A plush “cat in sheep's clothing” with soft curls.
Origin
United States
Weight
6–16 lb (2.7–7.3 kg)
Lifespan
10–15 years
Coat
Curly, plush coat — short or long
Energy
Moderate
Where it comes from
United States
Highlighted in the Selkirk Rex's coat color on the map.
Overview
The Selkirk Rex is a sturdy, rounded breed with a distinctive curly coat that gives it a plush, tousled, teddy-bear look, earning the nickname “cat in sheep's clothing.” Its curls appear in both short and long-coated varieties.
Patient, tolerant, and affectionate, the Selkirk Rex is a laid-back, cuddly companion that enjoys being close to its family. It is playful in gentle bursts and bonds warmly, combining a mellow temperament with an endearing, huggable coat.
History
The Selkirk Rex began in 1987 in Montana, when a curly-coated kitten appeared in a shelter litter due to a natural mutation. Unlike other rex breeds, its curl comes from a dominant gene, and it was developed with Persian and shorthair crosses.
Temperament
The Selkirk Rex is easygoing, loving, and sociable, generally good with children and other pets. It is patient and cuddly, bonding warmly with its family and enjoying gentle play and companionship.
Health to watch
Inherited from Persian ancestry, PKD can occur; a DNA test and monitoring support early management.
This common feline heart disease occurs in the breed; periodic cardiac screening helps catch it early.
The curly coat can bring oily skin; gentle grooming and occasional bathing keep it comfortable.
General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every cat is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.
Care essentials
The curly coat needs gentle regular grooming; over-brushing can straighten the curls, so comb carefully.
This affectionate breed enjoys company and gentle interaction with its family.
Its sturdy build can gain weight; measured meals and play keep the Selkirk Rex fit.
XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.