Selkirk Rex Cat Breed: Short Haired, Long Haired & Variant Guide

The Selkirk Rex is a relatively new and fascinating cat breed that first appeared in 1987. Unlike many other Rex breeds, such as the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, where all cats share a similar appearance, the Selkirk Rex displays a remarkable variety in coat types. This breed can be short haired or long haired, both featuring the breed’s signature loosely curled or ringletted coat, while some purebred Selkirk Rex cats have straight hair and are known as the "Selkirk Rex variants." To understand how such diversity exists within the same breed, we need to explore both the breed’s history and its unique genetics.

Historical Origins of the Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex story begins in Montana, USA, in 1987, with a dilute tortoiseshell kitten named Miss DePesto. Her thick, curly coat set her apart from her siblings, inspiring Jeri Newman, a Persian breeder keen on genetics, to develop a new breed. Newman bred Miss DePesto with Persians to accentuate the coat's plush curl and to create a robust yet larger-headed cat, resulting in a litter of both curly and straight-haired kittens. This early crossbreeding showed that the curly coat gene is dominant, and outcrosses to Persians, Exotics, and British Shorthairs remain permitted to this day. Since the breed carries genes for both hair lengths, distinct short and long-haired Selkirk Rex are routinely seen and accepted by major registries like TICA (1994), CFA (2000), and GCCF (2009).

Genetics Behind the Curly Coat and Variant Types

The distinctive curl of the Selkirk Rex comes from a dominant gene, which means just one copy is sufficient to express the curly coat. If we name the curly gene "C" and the straight-haired gene "s," each kitten will inherit two copies, resulting in CC, Cs, or ss genotypes. Cats with CC or Cs have curly hair, but the degree of curl may vary—with CC cats (homozygotes) often having tighter curls and a lighter build compared to the Cs cats (heterozygotes). Straight-haired kittens, or "variants," carry two copies of the straight-haired gene (ss) and lack the curly coat but retain all other Selkirk Rex breed characteristics, including personality and build. For breeders and owners alike, recognising these differences is essential, especially if showing the cat, as variants may be ineligible for the show ring.

Identifying Coat Types in Kittens

Determining a Selkirk Rex kitten’s future coat type isn’t straightforward early on. However, a useful clue lies in their whiskers: curly whiskers indicate a curly coat, while straight whiskers suggest a variant straight-haired cat. This important distinction helps prospective owners and breeders select for their preferred coat type and prepare for grooming needs. Whether short or long-haired, the Selkirk Rex’s coat demands relatively low grooming effort compared to many other breeds.

How Selkirk Rex Compares with Other Rex Breeds

Besides the Selkirk Rex, other Rex breeds like the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex have recessive genes for their unique coats, necessitating two copies of the gene for the curly coat to manifest. This results in straight-haired offspring when outcrossing. In contrast, breeds such as the LaPerm and American Wirehair have dominant mutations like the Selkirk Rex, so straight-coated variants can also occur in these breeds. This genetic difference highlights why Selkirk Rex kittens display such coat variety even within the same litter.

Choosing and Caring for Your Selkirk Rex

When choosing a Selkirk Rex, it’s important to understand the limited availability of breeders, which might restrict kitten options. Despite coat differences, all Selkirk Rex cats tend to inherit the gentle, easygoing temperament of their Persian, Exotic, and British Shorthair ancestors, making them affectionate and relaxed companions. Their unique coats, whether curly or variant straight, are soft and generally low-maintenance, requiring just occasional grooming. Selecting a Selkirk Rex from a reputable Selkirk Rex breeder ensures ethical breeding practices and a healthy, well-socialised kitten, setting the foundation for a lifelong friendship.

Responsible Breeding and Ownership

It’s vital to promote responsible acquisition and care of Selkirk Rex cats. Always seek breeders who prioritise health screening, genetic testing, and socialisation to avoid health issues common in pedigree cats. Providing your Selkirk Rex with a balanced diet, regular veterinary care, environmental enrichment, and gentle socialisation will support their wellbeing and happy temperament.

Conclusion

The Selkirk Rex stands out as a breed with unique genetic diversity allowing short haired, long haired, and variant straight haired cats to co-exist within the breed. This diversity adds charm and choice but can complicate expectations around appearance. Regardless of coat type, the Selkirk Rex offers a loving, laid-back companion, ideally suited to a calm and caring home environment. For those charmed by their quirky curls or soft plush coats, the Selkirk Rex can be a delightful addition to your family.