Selkirk Rex

Other names : Longhair Selkirk Rex, Sheep Cat

Photo: adult cat of Selkirk Rex breed
© Iwona Sikorska / Shutterstock
Photo: adult cat of Selkirk Rex breed

The Selkirk Rex is a different breed to the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, as their curls are not genetically identical. Also, they have significantly more hair than their Devon/Cornish counterparts. Their hair is also different to LaPerms, as their coat is more reminiscent of that of a sheep, thanks to the shape of their curls. Therefore it is unsurprising that they gained the nickname “Sheep Cat” !

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Life expectancy

The Selkirk Rex has a life expectancy of between 12 and 20 years

Temperament

Adult size

Female Between 12 and 12 in
Male Between 12 and 13 in

Adult weight

Female Between 7 and 9 lb
Male Between 9 and 13 lb
Coat colour
Black Brown White Red Cream Blue
Type of coat
Short Long
Eye colour
Blue
Green
Yellow

Purchase price

The Selkirk Rex costs between £300 and £600

Good to know

Their curls vary depending on the season, their age and also their hormones. Also, it is not until the age of two that their curls start to take on their adult appearance. 

Their whiskers are also curly.

More details about the Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex: Origins and history

In 1987 in Wyoming, USA, a naturally curly haired kitten was born, who was named “Pesto of No Face”. She crossbred with a Persian and gave birth to six kittens. As three of them had curly hair, this proved that the gene responsible for their curly hair was a dominant gene, (unlike in breeds such as the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex). Further crossbreeding proved that the mother carried both the short hair gene and the long hair gene. So, when the breed was officially recognised, both the "Shorthair" and the "Longhair" Selkirk Rex were acknowledged.

The Selkirk Rex did not arrive in Europe until 1990 and it still remains a rare breed.

Selkirk Rex: Purchase price

On average, a Selkirk Rex kitten costs between £300 and £600. This price may vary depending on their breeder, lineage, age at purchase and even their sex. 
It costs on average £25 / month to provide for a Selkirk Rex.

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