Selkirk Rex Cat: The Curly "Sheep Cat" and Its Price

The story of the Selkirk Rex begins in 1987, in the state of Montana. Among a litter of kittens taken in at a shelter, one little female caught everyone's attention: her coat wasn't sleek like her littermates', but wavy, almost frizzy. This quirk was the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation, entirely natural and never seen before.

This curly-coated kitten was entrusted to a Persian breeder, who decided to include her in a breeding program. By crossing her with Persians, the breeder hoped to fix the signature curl while giving the breed a round, harmonious silhouette. The result exceeded all expectations: kittens with a curly coat, a sturdy build, and a remarkably gentle temperament. The name "Selkirk" was chosen in honor of a region dear to the breeder, while "Rex," in the feline world, refers to breeds with a curly or wavy coat.

Over the years, other breeds like the Exotic Shorthair and the British Shorthair were introduced to broaden the genetic pool and strengthen the breed's overall soundness. The Selkirk Rex gradually earned recognition from major feline federations, quickly winning over enthusiasts with its one-of-a-kind look and easygoing nature.

While its looks catch the eye instantly, it's the Selkirk Rex's temperament that truly makes it an exceptional companion. This cat is known for being patient, affectionate, and tolerant. Far from the image of the aloof, independent feline, it actively seeks out human company and cherishes shared moments of tenderness.

Inheriting the calm of the Persian and the steadiness of the British Shorthair, the Selkirk Rex has a balanced, easygoing personality. It can be playful, but never overly excitable: this is a laid-back cat that enjoys watching its surroundings and tagging along with its humans through their daily routines. Its natural patience makes it a wonderful companion for families with children, as well as for households with other pets.

Affectionate without being clingy, it loves curling up on laps and won't hesitate to ask for its daily dose of petting. Its sociable, gentle nature also makes it a cat that adapts well to apartment living, as long as it gets regular attention and a stimulating environment.

The Selkirk Rex is a large cat, with solid muscle and a sturdy frame. Its stocky, rounded body, inherited from its Persian and British Shorthair ancestors, gives it a substantial yet well-balanced build. But it's obviously the coat that makes it instantly recognizable.

Its fur is curly and dense, forming soft waves all over the body. The curls are especially pronounced around the neck, belly, and tail. A charming, distinctive detail: even the whiskers are curly, adding to its living-plush-toy charm. The Selkirk Rex comes in both short-haired and long-haired varieties, in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Its head is round, with large, expressive, well-spaced eyes that give it a sweet, endearing expression. In terms of longevity, the Selkirk Rex generally enjoys good health, with a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. Its distinctive coat does require special care, though: regular, gentle brushing helps keep the curls springy without breaking or matting them.

Curious about your cat's age in human years? Our tool calculates it instantly.

In the cat breeding market, a Selkirk Rex typically costs between $800 and $1,500. This range reflects prices commonly seen among breeders and can vary based on several factors.

• Bloodline: a kitten from award-winning parents or bred for showing will fall at the higher end of the range.
• Coat and fur type: certain colors, rare patterns, or the long-haired variety can affect the price.
• Breeder credentials: how reputable the breeder is, the health screenings performed, official pedigree registration, and the care given to the kittens all account for differences in price.

Let's be clear about one thing: Le Félin does not sell cats. These figures are given purely for informational purposes, to help you understand typical breeder pricing. Our mission is different: we equip your four-legged companions with quality accessories to give them the best possible comfort and quality of life.

Welcoming a Selkirk Rex means preparing your home to meet the needs of a cuddly, laid-back, large-sized cat. Here are some practical tips to get you started.

• A cozy resting spot: this affectionate cat loves lounging around and napping for long stretches. Give it a soft, warm corner to curl up in undisturbed. Our spacious, comfortable cat beds are perfectly suited to the Selkirk Rex's generous build.
• A sturdy cat tree: its large size calls for solid, stable structures with wide platforms so it can survey its surroundings from up high.
• Suitable scratching posts: essential for protecting your furniture and letting your cat keep its claws in shape naturally.
• A cat water fountain: it encourages your companion to stay hydrated, a real plus for kidney and urinary health.
• Gentle grooming tools: brushes and combs suited to curly fur, to maintain that distinctive coat without damaging it.

By creating a comfortable, stimulating environment, you'll give your Selkirk Rex everything it needs to truly thrive by your side.

With its plush coat, gentle nature, and soothing presence, the Selkirk Rex is a companion that leaves no one indifferent. Patient, affectionate, and tolerant, it's sure to delight cat lovers looking for a tender, one-of-a-kind feline. If this breed has won you over, why not continue exploring other cats? Check out the cat breed family tree to better understand the fascinating connections between our four-legged companions, and maybe find the breed that will steal your heart.

Related breeds to discover: Cornish Rex and Sphynx.

The essentials about the Selkirk Rex at a glance: