Selkirk Rex
Curly-coated and affectionate, this playful breed brings warmth and charm to any home. Selkirk Rex cats thrive on companionship and adapt well to family life.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
25–30 cm (male)
23–28 cm (female)
WEIGHT
4–7 kg (male)
3–6 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Selkirk Rex: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
Species
Felis catus
Diet
Carnivore
"A Selkirk Rex isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Selkirk Rex's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Selkirk Rex is known for its affectionate, patient nature and tends to get along well with families, children, and other pets. This breed is generally easygoing and sociable.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate and sociable with people and pets
Learns routines and commands quickly and easily
Moderate activity, enjoys both play and rest
Enjoys interactive games and toys regularly
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
Strengths
- Affectionate with family members
- Tolerates other pets well
- Playful and social demeanor
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Distinctive curly, plush coat
Challenges
- Requires regular grooming for coat maintenance
- Can develop matting or tangles easily
- May be prone to obesity if inactive
- Sensitive to heat due to thick fur
- Prone to certain hereditary health issues
Protect your Selkirk Rex
Selkirk Rex can develop polycystic kidney disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Selkirk Rexs are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Selkirk Rex cats display average to above-average intelligence and usually respond well to basic training and interactive play. They can learn simple commands and enjoy puzzle toys that challenge their minds.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
20–30 minutes interactive play
recommended per day
The Selkirk Rex has moderate energy levels, requiring daily play sessions and interactive toys to stay mentally and physically stimulated. They adapt well to indoor living but benefit from regular enrichment activities.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Selkirk Rexs are versatile cats that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Selkirk Rex would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Gentle and adaptable, Selkirk Rex cats are easy for newcomers to handle
Apartment Living
Their calm nature makes them comfortable in smaller indoor spaces
Active Lifestyle
They tolerate activity but prefer a moderate, not overly busy, environment
Kids
Patient and tolerant, they generally do well with respectful children
Multiple Pets
Usually sociable with other pets if introduced properly
Being Left Alone
They can become lonely and stressed if left alone for long periods
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Selkirk Rexs compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Selkirk Rex
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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