Selkirk Rex Cat: The Curly "Sheep Cat" and Its Price
Picture a cat that looks like a plush toy fresh out of the dryer: a curly, dense, soft-as-can-be coat, whiskers that crinkle, and a round, kind gaze. The Selkirk Rex, aptly nicknamed the "plush toy cat," is arguably one of the most endearing and unusual breeds in the cat world. Behind those irresistible curls is a companion of rare gentleness, patient and deeply cuddly. Let's get to know this one-of-a-kind cat, from its surprising history to the best way to welcome one into your home.
Origins and History of the Selkirk Rex
The story of the Selkirk Rex begins in 1987 in Montana. In a litter of kittens taken in at a shelter, one little female stood out: 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.
The curly-coated cat was handed over to a Persian breeder, who decided to include her in a breeding program. By crossing her with Persians, the breeder hoped to fix the famous curl while giving the breed a round, well-balanced build. The results exceeded expectations: kittens with curly coats, sturdy bodies, and a remarkably gentle temperament. The name "Selkirk" was chosen as a tribute to a region dear to the breeder, while "Rex" refers, in the cat world, to breeds with curly or wavy coats.
Over the years, other breeds such as the Exotic Shorthair and the British Shorthair were introduced to broaden the gene pool and strengthen the breed's hardiness. The Selkirk Rex was gradually recognized by the major cat associations, quickly winning over enthusiasts with its unique look and placid nature.
Selkirk Rex Personality and Temperament
While its looks catch the eye right away, it's the temperament that makes the Selkirk Rex an exceptional companion. This cat is known for being patient, cuddly, and tolerant. Far from the aloof, independent cat stereotype, it actively seeks out human company and enjoys shared moments of affection.
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Having inherited the calm of the Persian and the steadiness of the British Shorthair, the Selkirk Rex has a balanced, placid personality. It can be playful, but never overly so or hyperactive: this is a laid-back cat that likes to watch its surroundings and keep its humans company through their daily routines. Its natural patience makes it an excellent companion for families with children, as well as for homes with other pets.
Affectionate without being clingy, it loves lap cuddles and won't hesitate to ask for its daily dose of pets. Its sociable, gentle nature also means it adapts well to apartment living, as long as it gets regular attention and a stimulating environment.
Selkirk Rex Size, Weight, and Appearance
The Selkirk Rex is a large cat with solid muscle and a sturdy frame. Its stocky, rounded body, inherited from its Persian and British ancestors, gives it a substantial, well-balanced look. 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 and distinctive detail: even the whiskers are curly, adding to its living-plush-toy appeal. The Selkirk Rex comes in both shorthair and longhair versions, and in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Its head is round, with large, expressive, wide-set eyes that give it a sweet, endearing look. As for longevity, the Selkirk Rex is generally in good health, with a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. Its special coat does call for the right care, though: regular but gentle brushing keeps the curls supple without breaking or tangling them.
Curious about your cat's age in human years? Our tool calculates it instantly.
How Much Does a Selkirk Rex Cost?
Among cat breeders, the price of a Selkirk Rex averages between €800 and €1,500 (about $880 to $1,650). This range reflects prices seen on the market and can vary depending on several factors.
- Bloodline: a kitten from award-winning parents or bred for showing will fall at the high end of the range.
- Coat color and type: certain colors, rare patterns, or the longhair variety can affect the price.
- The breeder: a professional's reputation, the health tests performed, pedigree registration (LOOF), and the care given to the kittens all justify price differences.
It's important to be clear on this: Le Félin does not sell cats. These figures are purely indicative, to help you understand typical breeder prices. Our purpose is something else entirely: we equip your four-legged companions with quality accessories to give them the best possible comfort.
Welcoming and Equipping a Selkirk Rex
Welcoming a Selkirk Rex means preparing your home for the needs of a cuddly, laid-back, large cat. Here are a few practical tips to get started.
- A cozy resting spot: this affectionate cat loves to lounge and spend long stretches dozing. Give it a soft, warm corner to curl up in peacefully. Our spacious, comfortable cat beds are a great fit for the Selkirk Rex's generous build.
- A sturdy cat tree: its large size calls for solid, stable structures with wide platforms so it can watch its surroundings from up high.
- The right scratching posts: essential for protecting your furniture and letting your cat maintain its claws naturally.
- A cat water fountain: it encourages your companion to drink regularly, a real plus for kidney and urinary health.
- Gentle grooming tools: brushes and combs suited to curly fur, to care for its unique coat without damaging it.
By setting up a comfortable, stimulating environment, you give your Selkirk Rex everything it needs to thrive by your side.
With its plush-toy coat, gentle nature, and soothing presence, the Selkirk Rex is a companion nobody can ignore. Patient, cuddly, and tolerant, it will delight cat lovers looking for a tender, original cat. If this breed won you over, why not keep exploring other cats? Browse the cat breed family tree to better understand the fascinating links between our four-legged companions and, perhaps, find the breed that makes your heart skip a beat.
Similar breeds to explore: Cornish Rex and Sphynx.
Gear for a Selkirk Rex: our recommendations
The Selkirk Rex is all about warmth and calm. A radiator cat bed, an enclosed cave, or a high-sided cat bed will suit them better than a large cat tree.
- Radiator Cat Bed: natural wood, hangs on the radiator with no tools, €39.99 (about $44)
- Cat Cave: enclosed bed, 35 cm (14 in) tall, cozy cocoon feel, €44.99 (about $49)
- White Cat Bed: ribbed plush fabric, high sides, €39.99 (about $44)
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Selkirk Rex Fact Sheet
The essentials on the Selkirk Rex at a glance:
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States (Montana), 1987 (crossed with the Persian) |
| Size | Males 4-7 kg (9-15 lb), females 3-6 kg (7-13 lb) |
| Life expectancy | 13-16 years |
| Coat | Curly "sheep cat" coat (short or long hair) |
| Temperament | Calm, affectionate, patient, sociable |
| Distinctive trait / health | Curly hair all the way to the whiskers; Persian heritage = watch for PKD (kidneys) and HCM (heart) |
| Typical price | €800 to €1,500 (about $880 to $1,650) |
Le FélinTop Picks
Setting up your Selkirk Rex
A Selkirk Rex doesn't need much: a warm spot to rest those curls and a corner all their own. Here's how to round out their setup.
- 01
A cozy hanging pod that soaks up the heat once the cold sets in€39.99 (about $44) - 02
A semi-enclosed cat bed for cats who love to hide€44.99 (about $49) - 03
A natural wood cat teepee, stable on any surface€59.99 (about $66)
📚 Sources and References
- LOOF (Livre Officiel des Origines Félines). Breed standard: Selkirk Rex. https://loof.asso.fr
- TICA (The International Cat Association). Selkirk Rex Breed. https://tica.org
- CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association). Selkirk Rex Breed Profile. https://cfa.org
- FIFé (Fédération Internationale Féline). Selkirk Rex: Breed Standard. https://fifeweb.org
- International Cat Care. Selkirk Rex. https://icatcare.org
Frequently Asked Questions About the Selkirk Rex
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The Selkirk Rex is a patient, cuddly, and tolerant cat that actively seeks out human company and loves sharing affectionate moments. It has a balanced, placid temperament, inherited from the calm of Persians and the steadiness of British Shorthairs. Its natural patience makes it an excellent companion for families with children as well as for homes with other pets.
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The Selkirk Rex is a large cat with solid muscles and a sturdy bone structure, with a stocky, rounded body. Its dense, curly coat forms soft waves all over the body, especially noticeable around the neck, belly, and tail. A charming detail: even its whiskers are curly, and its round head with big, expressive eyes gives it a sweet, endearing look.
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A Selkirk Rex costs on average between €800 and €1,500 (about $880 to $1,650), a range that can vary depending on the bloodline, coat color, or coat type of the kitten. A kitten from award-winning parents or intended for showing will generally fall at the high end of this range. Please note that Le Félin does not sell cats; this information is provided as a guide to help you get your bearings in the cat breeder market.
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Yes, the Selkirk Rex adapts well to apartment living thanks to its sociable, gentle nature, as long as it gets regular attention and a stimulating environment. Affectionate without being clingy, it loves cuddles and isn't shy about asking for its daily dose of pets. Its natural tolerance also makes it an ideal companion in homes with other pets.
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