The Selkirk Rex is one of the youngest cat breeds, originating from a spontaneous genetic mutation. Unlike other “Rex” breeds, its curly coat is governed by a dominant gene, making it unique among cats with wavy fur.
The breed combines a sturdy build, soft plush-like curly coat, and a balanced temperament—qualities that make it equally valued in both the show ring and as a family companion.
Origins of the Breed
The story of the Selkirk Rex began in 1987 at an animal shelter in Montana, USA. A domestic shorthair gave birth to a kitten with unusually curly fur and crimped whiskers. The kitten was named Miss DePesto of NoFace and was soon adopted by Persian breeder Jeri Newman, who—thanks to her background in genetics—immediately recognized the significance of this mutation.
In 1988, Miss DePesto was bred to a black Persian male, producing a litter of six kittens, three of which inherited the curly coat. This confirmed the dominant inheritance pattern—a stark contrast to the recessive curly genes of the Devon and Cornish Rex breeds. Jeri Newman chose the name “Selkirk” in honor of her grandfather and added “Rex,” following the naming tradition for curly-coated breeds.
The breed received its first official recognition from TICA in 1992 and was later accepted by CFA, WCF, FIFE, and other major feline organizations.
Genetics and Breeding
The curly-coat gene is symbolized as Se and is dominant—meaning just one copy is sufficient for the trait to be expressed. Three genotypes are possible:
- SeSe – homozygous curly (all offspring will be curly);
- Sese – heterozygous curly;
- sese – straight-haired (“straight”), carrying no curly gene.
Kittens are born with curls, but the coat often appears straight between 2–6 months of age. The full curl typically re-emerges and stabilizes by 18–24 months.
Initially, to expand the gene pool and maintain overall health, Selkirks were outcrossed to Persians, Exotics, and British Shorthairs. Although a plan existed to close the breed to outside bloodlines by 2015, the limited population size and the need to preserve genetic diversity have kept the breed open to this day. In most registries, outcrossing is permitted exclusively with the British Shorthair, a strategic decision aimed at preventing inbreeding depression and safeguarding long-term health.
Breed Standards: WCF, FIFE, and CFA
Despite sharing a common origin, standards for the Selkirk Rex vary noticeably across registries due to differing breeding histories and regional preferences.
WCF
- Body: Medium to large, muscular, compact, with a broad chest and short, strong neck.
- Head: Round, substantial, with full cheeks and a strong chin.
- Coat: Shorthair—dense, plush, with good undercoat and distinct waves; Longhair—medium length with loose curls, especially on the ruff and “britches.”
- Colors: All colors and patterns accepted without restriction.
CFA
- Body: Substantial, rectangular build with heavy bone structure; females noticeably smaller than males but never delicate.
- Head: Round with no flat planes; muzzle of medium width, length approximately half its width; well-padded whisker pads.
- Coat: In both coat lengths, the fur “stands away” from the body and is not tight-fitting; curls are irregular, more “clumpy” than wave-like.
- Temperament: Explicitly described as “gentle and balanced.”
FIFE
- Body: Sturdy, medium to large, with substantial bone.
- Head: Rounded, reminiscent of the British Shorthair but with enhanced roundness.
- Coat and color: Like WCF—both coat lengths and all colors accepted.
- Note: FIFE granted recognition later than other organizations—in 2017.
These variations reflect the breed’s developmental stages: early standards were intentionally flexible to preserve genetic diversity. As the type stabilized, descriptions became more precise—especially in CFA, where proportion and harmony are emphasized.
Appearance and Temperament
The Selkirk Rex is defined by its pronounced roundness: a broad head, large round eyes, full cheeks, a short muzzle, and a solid body. The coat—whether short or long—is consistently soft, dense, and curly, with the most prominent curls appearing on the chest, belly, hind legs, and around the neck.
Temperament-wise, Selkirks are calm, affectionate, and good-natured. They adapt easily to apartment living, get along well with children and other pets, and show no aggression or dominance tendencies. Their stable disposition and sociability make them exceptional companions.
Health and Care
The breed is considered robust and healthy; the curly mutation is not linked to any known health disorders. Average lifespan ranges from 15 to 20 years. However, due to early outcrosses with Persians and British Shorthairs, it is prudent to monitor for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Grooming is straightforward: weekly combing with a metal comb is usually sufficient. The coat resists matting and does not require daily maintenance. Temporary straightening of curls may occur during hot weather or hormonal shifts—this is entirely normal and reversible.
Conclusion
The Selkirk Rex stands as a rare example of how a spontaneous mutation, recognized and nurtured by a dedicated breeder, can evolve into a fully established breed. Its greatest strengths lie in its sound health, gentle nature, and distinctive coat. Despite its youth, the breed already boasts a clearly defined type and international recognition. Breeders continue to exercise caution in their programs, maintaining limited outcrossing with the British Shorthair to ensure the genetic vitality of future generations.
Inna Mankos,
ALLADA CAT Selkirk Rex Cattery
