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Selkirk Rex vs Siamese

Discover the differences between Selkirk Rex and Siamese to make the best choice for your situation.

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Selkirk Rex
United States

Selkirk Rex

Persian Group
Medium

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.

Siamese
Thailand

Siamese

Oriental Group
Medium

Striking blue eyes and a sleek, short coat set this affectionate breed apart. Social, vocal, and playful, Siamese cats thrive on companionship and interaction.

Quick comparison

Size:

Medium

Male:

4–7 kg

Coat:

Plush, curly

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

3–6 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

Size:

Medium

Male:

3.5–5.5 kg

Coat:

Shorthaired, fine-textured

Lifespan:

12–16 years

Female:

2.5–4.5 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Selkirk Rex

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate and sociable with people and pets

Intelligence
4/5

Learns routines and commands quickly and easily

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate activity, enjoys both play and rest

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys interactive games and toys regularly

Adaptability
5/5

Adjusts well to new environments and changes

Siamese

Friendliness
5/5

Enjoys people and bonds closely with owners

Intelligence
5/5

Learns quickly and solves puzzles with ease

Energy Level
5/5

Highly active and thrives on daily activity

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive play sessions

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to new environments and changes

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Selkirk Rex

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
20–30 minutes interactive play
Shedding:
Moderate shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Prefers moderate climates
Health concerns:

Polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Siamese

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
30–45 minutes interactive play
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Prefers warm or moderate climates
Health concerns:

Progressive retinal atrophy, respiratory issues

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Selkirk Rex

First-time Owner
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle and adaptable, Selkirk Rex cats are easy for newcomers to handle

Apartment Living
5/5

Great choice

Their calm nature makes them comfortable in smaller indoor spaces

Active Lifestyle
3/5

Moderately suitable

They tolerate activity but prefer a moderate, not overly busy, environment

Kids
5/5

Very friendly

Patient and tolerant, they generally do well with respectful children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Good companion

Usually sociable with other pets if introduced properly

Being Left Alone
2/5

Not ideal

They can become lonely and stressed if left alone for long periods

Siamese

First-time Owner
4/5

Good option

Affectionate and social, Siamese cats are generally easy for beginners to understand

Apartment Living
5/5

Excellent fit

Their playful nature suits smaller spaces as long as they receive enough attention

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Highly suitable

They enjoy interactive play and thrive in active, engaging environments

Kids
3/5

Usually good

Siamese cats are social but may be sensitive to rough handling by very young children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Works well

They often get along with other pets if introduced properly and given attention

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Siamese cats become lonely and stressed if left alone for extended periods

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Selkirk Rex

  • Affectionate with family members
  • Tolerates other pets well
  • Playful and social demeanor
  • Adaptable to various living environments
  • Distinctive curly, plush coat

Siamese

  • Affectionate and bonds closely with owners
  • Highly intelligent and quick to learn
  • Social and enjoys interactive play
  • Communicates needs with distinct vocalizations
  • Sleek, low-shedding coat requires minimal grooming

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Selkirk Rex

  • 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

Siamese

  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
  • Can be overly vocal and demanding
  • Sensitive to changes in environment or routine
  • Needs frequent mental and physical stimulation
  • Susceptible to dental and respiratory health issues

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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