The Selkirk Rex has several characteristics of the Persian or the British Shorthair, from which it descends. However, its great peculiarity is physical, with clearly visible curls or waves, depending on whether it is the short-haired or the long-haired variety. Moreover, he seems to have taken all the qualities of his ancestors without their faults. This makes him an exceptional cat that will satisfy his whole family. He is both cheerful, lively and calm, but also playful and tender.
Breed History
The Selkirk Rex comes straight from the United States. It is a fairly recent breed, dating from 1987. Miss DePesto, a cat with a curly coat, was found in Wyoming. She was given to Jeri Newman, a well-known breeder of Persians. Mixed with these, the cat gave birth to young with curly hair, both in the guard hair and the undercoat, so that the appearance of this breed is reminiscent of a sheep.
This cat was also coupled with the Exotic Shorthair, the American Shorthair and the British Shorthair to perfect this transformation and this mutation. The name Selkirk Rex is, according to sources, a tribute paid to the breeder’s father-in-law or to the Selkirk Mountains, near which the breed was born.
Physical peculiarities
His body: The Selkirk Rex has a rectangular and particularly muscular body. Shoulders and hip are slightly rounded. He has a strong frame. Her body shows smooth lines.
His hair: The Selkirk Rex comes in 2 varieties. The short-haired variety and the long-haired one. The first has a short coat, embellished with dense curls, particularly at the level of the neck, throat and belly. The second variety has medium to long and very curly fur. Each loop is independent. Note that the hairs at the level of the collar are longer.
Its color: The Selkirk Rex standard accepts all colors and patterns.
His head: That of the Selkirk Rex is round, quite wide and with rounded contours. He has full cheeks. The nose is rather short, but wide and a slight stop is allowed by the standard. The chin is strong.
His eyes: They are large and wide open, but also rounded. They give the Selkirk Rex an expression of softness. Gloss is preferred by the standard.
His ears: They are medium in size, quite wide at the base. Their end is slightly rounded. Note that the distance between the ears is significant.
Its tail: It measures about 2 thirds of the body and is thick at the base.
Feed
The Selkirk Rex is not picky about food. His diet based on high quality croquettes or mash is more than enough. As he can be overweight, his daily rations should be monitored.
