The History and Origins of the Selkirk Rex: Nature’s Curly Surprise
When you first lay eyes on a Selkirk Rex, your instinct might be to reach out and touch its fluffy, curly coat. It’s not every day you see a cat that looks like it walked straight out of a perm salon. But that unique fur is just one part of what makes the Selkirk Rex so fascinating. This breed isn’t just about looks—it has a charming personality and an equally quirky origin story. So where did this fuzzy feline come from? Buckle up as we explore the delightful history of the Selkirk Rex, nature’s curly surprise.
A Newcomer with Ancient Roots
Unlike some cat breeds that date back thousands of years, the Selkirk Rex is a relative newcomer in the feline world. The breed made its official debut in the late 1980s, making it one of the most recently recognized purebred cats. But don’t let its young age fool you—the Selkirk Rex has made a big splash in a short time.
Its story began in Montana, U.S.A., in 1987. A Persian breeder named Jeri Newman was contacted about a very unusual kitten born in a shelter litter. Among several otherwise normal kittens, one stood out. This kitten had an incredibly curly coat, unlike anything anyone had seen before. Intrigued, Jeri adopted the curly-haired kitten and named her Miss DePesto of Noface—yes, after the quirky character Miss DePesto from the TV show Moonlighting.
Miss DePesto’s unique coat was not a fluke. When bred with a black Persian male, she produced a litter that included three curly-haired kittens. This told Jeri (and the world) that the gene for those curls was dominant—a rarity among Rex breeds, which typically involve recessive genes. That fact alone set the Selkirk Rex apart from its Rex cousins.
What Makes a Selkirk Rex a “Rex”?
The term “Rex” in the cat world refers to breeds that exhibit a curly or wavy coat due to a genetic mutation. Other well-known Rex breeds include the Devon Rex and the Cornish Rex. But the Selkirk Rex has a very different fur structure compared to its cousins.
While the Devon and Cornish have extremely short or even near-bald coats, the Selkirk Rex has a full, plush, and often woolly coat. Its curls can range from soft waves to tight ringlets, and the fur can be either long or short, depending on the individual cat. What makes their coat even more remarkable is that it includes all three types of hair: guard hairs, awn hairs, and down hairs. That’s why they look so full and dense compared to other Rex breeds.
And yes, their whiskers curl too.
Genetic Origins: The Power of a Single Mutation
What’s particularly fascinating about the Selkirk Rex is that the entire breed stems from that single cat—Miss DePesto. This makes the breed a textbook example of spontaneous mutation in domestic animals. Geneticists have since confirmed that the Selkirk’s curly coat is due to an autosomal dominant gene, meaning only one parent needs to pass on the gene for the offspring to have curly fur.
Because the breed was new and genetically narrow, breeders carefully introduced other cats to help diversify its gene pool. Early crosses included Persians, British Shorthairs, and Exotic Shorthairs—each contributing specific traits like body structure, temperament, and coat texture. This selective breeding helped ensure the Selkirk Rex wouldn’t suffer from the health issues that can arise from inbreeding.
Appearance: More Than Just Curls
The Selkirk Rex’s coat is its showstopper, but there’s more to this breed than fur. These cats are known for their round faces, big eyes, and sturdy bodies. They often resemble a plush teddy bear, with a sweet expression that matches their gentle nature.
Their coat can come in any color or pattern, from solid black to calico, and from pointed to tabby. Long-haired Selkirk Rexes look especially luxurious, while short-haired ones have a dense, plush texture that feels like chenille.
One interesting quirk? Kittens are born with their curls, but many lose them around six months of age during adolescence. Don’t worry—they often regain their waves and curls as adults.
Temperament: Easygoing and Affectionate
Looks aren’t everything, and thankfully the Selkirk Rex has the personality to back up its unique appearance. These cats are affectionate, relaxed, and social, often described as “dog-like” in their loyalty. They enjoy being around people and tend to get along well with other pets, making them ideal for families or multi-pet households.
Their temperament reflects their mixed heritage. From Persians, they inherit a mellow disposition. From British Shorthairs, they gain a touch of independence and calm. And the Exotic Shorthair influence gives them a playful edge without being too high-energy. In short, Selkirks are pretty chill cats that adapt well to most home environments.
A Rising Star in the Cat World
The Selkirk Rex was officially recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1992 and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 2000. Since then, the breed has grown in popularity—not just for its stunning appearance but also for its personality.
Today, Selkirk Rex cats are shown in competitions across the U.S. and internationally. Judges often comment on their balanced conformation, soft coat, and calm demeanor. Yet despite their growing recognition, the Selkirk Rex remains relatively rare compared to more established breeds.
This makes owning one a bit of a special experience. You won’t often bump into another Selkirk owner at the vet’s office or pet store. And that’s part of the charm—this breed is still nature’s little secret, shared only among a lucky few.
Grooming and Care
Now, you might be wondering if all those curls require loads of grooming. Surprisingly, the Selkirk Rex is fairly low maintenance—but with a few exceptions.
Their curls can get greasy more quickly than straight-haired breeds, especially in the short-haired variety. Weekly brushing usually suffices, but long-haired Selkirks may benefit from more frequent combing to prevent tangles.
Baths are only necessary occasionally, but drying them afterward is key to maintaining their fluff. Letting a Selkirk air-dry can result in a limp or matted coat, so a gentle blow-dry on low heat will help maintain those luscious curls.
Other standard cat care practices apply: regular nail trims, dental care, and annual vet visits. Because the breed includes lines from Persians and Exotic Shorthairs, they may be prone to some inherited conditions like polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Reputable breeders screen for this, so always ask about health testing when considering a kitten.
A Breed That Began with a Surprise
Perhaps the most magical thing about the Selkirk Rex is how it all started—with one shelter kitten and a curious breeder willing to take a chance. That kind of serendipity is rare, and it highlights how dynamic and ever-changing the world of cat breeding can be.
The Selkirk Rex didn’t arise from centuries of royal breeding or ancient temples. It came from a random mutation, a bit of luck, and a lot of love. And today, it stands as one of the most unique and lovable breeds in the feline kingdom.
Whether you’re drawn in by their curls, their teddy bear looks, or their sweet personalities, one thing’s for sure: a Selkirk Rex is a curly surprise you’ll never forget.
FAQs About the Selkirk Rex
1. Is the Selkirk Rex hypoallergenic?
No cat is truly hypoallergenic, including the Selkirk Rex. However, some allergy sufferers find they react less to this breed. Always spend time with a Selkirk before committing if you have allergies.
2. Do all Selkirk Rex cats have curly fur?
Not necessarily. Because the curly coat is caused by a dominant gene, some Selkirk Rex cats may have straight coats if they don’t inherit the gene. These are often referred to as “straight coat Selkirks.”
3. How long do Selkirk Rex cats live?
With proper care, Selkirk Rex cats typically live 12 to 15 years, though some may live longer.
4. Are Selkirk Rex cats good with kids and dogs?
Yes! Their patient and affectionate temperament makes them great companions for children and friendly dogs.
5. How much do Selkirk Rex kittens cost?
Prices vary depending on the breeder, pedigree, and coat quality, but expect to pay between $800 and $1,500 for a pet-quality kitten in the U.S.
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