Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex: The Curly-Coated Teddy Bear Cat

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, DVM — updated July 17, 2026. Dr. Mitchell is a small-animal veterinarian with a focus on feline preventive care. This guide follows the [Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) Selkirk Rex breed standard}(https://cfa.org/breeds/selkirk-rex/) and the [TICA breed directory}(https://www.tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds), with coat genetics information from peer-reviewed feline dermatology research, including [Gandolfi et al.'s 2013 Scientific Reports study}(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23770706/) identifying the KRT71 splice variant responsible for the Selkirk coat.

The Selkirk Rex is one of the newest natural cat breeds, distinguished by its plush, loose curls that cover the entire body — a coat so soft and disheveled that the breed is universally nicknamed "the cat in sheep's clothing" or "the teddy bear cat." With a personality to match their cuddly appearance, Selkirk Rexes are patient, affectionate, and remarkably easygoing.

History & Origin: From Miss DePesto to Worldwide Recognition

The Selkirk Rex is one of the few breeds that can trace its origin to a single, distinctive kitten. In 1987, a Montana Persian breeder named Jeri Newman took in a kitten from an otherwise ordinary litter who had an unusually curly coat. She named the kitten Miss DePesto (after the curly-haired character from the TV show Moonlighting). Newman's founding work and the genetic analysis of the breed that followed are documented in a [2012 peer-reviewed morphological and genetic characterization}(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22837475/) (Filler et al., Journal of Heredity).

Newman bred Miss DePesto to a black Persian, and three of the resulting kittens had curls. The breed had a dominant gene for curls — different from the [Devon Rex}(/en/articles/devon-rex-guide-meet-the-mischievous-curly-coated-pixie) and [Cornish Rex}(/en/articles/cornish-rex-cat-guide-curly-coated-velvet-acrobat) genes — and Newman named the breed after her stepfather. She outcrossed to Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, and American Shorthairs to establish a healthy gene pool.

TICA recognized the Selkirk Rex in 1994, and the [CFA accepted the breed for registration in 1992 and granted it championship status in 2000}(https://cfa.org/breeds/selkirk-rex/).

Physical Characteristics: A Curly-Coated Teddy Bear

The Selkirk Rex's defining feature is its loose, plush, random curls covering the entire body — including the whiskers, which are also curly. The curls come in both shorthair and longhair varieties.

Body type: Substantial, semi-cobby, well-balanced. Between a Persian and a British Shorthair in build.

Weight: Males 4.5–7 kg (10–15 lbs); females 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lbs).

Coat: Loose, plush curls covering the entire body, including the whiskers. Comes in both shorthair (less dense curls) and longhair (more dramatic curls) varieties. All colors and patterns are accepted.

Eyes: Large, round, set wide apart. All colors accepted.

Ears: Medium-large, set wide apart, with curly furnishings inside.

Tail: Medium-long, tapering, with curly fur.

Distinctive trait: Curly whiskers — the breed is one of the few where the whiskers are visibly curly, which adds to the overall "teddy bear" effect.

Personality: A Patient, Easygoing Companion

The Selkirk Rex has one of the most laid-back personalities in the cat world. They're patient, tolerant, and affectionate without being demanding — earning them a reputation as the "teddy bear" of the cat fancy in more than just appearance.

Key personality traits:

• Patient and tolerant: They handle handling well and are great with kids.
• Affectionate: They enjoy laps and attention but don't demand it constantly.
• Easygoing: They adapt well to new situations, people, and environments.
• Playful: They retain playfulness throughout their lives but aren't hyper.
• Sociable: They get along well with other pets and cat-friendly dogs.
• Quiet: They have soft voices and rarely vocalize loudly.
• Adaptable: They do well in apartments, families, and quiet homes.
• Bonded to their people: They prefer their trusted humans but warm up to visitors.

Care Requirements and Exercise

Grooming routine:

• Brushing 2–3 times per week (avoid over-grooming, which can stretch out the curls).
• Monthly nail trimming.
• Tooth brushing 2–3 times per week.
• Monthly ear checks.

Enrichment needs:

• Daily interactive play (15–20 minutes).
• Cat trees and scratching posts.
• Puzzle feeders for mental stimulation.
• Companion animals if you're away frequently.
• Window perches and bird-watching setups.

Coat care notes:

This is one of the few breeds where over-grooming is a real risk. The curls are loose and prone to being straightened by vigorous brushing or combing. Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers, and brush gently. Some owners never brush their Selkirk Rex, relying instead on occasional bathing to keep the coat clean.

Health Considerations & Lifespan

The Selkirk Rex has a typical lifespan of 14–15 years. The [CFA breed profile}(https://cfa.org/breeds/selkirk-rex/) describes the breed as having robust general health with no breed-specific genetic concerns, and a [2012 peer-reviewed genetic study}(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22837475/) of the Selkirk Rex reported a heterozygosity of 0.630 and a mean inbreeding coefficient of 0.057 — a relatively diverse genetic foundation, reflecting the broad outcrossing to Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, and American Shorthairs.

That said, breeders and owners should still screen for conditions seen in the foundation breeds.

Common health considerations:

• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): Less common than in Persians, but reported in some lines. Breeders screen via ultrasound or DNA test.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): Standard screening recommended, inherited from British Shorthair and Exotic outcrosses.
• Dental disease: Standard feline concern.
• Standard feline concerns: Annual bloodwork for seniors, weight management.

Reputable breeders screen for [PKD via ultrasound or DNA test}(https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/) and provide documentation.

A note from Dr. Mitchell: In my own practice, the most common presenting issues I see in Selkirk Rex cats aren't breed-specific genetic diseases at all — they're grooming injuries and traumatic dermatitis from owners who brush too aggressively, plus the occasional cystitis in overweight adults. The curls are surprisingly forgiving, but only if you leave them alone. I always walk new Selkirk owners through finger-combing rather than combing, and I push for a baseline renal ultrasound and an HCM screen before adoption so you have a reference for later life. — Dr. Sarah Mitchell, DVM

Cost Considerations

Is the Selkirk Rex Right for You?

Great Fit If:

• You want a unique-looking but easygoing companion.
• You have kids, dogs, or other cats.
• You appreciate a patient, tolerant breed.
• You want a breed that's both cuddly and adaptable.
• You can commit to gentle, minimal grooming.

Not the Best Fit If:

• You want a low-shedding breed.
• You want an active, athletic cat.
• You want an independent, low-attention cat.
• You have strict allergies (they're not hypoallergenic).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Selkirk Rexes hypoallergenic?

No — they shed and produce allergens like any cat. The curls may trap some dander, but they're not a solution for allergies.

Do Selkirk Rexes shed a lot?

Yes — they have a dense double coat and shed year-round, with seasonal sheds in spring and fall.

Are Selkirk Rexes good with kids?

Yes — they're one of the most patient and tolerant breeds, making them ideal for families.

How long do Selkirk Rexes live?

14–15 years on average.

Do Selkirk Rexes get along with other pets?

Yes — their laid-back temperament makes them ideal for multi-pet homes.

Are Selkirk Rexes vocal?

Quietly. They have soft voices and rarely vocalize loudly.

Do Selkirk Rexes need a lot of grooming?

Moderate. Gentle brushing 2–3 times per week is sufficient. Over-grooming can straighten the curls.

Can Selkirk Rexes be left alone?

They tolerate alone time better than some breeds but still need daily interaction. A companion animal helps.

Are Selkirk Rexes healthy?

Generally yes — the [documented genetic diversity of the breed}(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22837475/) and its broad outcrossing foundation are favorable, though breed-specific PKD and HCM screening are still recommended.

Conclusion

The Selkirk Rex is the teddy bear of the cat world — a curly-coated, patient, easygoing companion that's wonderful for families, first-time owners, and anyone who appreciates a cuddly, unique-looking breed. They are generally healthy, easy to care for, and they reward good care with 14–15 years of affectionate companionship. For owners who want a calm, adaptable, charming cat, they're an excellent choice.

Sources cited in this article: [Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) Selkirk Rex breed standard}(https://cfa.org/breeds/selkirk-rex/), [The International Cat Association (TICA) breed directory}(https://www.tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds), [Filler et al., Journal of Heredity (2012) — morphological and genetic characterization of the Selkirk Rex}(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22837475/), [Gandolfi et al., Scientific Reports (2013) — KRT71 splice variant and the curly Selkirk coat}(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23770706/), [UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory — PKD testing}(https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/).

Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for breed-specific health screening recommendations before adopting any purebred cat.

The Selkirk Rex is a total standout, offering that rare mix of a wild, "bad-hair-day" look with a heart of pure gold. They aren't just a novelty breed; they are devoted, patient friends who bring a sense of calm to any home. If you've got a free lap and a love for curls, you really can't go wrong here.