Selkirk Rex

Breed Description

The Selkirk Rex is a semi-longhaired breed of cat with a memorable appearance. It does not go unnoticed and attracts attention with its small curls and friendly disposition.

The breed’s history begins in 1987 when an unprecedented cat with curly fur was discovered in the American state of Montana. Named Miss Depesto, she became the progenitor of the Selkirk Rex. Her uniqueness lay in the fact that the curly fur was inherited, allowing for the creation of a new breed, distinct from other Rex breeds. The breed is named in honor of the Selkirk mountain range located on the border of the USA and Canada, and breeder Jeri Newman, who played a key role in its development.

Unlike similar Rex breeds, Selkirks have a heavier and denser build and a unique fur structure. The special charm is that their coats can be both short and long. Only a professional cat breeder can predict what kittens will appear in a litter. The curly fur of Selkirks is soft and dense, especially pleasant to the touch. The Selkirk Rex is known for its thoughtful, calm, and friendly nature, making it an ideal pet for families with children and other animals. Like a living antidepressant, they are always found where there is quiet and tranquility.

The Selkirk Rex was recognized by international feline organizations in the early 1990s, and since then, its popularity has continued to grow. Today, this breed is widely spread around the world, and can be found in various catteries that specialize in breeding Selkirk Rex cats. Selkirk Rex catteries pay great attention not only to the external characteristics of the cats but also to their health, making this breed one of the most promising and sought-after among cat enthusiasts.

In Russia, there are not many of these cats, despite the consistently high and growing demand. You can find a Selkirk Rex cattery in your region on our website. The cost of a kitten directly depends on several factors, including the parents’ accolades and the purity of the lineage. For example, show-class kittens are usually sold at “negotiable” prices, while breed and pet-class Selkirk Rexes are more accessible to a larger number of buyers. On average, a 3-month-old kitten from a private breeder may cost around 50,000 to 60,000 rubles and up; it is advisable to request the cattery’s price list.

Appearance

The Selkirk Rex is a medium to large-sized cat with a robust build and well-developed muscles. An adult can weigh between 4 to 7 kilograms, depending on its gender and genetic traits. Cats of this breed have harmonious body proportions, giving them an elegant yet powerful appearance. A distinctive feature of the Selkirk Rex is its curly fur, which can be either short or long, depending on the breed variant.

The Selkirk Rex’s fur is soft, dense, and curly, reminiscent of plush or sheepskin in texture. These curls are evenly distributed across the cat’s body, including the head, tail, and legs. It’s important to note that the curls may be more pronounced in certain areas, giving the cat a unique and memorable look. The Selkirk Rex comes in various colors, allowing each owner to choose a kitten that suits their taste.

In addition to its curly coat, the Selkirk Rex features a large head with pronounced cheekbones and a broad forehead. Its eyes are large, round, and expressive, with a clear and friendly gaze. The ears are of medium size, with rounded tips, well-positioned, and harmoniously integrated into the overall head shape.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Round rather than cone-shaped, but with a wide and massive forehead. The skull is quite large, expressive, and memorable. The forehead is slightly convex, with well-defined cheekbones that give the Selkirk Rex's face soft and rounded features. It is important to note that the Selkirk Rex lacks pronounced sharpness in the lines of its head, which gives it a gentle and friendly appearance.

Морда

Short and broad, rounded, it gives the cat a characteristic "softness." The nose is short and wide, with a slight curve, creating an impression of "flattening," but without exaggeration. The chin gives the face a harmonious and proportional appearance. The Selkirk Rex's face emphasizes friendliness and calmness, making it particularly attractive to cat lovers.

Уши

Medium-sized with rounded edges. They sit widely on the head, emphasizing its round shape. The ears are slightly tilted forward, giving an attentive and interested appearance. It's important to note that they can be covered with soft curls, making them even more expressive. The tips of the ears are not pointed to match the overall softness of the Selkirk Rex's shapes.

Глаза

Крупные, круглые и очень выразительные. Их посадка соответствует широкой форме головы, что делает взгляд кошки открытым, удивлённым и дружелюбным. Роговица может варьироваться в цвете в зависимости от окраса шерсти, но всегда должен быть насыщенным и ярким. Глаза селкирк-рекса играют важную роль в создании общего облика породы, подчёркивая её дружелюбие и спокойствие. Они часто кажутся слегка приподнятыми.

Зубы

Острые, крепкие и здоровые, с прикусом ножниц. Челюсти мощные, хорошо развитые, что обеспечивает крепкий захват и возможность пережёвывать твёрдую пищу. Уход за зубами и челюстями селкирк-рекса требует регулярного осмотра и чистки, чтобы предотвратить образование зубного налёта и другие проблемы.

Корпус

Плотное и мускулистое телосложение, что придаёт кошке силу и выносливость. Кошки этой породы имеют глубокую грудную клетку и крепкую спину, что делает их отличными охотниками и активными игроками. Несмотря на свою плотность, оно пропорционально, с хорошо развитой мускулатурой. Длина его может варьироваться, но в целом селкирк-рекс создаёт впечатление мощного и гармоничного животного.

Конечности

Конечности селкирк-рекса средней длины, пропорциональны телу, с крепкими костями и хорошо развитыми мышцами. Передние несколько короче задних, что придаёт кошке элегантную осанку и позволяет легко передвигаться. Подушечки лап круглые и плотные, что обеспечивает отличное сцепление с поверхностью и устойчивость. Задние лапы сильные, это позволяет селкирк-рексу легко прыгать и бегать, сохраняя при этом грацию и лёгкость движений.

Хвост

Of medium length, proportional to the body, tapering towards the tip. Well-haired, which gives it volume and softness. Plays an important role in maintaining balance for the cat, especially during jumps and sharp turns, as well as for thermoregulation. In a healthy Selkirk Rex, it is flexible and mobile, without breaks or knots.

Шерсть

Одна из самых примечательных особенностей породы. Она густая, мягкая и вьётся, что делает эту кошку особенно привлекательной для любителей экзотически. Как короткая, так и длинная – в зависимости от разновидности, и отличается выраженными кудрями по всему телу. Требует регулярного ухода, чтобы поддерживать её в должном состоянии и предотвращать образование колтунов. Питомники и заводчики кошек селкирк-рекса уделяют большое внимание качеству шерсти при разведении, чтобы сохранить её уникальные свойства.

Окрас

Diverse, and allows each owner to choose a cat that suits their taste. All major patterns are accepted, including solid, striped, spotted, and tortoiseshell. It can have various color combinations, making each Selkirk Rex unique. The coat should match the color of the iris and create a harmonious and complete appearance. It is important for the color to be uniform, without sharp transitions or spots not typical of the standard.

Character

The Selkirk Rex’s character impresses with its softness and friendliness, making it the most suitable companion for families with children and other pets. They are characterized by calmness, balance, and tolerance, allowing them to easily adapt to various conditions and environments. Selkirk Rex cats love attention and are always ready to participate in family activities, whether it’s playing with children or relaxing on their owner’s lap.

One distinct trait of the Selkirk Rex is its attachment to humans. These curly cats enjoy spending time with their owners, always trying to be close and involved in family life. Selkirk Rexes quickly acclimatize to new people and easily get along with other household residents, making them an ideal choice for families with multiple pets. Birds and rodents are not part of their circle of friends.

Despite their softness and friendliness, Selkirk Rexes possess a fairly independent temperament. These cats love to explore their environment and show curiosity towards new objects and situations. They are not prone to aggression, but they will not tolerate rough treatment. Selkirk Rexes prefer interactions on equal terms and demand respectful treatment. In conflict situations with other pets, they prefer to sit back until peace and quiet are restored.

An important feature of the Selkirk Rex’s character is its tolerance and calmness. These cats are not prone to nervousness or stress, making them excellent companions for people with varying levels of activity. The Selkirk Rex happily participates in active play but also does not refuse a quiet rest on the couch. It is essential to remember that the Selkirk Rex needs regular interaction and attention, so owners should dedicate enough time to their pet. For elderly, less active owners, a laser pointer can be a solution. In this case, there’s no need to get up to pick up fallen toys; the curly one will be happy to chase the dot around.

It is recommended to accustom the Selkirk Rex to various situations and activities from a young age, ensuring it grows into a socially adapted and balanced animal. Socialization plays a crucial role in the formation of a cat’s character, so owners should pay special attention to this process. It is important for the Selkirk Rex to feel loved and protected; then it will become a loyal and devoted friend for many years.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for a Selkirk Rex requires specific attention, especially regarding the health of its coat. Due to its curly structure, the fur of a Selkirk Rex can become tangled, making regular brushing essential. Short-haired Selkirk Rexes should be brushed once a week, while long-haired ones need to be brushed twice a week to prevent matting and keep the coat in good condition. They should not be bathed often, only in cases of significant dirt. Otherwise, the natural protective layer is washed away, which can harm the cat’s health. Regular shampoos are unacceptable. It’s better to invest in a quality cat shampoo with minimal fragrances and dyes.

Regular hygiene procedures, such as cleaning the ears, eyes, and teeth, are also important parts of caring for a Selkirk Rex. The cat’s ears should be cleaned once a month, removing accumulated dirt and earwax. Before starting, gather all necessary items, wait for your cat to come to you, and gently pull back the edges of the ear to remove excess wax or dirt from the folds, without applying too much pressure to avoid damaging the eardrum or going too deep. The eyes should be checked daily, wiping away any discharge from the corners with a soft cloth dampened in warm water. This is dried tear residue and does not harm health. However, if there is a lot of discharge or the cat attempts to scratch its eye with its paw, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian promptly. Experienced breeders sometimes use black tea infusion to rinse the eyes, but inexperienced owners should avoid taking such risks. Teeth should be brushed several times a month. Pet stores offer a wide range of specialized cat toothpaste that can be selected based on age, breed, and other needs. Its main purpose is to prevent plaque and cavities. Various chew toys also serve a cleaning function, so
Selkirk Rexes need regular physical exercise to maintain good shape and prevent obesity. Playing with interactive toys, climbing on scratching posts, and engaging in other activities will help the cat stay physically fit. It’s important to provide the cat with enough toys and climbing structures to satisfy its activity levels at home. For owners who want to allow their cat to run while they are away, a cat exercise wheel is available. Depending on the age of the cat, the diameter of the wheel can vary.

Balanced nutrition is another key aspect of caring for a Selkirk Rex. These cats tend to gain weight, so it’s important to monitor the quantity and caloric content of their food. It is advised to choose high-quality holistic food appropriate for the cat’s age and activity level, and to provide plenty of fresh water. Commercial diets from low-end markets may not meet all the nutritional needs of the cat. Therefore, never skimp on your pet’s nutrition. It is important to consult a veterinarian for optimal dietary recommendations tailored to your pet’s individual needs.

Keeping a Selkirk Rex at home requires attention to detail and consistency in care, but doesn’t demand excessive effort. Regular veterinary visits, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are also essential aspects of caring for this breed. It’s important to monitor your cat’s health so it can provide you with companionship for many years.

Training and Education

A smart and clever cat that is easy to train-that’s what well-known breeders say. Training a Selkirk Rex can be an engaging process if approached correctly. It’s important to start training at an early age when the kitten is particularly receptive to new knowledge and skills.

Basic commands are learned after mastering the fundamental cat rules: the name and litter box training. Once the cat has moved to a new home, you can start teaching commands like “come” and “place.” This can begin as early as 3-4 months. Use positive reinforcement in the form of treats and praise to motivate the kitten to follow the command. It is essential to conduct training in a calm environment, free from distractions, so the kitten can focus fully on learning.

Socialization plays a key role in raising a Selkirk Rex. They should become accustomed to interacting with people and other animals to avoid potential issues in the future. Introduce the kitten to new people, objects, and situations so that it does not become skittish or aggressive in adulthood. The more diverse situations the kitten experiences in its early age, the more confident it will feel in the future. Of course, there’s no need to scare it intentionally. However, during thunder or when the vacuum cleaner is in use, it’s better to distract its attention with something else to avoid fear.

The Selkirk Rex loves to play and shows interest in various activities, so incorporating play elements into training will be particularly effective. For example, you can teach the cat to fetch a toy or perform simple tricks, such as jumping through a hoop or climbing a scratching post. It’s important to remember that training should be regular but not exhausting-the cat should enjoy the process.

When training a Selkirk Rex, it’s vital to consider its individual characteristics. Some cats may grasp new commands faster than others. Patience is essential, and do not force the cat to follow commands if it is tired or has lost interest. The best results are achieved when training takes place after sleeping and playing, but before feeding.

How to Choose a Kitten

Choosing a Selkirk Rex kitten requires attention to many nuances. First of all, pay attention to the health of the kitten. It should be active, with clean eyes, ears, and nose, showing no signs of illness. Its fur should be shiny, soft, and free from bald patches and mats. Breeders usually offer kittens for sale at around 12 weeks of age, when they have been vaccinated and are ready to move to a new home.

It is recommended to buy a kitten from a reputable breeder who can provide all the necessary documents confirming the animal’s lineage. You can find cat breeders online, paying attention to reviews and recommendations, which will help you choose a suitable breeder and understand the conditions for keeping the kittens. Note how the kittens behave there-they should be friendly, curious, and playful.

Consider the kitten’s temperament. Some kittens may be more active, while others are calm and balanced. Select one that fits your lifestyle and personality so you can spend comfortable time together. The kitten’s behavior when meeting you should show interest and a desire to interact.

Discuss the terms of sale with the breeder in advance. Cat breeders on the map can help you find the nearest option, so you can visit in person.

Health and Diseases

The Selkirk Rex is a breed known for its good health, but like any other breed, it has its own peculiarities and predispositions to certain diseases. One such condition can be hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which occurs in cats with a massive build. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help detect and prevent the progression of this disease in time. Don’t forget to request the results of genetic screening for this and other hereditary diseases. One such disease can also be polycystic kidney disease, which causes cysts to grow in the kidneys, significantly worsening the quality of life and potentially leading to death.

In addition, the Selkirk Rex may be prone to joint issues. Hip dysplasia is also hereditary and affects one of the hip joints. As practice shows, early detection and subsequent therapy and treatment can significantly ease the course of the disease. The cat experiences less severe pain and remains fairly active for many years.

Unfortunately, poor nutrition can have a severely negative impact on the liver, so it is advisable to select a special diet with reduced fat content for these cats.