Cat profile

Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex wears a thick, plush curly coat that earns it the nickname cat in sheep's clothing, with a sturdy build and patient, gentle nature.

Selkirk Rex
Care profile

Household fit and daily care

Household fit

Selkirk Rex is a medium-large breed with Moderate care needs. Judge fit by space, children, experience and other pets rather than looks.

  • Apartment Vertical space and daily play matter more than floor area.
  • Children Teach gentle handling and supervise early interactions.
  • First-time owner Read the breed's health and grooming needs before deciding.
  • Other pets Introduce slowly with separate resources.

Daily care

  • Brush daily; longhair needs extra attention at the armpits and belly.
  • Trim nails every 2-4 weeks and check ears and teeth weekly.
  • One litter box per cat plus one; scoop daily.
  • Provide vertical space and short daily play sessions.

Health watch

  • Polycystic kidney disease (PKD; Persian ancestry)
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
  • Obesity
  • Annual wellness exam and weight trend tracking
  • Dental check and parasite prevention on schedule

Time and cost

Reference monthly cost: CNY 300-800. Include food, litter, parasite prevention, grooming and a vet reserve.

Cat

Overview

Read the full profile

Selkirks are medium-large and the stockiest of the rex breeds, with a dense curly coat in both long and short versions and curled whiskers. Adults weigh about 3-7 kg.

They are patient, gentle, friendly and steady, combining British Shorthair composure with Persian sweetness, tolerant of children and other pets.

Brush gently twice weekly to prevent mats; air-drying after baths preserves curl. Persian ancestry in the breeding program makes PKD and HCM screening worthwhile, alongside weight management.

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FAQ

Owner questions

Do Selkirk Rex cats shed their curls?

They shed normally, though the curly structure keeps loose hair from scattering as much. Kitten curls may change before stabilizing in adulthood.

Is Selkirk Rex good for apartments?

Yes if vertical space, scratching and daily play are provided; floor area alone is not the deciding factor.

How much does Selkirk Rex cost monthly?

Reference CNY 300-800 per month including food, litter, prevention and grooming; veterinary care is extra.

How much grooming does Selkirk Rex need?

Daily brushing for longhair breeds and weekly for shorthair, plus nails, ears and teeth.