At a glance the quick version
CFA gives males 12-15 lb (about 5.4-6.8 kg) with females somewhat smaller; GCCF gives 9-16 lb (about 4.1-7.3 kg) for the breed. Female range here is the lower part of the GCCF range.
Coat and looks how to spot one
curly coat, in shorthair and longhair
A solid, well-muscled cat with heavy bone, a round full-cheeked head and big round eyes. Its trademark is a coat of loose, random curls that grow in clumps rather than neat waves, with curly whiskers too. Shorthairs look plush and teddy-like, while longhairs can grow long ringlets.123
Personality what they are like
Relaxed, loving and happy to be handled, with a goofy side that comes out in sudden bursts of play. Selkirks like to be near their people, mix well with children and other animals, and tend to stay on the ground rather than climb to the highest shelf.123
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. Enjoys daily games and toy chasing but is content to relax between sessions.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Care varies by coat. CFA says the curls need little more than a gentle finger fluff and occasional combing, and rarely tangle. GCCF advises that longhairs benefit from daily work with a wide-toothed comb, and some cats need an occasional bath if the coat gets oily. Avoid over-brushing, which can flatten the curls.123
Company who they like around
A people-oriented cat that enjoys company and usually accepts children and other household pets.12
The story where it all began
In Montana in the late 1980s, a rescued cat gave birth to a kitten with a permed-looking coat. Persian breeder Jeri Newman adopted her, named her Miss DePesto, and bred her to a black Persian; half the litter had curls, proving the gene was dominant. Crosses with Persians, Exotics and British Shorthairs built the breed, which was named after Newman's stepfather.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is the only cat breed named after a real person, Jeri Newman's stepfather.1
- 2
The foundation cat, Miss DePesto, was named after a curly-haired character in the TV series Moonlighting.3
- 3
Unlike Cornish and Devon Rex curls, the Selkirk's curl comes from a dominant gene, so one curly parent can produce curly kittens.3
- 4
The breed first reached the UK from Austria in 2002.2
Recognised by the official bits
- TICA
- Recognised 19923
- ACFA
- Recognised 19983
- CFA
- Accepted for registration 1992; championship status 20001
- GCCF
- Preliminary recognition 2004; championship status June 20092
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Selkirk Rex. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingA soft glove or cloth, the coat is delicateevery 2 weeks
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Selkirk Rex, and at what times?
Feeding frequency and times vary with your cat's age, size and routine, so follow the food label and your vet's advice. Most adult cats do well with two meals a day at consistent times. Kittens need more frequent meals, so ask your vet for a schedule.
What should a Selkirk Rex eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a balanced commercial cat food that suits their life stage, and check the label for amounts. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, alcohol, yeast dough, and xylitol, as listed by ASPCA. Always ask your vet about any specific diet concerns.4
Does a Selkirk Rex need baths?
Baths are only needed occasionally if the coat gets oily or dirty, as some cats may require them. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests gentle care with a soft glove or cloth for brushing. Over-bathing can strip natural oils, so keep it rare and ask your vet if unsure.2 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Selkirk Rex need brushing?
Brushing depends on coat length: shorthairs need a gentle finger fluff or occasional combing, while longhairs benefit from daily wide-toothed combing. Avoid over-brushing as it can flatten the curls, and Furry Diary suggests brushing every 14 days with a soft glove.12 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Selkirk Rex's claws, and how often?
Trim claws gently every three weeks, using a cat nail clipper and avoiding the quick. Start with one or two claws per session to keep it stress-free, as ASPCA advises. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you the technique.5 Furry Diary plan
How much play does a Selkirk Rex need?
Selkirk Rex enjoys daily play sessions with toys and chasing, but is content to relax between games. Furry Diary suggests daily play to keep them happy and engaged. Their goofy bursts of energy make playtime fun for both of you.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Selkirk Rex's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily if possible, as Furry Diary suggests every two days as a starting point, using a vet-approved toothpaste. Check ears weekly for dirt or wax and clean gently with a soft cloth, but avoid deep cleaning. For any concerns, ask your vet. Furry Diary plan
How long does a Selkirk Rex live?
A Selkirk Rex typically lives around 15 years, which is a good lifespan for a cat. With proper care, regular vet checks and a loving home, they can enjoy a long, happy life. Senior years usually start around age 11, so adjust care then.2 Furry Diary plan
Is a Selkirk Rex good with children and other pets?
Yes, Selkirk Rex is relaxed, loving and mixes well with children and other animals, making them a great family pet. They enjoy being near people and are happy to be handled. Their gentle nature helps them adapt to a busy household.12
Can a Selkirk Rex be left alone?
Selkirk Rex is people-oriented and prefers company, so they may not do well alone for long periods. They can cope with short absences if they have toys and a comfortable space, but daily interaction is important. If you're away often, consider a pet sitter or another pet.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- CFA: Selkirk Rex cfa.orgused for history, recognition, body, weight, coat, colours, temperament, grooming
- GCCF: Selkirk Rex gccfcats.orgused for history, UK recognition, weight, lifespan, grooming, temperament
- Wikipedia: Selkirk Rex en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition dates, genetics, fun facts
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.