Selkirk Rex Cat: Curly Coat Mix Identification

Key Visual Markers

• Dense, plush curly coat with loose individual curls — the curls are most prominent on the neck, belly, and tail; the coat is thick and plush like sheepskin, covering the entire body including the belly; whiskers are thick, crinkled, and curly
• Round, wide head with full cheeks, a short blunt muzzle, and prominent whisker pads — the CFA calls it "round and full with a distinct whisker break"; the muzzle is broad and square, giving the face a sweet, open expression
• Large, round eyes set wide apart in gold, copper, blue-green, or odd-eyed — the large, round eye shape contributes to the breed's soft, gentle expression; eye color depends on coat color
• Medium-sized, wide-set ears with rounded tips — set near the top and sides of the round head, following the round contours; moderate furnishings inside the ear
• Heavy-boned, muscular, rectangular body — the CFA standard says "large and heavy with substantial bone structure"; the body feels solid and dense, with a broad chest and medium-length, thick legs
• Medium-to-thick tapering tail with the same loose curls as the body — proportionally medium in length, carried at back level or slightly lowered

How to Tell If Your Cat Is a Selkirk Rex (or Selkirk Rex Mix)

Think your cat might be a Selkirk Rex or Selkirk Rex mix? Check these visual markers:

• Dense, plush curly coat with loose individual curls — most prominent on the neck, belly, and tail, with a thick sheepskin feel covering the entire body; even the whiskers are thick, crinkled, and curly, a marker mixes often inherit
• Round, wide head with full cheeks — a short, blunt, broad muzzle and prominent whisker pads give the face a sweet, open expression quite different from the elfin look of other curly breeds
• Large, round eyes set wide apart — gold, copper, blue-green, or odd-eyed depending on coat color, contributing to the breed’s soft, gentle expression
• Heavy-boned, muscular, rectangular body — large and solid with a broad chest and medium-length thick legs; mixes frequently keep the substantial, dense feel when picked up
• Medium-to-thick tapering tail with loose curls — carried at back level or slightly lowered, with the same plush curl as the body

Not sure about visual markers? Upload a photo to Furriq's breed identifier and let AI check 40+ traits in seconds.

Not sure where to start? How to tell what breed your cat is walks through the full visual identification process.

Temperament & Traits

• Calm, patient, and laid-back — the most easygoing of all the Rex breeds; not as hyperactive or demanding as Devon or Cornish Rex
• Affectionate and tolerant — enjoys being held and handled; the breed is famously patient with children and gentle with other pets
• Playful but not demanding — enjoys interactive play sessions but is equally happy lounging on a lap or nearby
• Quiet voice — communicates with soft meows and chirps; not a demanding vocalizer
• Adaptable — adjusts well to new environments, visitors, and changes in routine
• Moderate energy — needs daily play but settles quickly into lap time and naps

Health Notes

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — reported in the breed; regular echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) — inherited from historical Persian outcrossing in the breed's development; DNA testing available and recommended before breeding
• Patellar luxation — kneecap dislocation seen in some Selkirk Rex lines; ranges from occasional skipping to lameness requiring surgical correction
• Cherry eye (prolapsed nictitating membrane) — reported more often in Selkirk Rex than in many other breeds; requires veterinary treatment to prevent chronic irritation
• Obesity — the breed's laid-back nature and love of food make weight management a priority throughout life
• Seborrhea and skin infections — the dense curly coat can trap oils; regular gentle bathing helps prevent greasy buildup and skin irritation

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.

Care & Grooming

• Coat grooming — comb gently once or twice a week without over-brushing, which flattens the curls; the dense coat can trap oils, so an occasional gentle bath prevents greasy buildup and skin irritation
• Diet — this laid-back breed loves food and gains weight easily; feed measured portions, limit treats, and monitor body condition monthly
• Exercise and play — moderate energy means short daily interactive play sessions are enough; the breed settles quickly into lap time and naps afterward
• Eye care — check the eyes weekly; cherry eye (prolapsed nictitating membrane) is reported more often in this breed and needs prompt veterinary attention to prevent chronic irritation
• Environmental needs — Selkirk Rex are famously adaptable and tolerant; they handle visitors, routine changes, and handling well, making them easy companions for calm family homes
• Health monitoring — ask breeders for HCM echocardiogram screening and PKD DNA results (inherited from historical Persian outcrossing), keep weight down to protect knees prone to patellar luxation, and schedule annual checkups

Frequently Asked Questions