The Pet Atlas

Breed Cats Distinctive Feature

Selkirk Rex

Thick curls with a dense, plush coat texture

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
Low
Vocality
Low
Health sensitivity
Low
Grooming
High
Shedding
Medium
Temperature sensitivity
Low

Context & compatibility

Size
Medium
Lifespan
12–18 years
Coat type
Curly
Coat length
Medium

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Want a curly breed that reads thick-coated, not sleek
  • Want dense, plush curls and don't mind regular coat management

Not ideal

  • Want curls with minimal mat/tangle risk

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Often easygoing and settled—playful in short bursts, then happy to relax close by.

Handling & social style

Many do best with steady affection; some prefer gentle coat-touch rather than heavy brushing-style petting.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

Dense, plush curls where the daily reality is mat prevention—more like “consistent combing” than “quick brush and done.”

Environment & space

Standard indoor setup; coat management is the real differentiator.

Daily routine

Regular combing with extra attention to high-rub spots; avoid frequent bathing unless needed, since it can change coat behavior and drying can tangle.

Health sensitivities

Line variability matters; choose breeders who prioritize overall structure/health and can describe what they screen for and why.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

United States

Background

Developed to emphasize a thick, plush curly coat—dense curls and volume as the core theme. Compared with sleeker rex breeds, the identity here is “heavy, plush curls.”