A Selkirk Rex Longhair is a medium to large cat breed distinguished by a soft, noticeably curly coat that gives the cat a uniquely plush appearance. Unlike most rex breeds with their fine, close-lying curls, the Selkirk Rex Longhair displays fuller, looser curls throughout a dense, fluffy coat that extends to longer face-framing ruffs and a plumy tail. The breed originated in Montana in 1987 from a single unusually coated kitten named Miss DiPesto, who carried a dominant gene for the curly coat that breeders selectively developed into today’s breed standard.
These cats are defined by more than just appearance—they’re known for being loving, patient, and affectionate companions with a calm, laid-back personality. Males typically weigh between 12 and 15 pounds, making them substantial but not oversized cats. If you’re considering a Selkirk Rex Longhair, this article covers everything you need to know: their distinctive physical characteristics, what their personality is like, specific health considerations, grooming requirements, and how to evaluate whether this breed is right for your household.
Table of Contents
- Where Did the Selkirk Rex Longhair Originate?
- What Does a Selkirk Rex Longhair Look Like?
- What Is the Personality of a Selkirk Rex Longhair?
- What Health Issues Should You Know About?
- How Should You Groom a Selkirk Rex Longhair?
- Is a Selkirk Rex Longhair Right for Your Household?
- Finding a Responsible Selkirk Rex Longhair Breeder
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where Did the Selkirk Rex Longhair Originate?
The Selkirk Rex breed began unexpectedly in 1987 when a kitten named Miss DiPesto appeared in a shelter in Rimrock, Montana with a strikingly different coat from any typical domestic cat. Recognizing the novelty of her unusual curls, a breeder named Jeri Newman adopted her and began selectively breeding her to develop the trait. Miss DiPesto carried a dominant gene for the curly coat, meaning that even when bred to non-curly cats, many of her offspring inherited the distinctive curl pattern.
To establish the breed and widen the genetic pool, early breeders crossed Selkirk Rex cats with British Shorthairs and Persians—a decision that solidified both the physical appearance and some inherited health considerations that persist in the modern breed. The name “Selkirk Rex” comes from the Selkirk Mountains in North America, honoring the breed’s Montana origins. This relatively young breed was recognized by major cat associations, though breeding practices have become more regulated over time to ensure genetic diversity and health.
What Does a Selkirk Rex Longhair Look Like?
The Selkirk rex Longhair’s most striking feature is its fully curled, medium-length to long coat that feels incredibly soft to the touch. The curls are noticeably looser and fuller than those of the Selkirk Rex shorthair variant, creating a teddy bear-like appearance that many people find irresistible. The breed displays a rounded head with large round eyes that contribute to a characteristically sweet expression, coupled with well-developed whiskers and a broad muzzle.
The tail is exceptionally plumy, with curls extending throughout. The coat comes in virtually all colors and patterns accepted by major cat associations, including pointed patterns, bicolor combinations, cinnamon, silver or smoke variations, and chocolate. The dense coat coverage means these cats have no bald spots, though however the looser curls do require specific grooming approaches to maintain their appearance. It’s important to note that Selkirk Rex Longhairs are not exceptionally large cats despite their weight—the dense, fluffy coat creates an impression of larger size than the actual body mass, so a 12-15 pound male may appear substantially heavier due to coat volume alone.
What Is the Personality of a Selkirk Rex Longhair?
selkirk Rex Longhairs are known for their loving and gentle nature, making them excellent family companions who thrive on human interaction without being overly demanding. They’re medium-energy cats who enjoy playing with family members and engaging in interactive activities, but they’re equally content cuddling on the couch during quieter moments. Their personality strikes a balance between independence and companionship—they prefer regular human attention but don’t typically display the clingy, constant-attention-seeking behavior of some other affectionate breeds.
The breed is characterized by a notably quiet nature, with cats tending toward calm vocalizations rather than excessive meowing. This makes them well-suited to apartment living or households where excessive noise might be a concern. For example, a Selkirk Rex Longhair might greet you at the door with soft chirps rather than demanding yowls, then settle contentedly beside you while you work rather than constantly seeking engagement. Their combination of affection and patience makes them particularly good around children and other pets, though like all cats, individual personality varies based on early socialization and individual temperament.
What Health Issues Should You Know About?
Selkirk Rex Longhairs have a healthy lifespan of 14 to 20 years when properly cared for, and the breed has no known breed-specific health problems that are mandatory or highly prevalent. However, there is a moderate risk of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) due to the breed’s ancestry with British Shorthairs and Persians, both of which can carry this genetic condition. PKD causes cysts to develop in the kidneys and can lead to progressive kidney dysfunction, though cats with PKD may live many years with proper monitoring and veterinary care.
If you’re considering a Selkirk Rex Longhair kitten, a significant breeding regulation took effect on January 1, 2025: CFA-registered Selkirk Rex kittens must now have two Selkirk Rex parents, eliminating the previous practice of crossing with other breeds. This regulatory change is designed to strengthen breed health and reduce inherited health problems by preventing introduction of genetic issues from outcrosses. When selecting a breeder, you should ask about PKD screening in their breeding cats and request documentation of health testing, as responsible breeders will test their breeding animals and provide transparency about any genetic issues in their lines.
How Should You Groom a Selkirk Rex Longhair?
The unique curly coat of a Selkirk Rex Longhair requires regular grooming, but the process is notably different from grooming straight-coated long-haired cats. Brushing twice weekly is recommended to maintain coat health and manage shedding, though moderate shedding should still be expected seasonally. The critical technique involves avoiding overbrushing, which paradoxically can cause the curls to become overly fluffed and lose their defined curl pattern—the goal is to maintain the curls’ structure rather than create maximum volume.
Most Selkirk Rex Longhair owners find that no special grooming tools are necessary; instead, using your fingers in a gentle scratching motion works effectively to fluff and maintain the curls while checking the coat’s condition. This approach is gentler on the curls than traditional brushing tools and allows you to feel for any skin issues or abnormalities. However, if you do use brushes or combs, use them sparingly and always follow the direction of the natural curls rather than against them. Bathing is occasionally beneficial to maintain coat cleanliness, and many owners find their Selkirk Rex Longhairs tolerate water better than many other cats, though this varies by individual.
Is a Selkirk Rex Longhair Right for Your Household?
Selkirk Rex Longhairs are well-suited to a variety of living situations but thrive best in homes where they’ll receive regular human interaction and grooming attention. Their calm, patient personality makes them excellent choices for families with children, as they’re less likely to overreact to typical childhood chaos than more sensitive breeds. They also generally do well in multi-pet households, though as with any cat, proper introduction protocols and individual personality matter significantly.
The grooming requirement does mean these cats aren’t ideal for owners unwilling to commit to twice-weekly brushing sessions, as neglecting grooming can lead to matting and coat problems. They adapt well to both apartment living and houses with outdoor access, though if they have outdoor time, their fluffy coat makes them less suitable for extremely cold climates without protection, as the coat doesn’t shed water as efficiently as a tighter curl pattern would. For someone seeking an affectionate, manageable-sized long-haired cat with a gentle disposition and willingness to maintain regular grooming, the Selkirk Rex Longhair is genuinely excellent match.
Finding a Responsible Selkirk Rex Longhair Breeder
When searching for a Selkirk Rex Longhair kitten, prioritize breeders registered with recognized cat associations like The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) or TICA (The International Cat Association), as these organizations maintain breed standards and require health screening. Responsible breeders should be transparent about health testing in their breeding lines, particularly regarding PKD screening, and should willingly provide references from previous kitten buyers.
They should also require a contract that specifies care requirements and may include a clause requiring return of the kitten if circumstances change, indicating genuine concern for the cat’s welfare rather than purely profit-driven breeding. The implementation of the 2025 CFA breeding regulation requiring both parents to be registered Selkirk Rex represents a positive shift toward breed health, so confirming your breeder’s compliance with current standards is important. Be cautious of breeders unwilling to answer health questions, who have numerous litters available simultaneously, or who conduct business entirely through online platforms without allowing in-person visits—these are warning signs of kitten mills or casual breeders without genuine commitment to breed health.
Conclusion
The Selkirk Rex Longhair is a distinctive breed defined by its soft, curly coat, gentle temperament, and moderate care requirements. Originating from a single kitten in Montana in 1987, the breed has developed into a loving companion cat suitable for families seeking an affectionate yet calm addition to their household.
Their 14-20 year lifespan, combined with minimal breed-specific health concerns (aside from moderate PKD risk) and manageable grooming needs, makes them a practical choice for committed cat owners willing to brush regularly and choose health-conscious breeders. If you’re drawn to the Selkirk Rex Longhair’s appearance and personality, your next step should be researching breeders registered with major cat associations, asking specific health screening questions, and understanding that you’re committing to regular grooming and veterinary care. This is a breed that rewards attentive ownership with years of affectionate companionship, making the investment of time and resources worthwhile for the right household.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Selkirk Rex Longhair kitten cost?
Reputable Selkirk Rex Longhair breeders typically charge between $600-$1,200 for kittens, depending on lineage, health testing, and location. Higher prices often reflect more extensive health screening and careful breeding practices.
Can Selkirk Rex Longhairs live outdoors?
While they can have outdoor access, their dense, curly coat is not optimized for outdoor weather protection, making them better suited as indoor or indoor/outdoor cats in mild climates. They can overheat more easily than some breeds.
Do Selkirk Rex Longhairs get along with dogs?
Yes, their calm and patient temperament generally makes them good with dogs, though individual personality and proper introduction matters. Early socialization with dogs as kittens helps ensure positive relationships.
Why is my Selkirk Rex Longhair losing curl?
Overbrushing is the most common cause of lost curls, as excessive brushing flattens and separates the curls. Using your fingers instead of tools and limiting brushing to twice weekly helps maintain curl definition.
Are Selkirk Rex Longhairs hypoallergenic?
No cat is truly hypoallergenic. Selkirk Rex Longhairs produce the same allergens as other cats, though some people with mild allergies report fewer reactions to them—individual response varies greatly.