Do Selkirk Rex cats shed a lot?

Shedding varies by individual, but the curly coat tends to trap loose hair rather than letting it scatter. Regular brushing is still needed to remove tangles and prevent mats from forming.

Is the Selkirk Rex suitable for allergy sufferers?

The Selkirk Rex is not considered hypoallergenic and produces the Fel d 1 protein that commonly triggers cat allergies. Those with sensitivities are advised to spend time with the breed in person before committing to ownership.

Can they live with other cats or dogs?

Thanks to their gentle and sociable nature, Selkirk Rex cats generally adapt well to living with other cats or calm dogs. As with any animals, a gradual introduction period is always recommended.

Which is more popular, shorthaired or longhaired?

Shorthaired Selkirks are more commonly available in Japan, though longhaired individuals are gaining popularity for their especially plush appearance. Both varieties share the same curly coat trait, but the longhaired type requires more frequent grooming.

Are the curls permanent? Is the trait hereditary?

The curls can change during kittenhood but typically stabilize in adulthood. The Selkirk Rex curl gene is dominant, meaning that even when crossed with a straight-haired cat, approximately 50% of kittens will inherit the curly coat.

Selkirk Rex

Plush teddy bear-like curly coat. Unlike other Rex breeds, has a sturdy round body. Calm and patient.

View Selkirk Rex encyclopedia →

Price Range: ￥150,000〜￥180,000

Limited Time Offer

First 3 sales - 0% commission!Register as a breeder by July 31, 2026 and your first 3 sales are commission-free!

Breeder Wanted!

List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!

Free registrationNo monthly feesCommission on sales only

4 Trust Pillars We Guarantee at Br-Choku

For all kitten listings, Breeder clearly disclose the following information. To ensure safe and transparent direct sales, Br-Choku requires these legally mandated items.

MicrochipRequired
Vaccinated
Health Checked
Pedigree Certified

* Microchip implants are now legally required for breeding businesses selling dogs and cats under the Animal Protection Law (effective June 2022).

Secure transaction guarantee

Dogs & cats only

Every br-choku transaction is covered by our transaction guarantee. If you cannot receive your pet, you will be fully refunded. A health guarantee also covers you after handover.

All breeds Scottish Fold4 Minuet1 Munchkin Ragdoll Siberian British Shorthair Norwegian Forest Cat Maine Coon Exotic Shorthair Bengal American Shorthair Persian

Filter

Price

Region

Has show resultsChampion titles

Attributes

0 items

Sort by

Verified breeders wanted for Cats

Breeders are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.

Browse the Cats encyclopedia

Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.

Browse other categories

Verified breeders (preview)

Are you raising cats?

Selkirk Rex key facts

Care level: Beginner-friendly
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Size: Weight 3-5kg
Diet: Complete nutrition cat food. Portion control to prevent obesity.
Temperament: Calm and patient. Affectionate but not clingy; nice balanced personality.
Exercise: Enjoys moderate play. Calm but likes playing with toys.
Coat Care: Curly coat prone to matting. Brush 2-3 times weekly.
Origin: United States
Notes: Risk of PKD. Watch for HCM.

TraitsBeginner-friendlyCurly coatTeddy bear-likeCalm

About Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex traces its origins to a single curly-coated kitten born at a Montana shelter in 1987. Developed through careful crossing with breeds such as the Persian and British Shorthair, it is distinct from other Rex breeds in that its curl results from a natural dominant mutation rather than a recessive one. The breed has a notably sturdy, rounded physique, with full cheeks and large round eyes that give it an unmistakably plush appearance. Both shorthaired and longhaired varieties exist, and each cat's curl pattern is uniquely its own. In temperament, the Selkirk Rex is calm, patient, and affectionate—comfortable in multi-pet households and family settings. Its easygoing nature makes it a manageable choice for first-time cat owners. With its teddy-bear looks and warm personality, the Selkirk Rex brings a distinctive, comforting presence to any home.

7 things to know before welcoming a Selkirk Rex

1Grooming the Curly Coat
The curly coat is prone to tangling, so brushing two to three times a week is recommended. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb and work gently to avoid stretching the curls. Long-haired Selkirks require extra attention to prevent matting.
2Sturdy Build and Exercise
Selkirk Rex cats are considerably more muscular than other Rex breeds, with adults often weighing between 4 and 6 kg. They prefer calm play over intense activity, but daily interactive sessions are still important to prevent weight gain. A cat tree and engaging toys help keep them active.
3Gentle, Social Temperament
Selkirk Rex cats are remarkably easygoing and patient, making them well-suited to households with children or other animals. They enjoy companionship and are affectionate without being demanding. Their calm disposition makes them a good fit for quieter home environments.
4Genetic Health Considerations
Due to crossbreeding with Persians and British Shorthairs, Selkirk Rex cats can be predisposed to polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). When purchasing from a breeder, ask whether genetic screening has been performed. Regular veterinary checkups are strongly advised.
5Coat Changes in Kittenhood
Selkirk Rex kittens are born with curls, but the coat may temporarily loosen or appear almost straight around six months of age. This is a normal part of development, and the characteristic curls usually return as the cat matures. Coat texture varies significantly between individuals.

Frequently asked questions about Selkirk Rex

Q.Do Selkirk Rex cats shed a lot?: A.Shedding varies by individual, but the curly coat tends to trap loose hair rather than letting it scatter. Regular brushing is still needed to remove tangles and prevent mats from forming.
Q.Is the Selkirk Rex suitable for allergy sufferers?: A.The Selkirk Rex is not considered hypoallergenic and produces the Fel d 1 protein that commonly triggers cat allergies. Those with sensitivities are advised to spend time with the breed in person before committing to ownership.

Useful tools for Selkirk Rex care

🧮Care Cost SimulatorEstimate initial, monthly & annual costs by category, care level and quantity 🎯Pet Match DiagnosticAnswer 7 questions to find your top 3 perfect pets 📋Lifetime Cost SimulatorEstimate lifespan and lifetime costs by species for dogs, cats, reptiles and more 🚚Transport Safety CheckerCheck transport safety score and precautions by category, season, method and distance 🏠Multi-Pet Budget PlannerPlan budget for multiple pets with shared and individual cost breakdown

Learn more about Selkirk Rex in the encyclopedia

View Selkirk Rex encyclopedia entry →

Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

For Breeders

Selkirk Rex

4 Trust Pillars We Guarantee at Br-Choku

Secure transaction guarantee

Filter

Filter

Verified breeders wanted for Cats

Browse other categories

Verified breeders (preview)

Selkirk Rex key facts

About Selkirk Rex

7 things to know before welcoming a Selkirk Rex

Frequently asked questions about Selkirk Rex

Useful tools for Selkirk Rex care

Learn more about Selkirk Rex in the encyclopedia

More in this category