Selkirk Rex: The Teddy Bear Cat

Selkirk Rex cats have soft, curly coats, round teddy bear faces, and gentle temperaments. They look like stuffed animals come to life.

Unlike high-energy Rex breeds like Cornish or Devon Rex, Selkirk Rex are calm, laid-back lap cats who love cuddling.

If you want a cat who looks unique but acts like a gentle companion, Selkirk Rex deliver.

Quick Facts

  • Weight: 10-16 pounds (males larger, females smaller)
  • Lifespan: 10-15 years
  • Temperament: Calm, gentle, affectionate, patient, social
  • Grooming needs: Moderate to high (depends on coat length)
  • Energy level: Low to moderate
  • Intelligence: Moderate
  • Vocal level: Quiet to moderate
  • Good with kids: Excellent
  • Good with other pets: Excellent
  • Nickname: “The teddy bear cat”

What Makes Selkirk Rex Special

The Curly Coat Mutation

Selkirk Rex originated from a single curly-coated kitten born in Montana in 1987. A shelter cat produced a litter with one curly kitten.

A Persian breeder adopted the kitten and bred her to a Persian, proving the curly coat gene was dominant (unlike other Rex breeds where the gene is recessive).

The breed was named after the Selkirk Mountains in Montana.

Soft, Plush, Curly Coats

Selkirk Rex coats are soft, plush, and curly - like a lamb or teddy bear. The texture is:

  • Soft and touchable
  • Loosely curled (not tight waves like Cornish Rex)
  • Thick and plush
  • Randomly curled (some areas curlier than others)

They come in two coat lengths:

  • Short-haired: Plush, curly coat similar to a plush toy
  • Long-haired: Flowing curls with a longer ruff and tail

Both coat types are incredibly soft.

All Colors and Patterns

Selkirk Rex come in every color and pattern:

  • Solid (black, white, blue, cream, red)
  • Tabby (classic, mackerel, spotted)
  • Bi-color and calico
  • Color-point (like Siamese)
  • Tortoiseshell

Eye colors vary based on coat color: green, gold, copper, blue, or odd-eyed.

Round, Teddy Bear Faces

Selkirk Rex have round faces with:

  • Full cheeks
  • Round eyes
  • Round heads
  • Short muzzles (but not flat like Persians)

Their faces contribute to their teddy bear appearance.

Substantial, Muscular Builds

Selkirk Rex are one of the larger cat breeds. They have:

  • Heavy, muscular bodies
  • Sturdy bone structure
  • Rounded appearance overall
  • Solid weight (males can reach 16 pounds)

They are substantial cats - not delicate or petite.

Calm, Gentle Temperaments

Unlike Cornish and Devon Rex (high-energy acrobats), Selkirk Rex are calm and easygoing. They inherited their temperament from Persian and British Shorthair ancestors.

They are:

  • Content to lounge
  • Patient and tolerant
  • Not demanding
  • Gentle with everyone

Perfect for families and quiet homes.

Temperament

Selkirk Rex cats are:

  • Calm - They have low to moderate energy. They enjoy play but are not hyperactive.
  • Affectionate - They love cuddling and being near their humans.
  • Gentle - Patient and tolerant. They rarely bite or scratch.
  • Social - They get along well with kids, other cats, and dogs.
  • Playful - They enjoy interactive toys but do not demand constant attention.
  • Easygoing - They adapt well to new environments and changes.
  • Lap cats - Many love sitting on laps for long periods.
  • Quiet - They are not overly vocal. They communicate with soft chirps and meows.

Selkirk Rex are well-balanced cats - not too active, not too lazy, not too demanding, not too aloof.

Living with a Selkirk Rex

They Are Cuddly Lap Cats

Selkirk Rex love physical contact. They:

  • Sit on laps for hours
  • Sleep in bed with you
  • Follow you from room to room
  • Enjoy being held and petted

If you want a cat who loves cuddling, Selkirk Rex are perfect.

They Are Patient with Everyone

Selkirk Rex are known for their patience. They:

  • Tolerate children’s handling
  • Accept grooming without fuss
  • Adapt to other pets easily
  • Remain calm in chaotic environments

Their gentle nature makes them ideal family cats.

They Are Not High-Energy

Selkirk Rex enjoy play but are not athletes. They:

  • Enjoy 10-15 minute play sessions
  • Prefer lounging to climbing
  • Do not race around the house
  • Like low-key activities

Do not expect acrobatics or constant movement.

They Are Social but Not Needy

Selkirk Rex love companionship but are not demanding. They:

  • Sit near you (not necessarily on you)
  • Follow you around the house
  • Greet you at the door
  • Wait patiently for attention

They are present but not pushy.

They Come in Straight-Coat Versions Too

Not all Selkirk Rex kittens have curly coats. The curly gene is dominant but not all kittens inherit it.

In a litter:

  • About 50% have curly coats
  • About 50% have straight coats

Straight-coat Selkirk Rex look like regular cats but have the same gentle temperament. They are still purebred Selkirk Rex - they just did not inherit the curly coat gene.

Care Requirements

Grooming

Grooming needs depend on coat length.

Short-haired Selkirk Rex:

  • Brush 1-2 times per week with a slicker brush
  • Check for mats behind ears
  • Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
  • Clean ears weekly

Long-haired Selkirk Rex:

  • Brush 3-4 times per week (or daily during shedding season)
  • Use a slicker brush and metal comb
  • Check for mats in the ruff, armpits, and rear
  • Trim excess fur around paws and rear if needed

Their curly coats can trap shed hair, so regular brushing prevents mats.

Bathing

Selkirk Rex benefit from occasional baths to remove shed hair and keep curls defined.

Bathing routine:

  • Bathe every 4-8 weeks (or as needed)
  • Use a gentle cat shampoo
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Pat dry with a towel (let air dry for best curls)
  • Do not brush immediately after bathing (curls will straighten)

Many Selkirk Rex tolerate baths well.

Exercise and Play

Selkirk Rex need moderate exercise. Provide:

  • 10-15 minute play sessions daily
  • Interactive toys (feather wands, laser pointers)
  • Cat trees with low-to-medium perches
  • Puzzle feeders for mental stimulation

They are not athletes, so gentle play is sufficient.

Diet

Selkirk Rex are muscular and can gain weight easily. Feed high-quality, portion-controlled food.

  • Choose meat-based wet or dry food
  • Measure portions to prevent obesity
  • Monitor weight regularly
  • Provide fresh water at all times

Dental Care

Brush teeth 2-3 times per week to prevent dental disease.

Nail Trimming

Trim nails every 2-3 weeks. Selkirk Rex are calm and tolerate nail trimming well.

Health Considerations

Selkirk Rex inherit health conditions from their Persian and British Shorthair ancestors.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

PKD is a genetic condition where cysts form in the kidneys. It is inherited from Persian ancestors.

Signs:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy

Prevention: Ask breeders for PKD genetic testing results.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a heart condition where the heart walls thicken.

Signs:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite

Prevention: Ask breeders for HCM screening results. Annual vet checkups help catch it early.

Hip Dysplasia

Some Selkirk Rex inherit hip dysplasia from Persian ancestors.

Signs:

  • Limping
  • Difficulty jumping
  • Reluctance to move

Prevention: Ask breeders about hip screening. Maintain healthy weight to reduce stress on joints.

Dental Disease

Like many breeds, Selkirk Rex can develop dental issues.

Prevention:

  • Brush teeth 2-3 times per week
  • Provide dental treats
  • Schedule annual dental cleanings

Tear Staining

Some Selkirk Rex develop tear staining due to their round faces.

Prevention:

  • Wipe eyes daily with a damp cloth
  • Use tear stain removers if needed

Obesity

Selkirk Rex are prone to obesity due to their low-to-moderate energy level.

Prevention:

  • Measure food portions
  • Limit treats
  • Encourage daily play

Are Selkirk Rex Good with Kids?

Yes. Selkirk Rex are excellent family cats. They:

  • Tolerate handling well
  • Remain patient with children
  • Do not bite or scratch easily
  • Enjoy gentle play

Teach kids to:

  • Pet gently
  • Respect the cat’s space
  • Use toys, not hands, for play

Selkirk Rex are one of the best breeds for families with children.

Are Selkirk Rex Good with Other Pets?

Yes. Selkirk Rex are social and tolerant. They do well with:

Other cats:

  • Get along with most personalities
  • Provide separate resources (food, litter, beds)
  • Supervise introductions

Dogs:

  • Adapt well to cat-friendly dogs
  • Remain calm around dogs
  • Supervise introductions

Small pets:

  • Low prey drive due to calm temperament
  • Generally safe with birds and small animals (still supervise)

Selkirk Rex prefer peaceful coexistence over conflict.

Common Mistakes

Not Brushing Regularly

Curly coats trap shed hair. Without regular brushing, Selkirk Rex develop painful mats.

Overfeeding

Selkirk Rex are prone to obesity. Measure food portions and encourage daily play.

Expecting High Energy

Selkirk Rex are calm lap cats. They are not athletes or acrobats.

Brushing Immediately After Bathing

Brushing wet curls straightens them. Let curls air dry for best definition.

Ignoring Health Testing

Selkirk Rex can inherit PKD and HCM. Choose breeders who test breeding cats.

Finding a Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex are moderately rare. Finding breeders may require research and waitlists.

Adoption

Check breed-specific rescues and shelters. Selkirk Rex occasionally end up in rescues.

Where to look:

  • Selkirk Rex rescue organizations
  • Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet (search “Selkirk Rex”)
  • Local shelters (rare but possible)

Reputable Breeders

Expect to pay $800-$1,500 for a purebred Selkirk Rex from a reputable breeder.

What to ask:

  • Are parents PKD tested?
  • Are parents HCM tested?
  • Can I meet the parents?
  • How are kittens socialized?
  • What health guarantees do you offer?
  • Do you have curly and straight-coat kittens available?

Red flags:

  • Breeders with constant availability
  • No genetic testing
  • Unwilling to let you visit
  • Selling kittens under 12 weeks old

Waitlists Are Common

Quality breeders often have waitlists. Be prepared to wait 6-12 months for a kitten.

Curly vs. Straight Coat

If you specifically want a curly coat, communicate this to breeders. Straight-coat Selkirk Rex are still purebred but do not have the signature teddy bear look.

Curly-coat kittens are more expensive and in higher demand.

Selkirk Rex vs. Other Rex Breeds

Selkirk Rex:

  • Calm, gentle temperament
  • Plush, loosely curled coat
  • Larger, muscular build
  • Low-to-moderate energy

Cornish Rex:

  • High energy, acrobatic
  • Short, wavy coat
  • Lean, athletic build
  • Temperature-sensitive

Devon Rex:

  • Mischievous, playful
  • Short, curly coat
  • Slender build
  • High energy

Selkirk Rex are the calm, cuddly Rex breed.

What To Do Next

  • If you want a calm, cuddly teddy bear cat with a unique look, Selkirk Rex are perfect
  • If you want a high-energy, athletic cat, choose Cornish or Devon Rex instead
  • If you have time for regular grooming and want a gentle family cat, Selkirk Rex thrive
  • If you prefer low-maintenance grooming, choose a short-haired breed
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