The Selkirk Rex is a sturdy, plush-built rex breed with a uniquely curly coat that looks like a permed sheep.
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The Selkirk Rex is a sturdy, plush-built rex breed with a uniquely curly coat that looks like a permed sheep. Sometimes called the "cat in sheep's clothing," the breed has a dense double curly coat — unlike the thin Devon or Cornish Rex coats — and a calm, patient temperament inherited from British Shorthair ancestry.
In 1987 a curly-coated kitten was born in a Montana animal shelter. The kitten — Miss DePesto — was adopted by Persian breeder Jeri Newman and bred to a Persian, producing the foundation of the breed. CFA recognition came in 2000.
Unlike the Devon and Cornish Rex (where the curl gene is recessive), the Selkirk curl gene is dominant. One curly parent produces some curly kittens.
Medium-large, sturdy, cobby. Adults weigh 3.5–6 kg (8–13 lb).
Calm, patient, affectionate. The Selkirk has the British Shorthair's easygoing nature with a slightly more playful streak. Tolerant of children and other pets.
2–3 times weekly brushing for shorthair; daily for longhair. Don't over-brush — disrupts the curl. Bathe every 4–6 weeks.
12–16 years.
Choose a breeder DNA-testing for HCM and PKD.
Pros: unique curly coat, calm temperament, family-tolerant. Cons: PKD and HCM risks; moderate grooming.
Selkirk vs Devon vs Cornish Rex? Selkirk is the chunky, double-coated, cobby curly cat (British Shorthair build). Devon and Cornish are slim, sparse-coated, elf-like.
Are they hypoallergenic? No — dense curly coat actually sheds more than typical rex.
Are they good with kids? Yes, with respectful older children.
The Selkirk Rex — The Sheep Cat With Permed Curls
10–11 minutes
Plush curly-coated Selkirk Rex with round teddy face, bright eyes. Caption: "PERMED CAT".
Studio photograph of a blue Selkirk Rex cat with thick plush curly coat covering whole body, round teddy-bear face, large round eyes, prominent whisker pads, soft cream background, even gentle lighting, 85mm lens at f/2.2, professional pet portrait photography, sweet endearing expression, curls clearly visible.
The Selkirk Rex is the curly-coated breed with a teddy-bear body — not slender like the Cornish or Devon, but plush and round. Today we cover the 1987 Montana origin, the laid-back personality, coat care, breed health, and whether the Selkirk is your cat.
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro Hook 01:00 Origin: Miss DePesto of NoFace 02:30 Temperament: Sweet and Patient 04:00 Care: Curly Plush Coat 05:30 Health: HCM and PKD 07:00 Training: Cooperative 08:30 3 Biggest Mistakes New Selkirk Owners Make 10:00 Is The Selkirk Rex Right For You? 11:00 Outro
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"The Selkirk Rex is the third great curly-coated cat breed — and the only one with a Persian-like teddy-bear body rather than the slim greyhound shape of the Devon and Cornish. Plush curls. Round face. Sweet patient temperament. Today: the 1987 Montana origin, the temperament, the coat care, breed health, training, and whether the Selkirk is your cat."
"In 1987, in Sheridan, Montana, a curly-coated kitten was born to a stray cat in a rescue shelter. Local Persian breeder Jeri Newman recognised the mutation, adopted the kitten — named Miss DePesto — and began a breeding programme. Newman crossed Miss DePesto with a black Persian. Three of six kittens inherited the curly coat, confirming a dominant gene. The breed was developed over the following decade by crossing with Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, and American Shorthairs. The Selkirk inherited the round build of these breeds. TICA accepted the Selkirk Rex in 1992, CFA in 2000. Both shorthair and longhair varieties exist."
"Selkirks are sweet, patient, calm, and affectionate — described as the most laid-back of the rex breeds. Voice is soft. Quiet chirps. Bonding is family-wide and warm. Energy is moderate. Selkirks play, climb, and run, but also enjoy long naps on laps. Intelligence is moderate to high. With other animals — excellent. Patient and tolerant. Children — wonderful."
"Coat care needs careful attention but is not difficult. Brush gently weekly with a soft slicker — vigorous brushing destroys the curl. Bath every two months. Selkirks need bathing to keep curls fresh and oil-free. Allow the coat to air-dry. Do not blow-dry — the curls relax under heat and may permanently straighten. Some Selkirks experience temporary curl loss during seasonal shed; the coat regrows curly. Nails fortnightly. Teeth daily. Enrichment: moderate cat tree, daily play. Indoor only."
"Lifespan twelve to fifteen years. Health concerns inherited from foundation breeds: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Annual cardiac ultrasound from age three. Polycystic kidney disease. DNA test available — insist on it. Hip dysplasia in some lines. Otherwise a generally healthy breed."
"Selkirks are cooperative learners but not eager performers. Targets: name, recall, sit, accepting handling. Litter solved by the breeder. Scratching: moderate sisal posts. Handling tolerance is excellent."
"Mistake one: vigorous brushing. Heavy brushing destroys curls. How to avoid: gentle soft slicker, weekly only. Mistake two: blow-drying after bath. Heat relaxes curls. How to avoid: towel-dry, then air-dry. Cool indoor environment. Mistake three: skipping PKD testing. Persian heritage means real PKD risk. How to avoid: only buy from DNA-tested lines."
"Checklist: You want a sweet, calm, curly-coated cat. You can manage gentle weekly grooming and monthly baths. You can budget for PKD-tested kittens. You want a family-friendly breed. You want a unique look. Tick four — the Selkirk is a lovely choice. If you want an active athletic cat, choose a Devon or Cornish Rex."
"That is the Selkirk Rex — the sheep cat, the permed teddy bear of the cat world. Sweet. Curly. Calm. Beautiful. Next breed? Comment below. Subscribe and the bell. Next week: the Japanese Bobtail — the lucky waving cat of Japan." (End screen: subscribe button, 'watch next: Japanese Bobtail' thumbnail, channel logo)