you questions in return about your home, lifestyle, and experience with cats. Be wary of breeders who always have kittens available, do not perform health testing, or seem more interested in making a sale than finding the right home for their kittens.

When visiting a litter, keep in mind that Selkirk Rex kittens go through significant coat changes during their first two years. A kitten with tightly curled fur at eight weeks may lose much of its curl temporarily before it returns in full glory. Ask the breeder about the curl development pattern in their lines, and look at photos of adults from previous litters to get an idea of what the kittens will look like when mature.

Rescue is also an option, though purebred Selkirk Rex cats in shelters are relatively uncommon. Check with breed-specific rescue organizations and general cat rescues in your area. Rex-mix cats with curly or wavy coats do occasionally appear in shelters and can make wonderful pets with the same endearing curly coat and gentle temperament.

Whether you adopt or purchase, a Selkirk Rex will bring an extraordinary combination of unique beauty and heartwarming companionship to your home. These teddy bear cats have a way of making everyone who meets them smile, and their gentle, loving nature ensures that they become cherished family members for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Selkirk Rex

Are Selkirk Rex cats hypoallergenic?

No, the Selkirk Rex is not hypoallergenic. Despite the curly coat, these cats produce the same allergens (primarily the Fel d 1 protein) as other cats. The curly coat may actually trap more dander close to the skin, which is released during grooming or petting. If you have cat allergies, spend time with a Selkirk Rex before committing to adoption to assess your individual reaction. Some allergy sufferers do report varying reactions to different breeds, but no cat breed is truly allergen-free.

How is the Selkirk Rex different from other Rex breeds?

The Selkirk Rex differs from other Rex breeds in several important ways. It is significantly larger and more solidly built than the slender Cornish Rex or Devon Rex. Its curly gene is dominant rather than recessive, meaning curly kittens can be produced from a single curly-coated parent. The coat is thicker and plusher, with all three hair layers present (guard, awn, and down), while the Cornish Rex lacks guard hairs and the Devon Rex has fragile guard hairs. Temperament-wise, the Selkirk is calmer and more laid-back than its more energetic Rex cousins.

Do Selkirk Rex cats need special food or dietary considerations?

Selkirk Rex cats do not require a special diet, but they do benefit from high-quality cat food with named animal protein as the primary ingredient. Because the breed can be prone to weight gain due to its stocky build and moderate activity level, portion control is important. Feeding measured meals rather than free-feeding helps prevent obesity. Some owners also find that omega fatty acid supplements improve coat health and curl quality, though this should be discussed with your veterinarian before adding to the diet.

Are Selkirk Rex cats good with children and other pets?

Selkirk Rex cats are excellent with children and other pets, making them one of the best breeds for family households. Their patient, tolerant nature means they handle the attention of young children better than many breeds, though children should always be taught to interact gently and respectfully with any cat. Selkirk Rex cats also get along well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs, and their easy-going temperament makes introductions to new household members relatively smooth.