Modern Appearance
Since the breed's recognition, the look of the Selkirk Rex has changed significantly under the influence of selection and breeding. Today, it's hard to compare the modern sturdy Selkirk with the first individuals of the breed. After all, the first Selkirk was clearly not "rounded," whereas today that word is the most important in describing the Selkirk Rex.
Modern Selkirks are medium to large-sized cats with a powerful, sturdy bone structure that radiates physical strength. Females are somewhat smaller than males, but are not delicate. Selkirk Rexes have large, round, widely-spaced eyes and a short, square muzzle with full whisker pads. The head is round, with a sweet expression; one always wants to stroke it, scratch the curls behind its ears, and kiss its curious little nose.
And of course, another crucial breed trait is the Selkirk's unique coat. The curls are especially pronounced on the belly, chest, back of the head, and "britches" (hindquarters). The guard hairs, awn hairs, and undercoat are all wavy and soft to the touch. The quality of the curls varies and depends on color, climate, season, and the cat's hormonal state. The curls develop fully up to two years of age. Therefore, it's best to choose a kitten based on its type, not its coat. Curly kittens may lose their coat in the first days and weeks, which regenerates over several weeks, and sometimes doesn't fully form until 8-10 months of age.
Breeding Nuances
Selkirk Rexes may be bred in both short-haired and long-haired varieties, as well as in all genetically possible colors. The gene for the Selkirk's curly coat is denoted by the symbol "Se". Its recessive allele, which produces normal straight fur, is accordingly "se". Therefore, a Selkirk Rex can be heterozygous "Se se", homozygous "SeSe", or a straight "se se" (a Selkirk with straight fur, without curls).
When two Selkirk Rexes are bred, kittens homozygous for the curl gene can be born. Such kittens inherit the curl gene from both parents and have the genotype "SeSe". A homozygous Selkirk Rex will always pass on only curls to its offspring, making them valuable in breeding programs that involve Selkirk straights or when introducing a new bloodline.
Up until 2010, to expand the genetic base and preserve the health and temperament of the breed, it was permitted to breed Selkirk Rexes with representatives of other compact and sturdy breeds, such as the British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, and Persian. This is why even today we can still observe variations in type within different lines. Currently, outcrossing is only permitted with the British Shorthair breed.
For the offspring to conform to the Selkirk standard, permitted crossbreeding should involve an animal that complements and compensates for the partner's shortcomings. Every Selkirk Rex is original and unique, but at the same time, it is precisely a Selkirk, not just a curly cat that resembles a British or an old-style Persian.
Of course, breeding only between Selkirks would speed up the consolidation of the type, but such breedings are not always beneficial for a young breed. Following this path could eventually lead the breed into a dead end, as it would result in very closely related lines and, consequently, close inbreeding over many generations. This would clearly not benefit the breed, as repeated inbreeding worsens the health of the offspring and fixes undesirable traits. Plus, we would end up with a very large population of homozygous Selkirks. And repeated breedings of homozygous Selkirks with each other could lead to a simplification of the type in this wonderful breed. Therefore, Selkirk straights and well-considered outcrosses with the British breed play a significant role in breeding.
Easy Care
Grooming the curly coat of a Selkirk Rex is quite easy. The main difference between its coat and that of its "Persian" relatives is that it doesn't mat easily and isn't prone to heavy shedding, like the coat of British cats. The Selkirk Rex's coat only needs a good weekly combing with a metal comb. Of course, there can always be exceptions that require more intensive care. To give the curls a "wet perm" effect, simply mist the coat with water and fluff it up, just as we do with our own permed hair. After the coat dries, the curls will be displayed in all their glory!
A Fairytale Character
Selkirk Rexes are very affectionate and good-natured cats, possessing a pleasant and balanced temperament.
Like little household spirits, they will enchant and captivate anyone who spends just a few minutes with them. Yes, perhaps their unusual appearance may surprise some, but any skeptic will be instantly convinced of this breed's charm upon their first touch of the Selkirk's curly, plush fur.
These cats bask in our affection, allowing us to carry them in our arms, constantly stroke their curly heads, and they are ready to delight us every day with their antics and games! And if you allow your Selkirk to sleep next to you in bed, then its happiness will be complete! Selkirks are perfectly suited for families with children; they are very patient and gentle in communicating with their little friends. Cats of this breed adapt very easily to new conditions and have stable temperaments; it seems nothing can disturb or frighten a Selkirk. They get along without any problems in groups with other cats, as Selkirks are not aggressive, do not strive for dominance, and are very sociable, curious, and cheerful.
They likely inherited their courage and self-confidence from their domestic ancestors, their unflappable nature from the Persians and Exotics, and their optimism and curiosity from the British.
One could talk endlessly about the virtues of these delightful curly creatures!
In conclusion, I would like to add that Selkirks have long been popular in America and Europe, and now, in a fairly short time, they have managed to win over the vast expanses of Russia. The popularity of the Selkirk Rex grows with each passing day, and more and more enthusiasts and breeders are losing their hearts to this gentle, curly teddy bear. And how could it be otherwise!?
Alla Shishkina (Kemmerling),
cattery «from Sham» & «Curly Charm»
