A new and unusual natural breed, the Selkirk Rex is a cat that is as interesting as it is unique. Originating from the fusion of a cat named Miss DePesto and a Persian cat from Montana, the first Selkirk Rex kitten was praised for its signature curly hair and long haired varieties. Today, the Selkirk Rex is a treasured cat breed for families, retired folks, and singles with other pets. This is because the Selkirk Rex is exceptionally playful and affectionate, never ceasing to amaze with its spontaneous personality. The name of the breed, rex meaning ‘curly’ in animal nomenclature, and Selkirk after the Selkirk mountain range, reveals a lot about the breed. The cat’s characteristic curly coat is perhaps the most adored feature of the breed. While they may appear to be scruffy or untamed, many people like this coat variation because of their resemblance to a teddy bear. This cat is also formidable for first-time cat owners since their temperament is usually mellow and maintain a wide range of typical cat characteristics—a certain friskiness genetic from their untamed half, and a reserved, observant tendency from their more sophisticated Persian cat derivative. Color is another factor that makes the Selkirk Rex fun and unpredictable! Selkirks come in any cat color possible, ranging from tabby to smoke to mink. Unlike other Rex breeds, such as the Devon Rex and the Cornish Rex, Selkirk Rexes come in long and short haired varieties. This special trait does not vary in the lush texture of the fur, however. All Selkirk Rexes should have soft, plushy clumps of curls and their fur should not be close-lying, giving them a specially furry appearance. Also, a very important feature in a Selkirk Rex is in its torso. It should always meet the qualifications of medium to large in size, muscular, and have a well-balanced weight distribution.
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