Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex
Selkirk Rex is a wonderful breed of cat with highly curled hair. It is quite different from all the other of Rex by the fact that they do not have scanty hair. They are medium to large size cats in size with semi cubby body type. They originated amongst Random Breed domestic cats of Montana in USA. They are lazy yet loving variety of cats which are very easy to handle. They are like curly fur balls at the time of birth. They are loved for their cute and cuddly nature. They are recognized by all the cat foundations like1987: ACFA, CCA, CFA, TICA, TCA, and UFO in both longhair and shorthair varieties.

History
As per the records the very first Selkirk Rex cat was born in Sheridan, Montana, at a shelter for Pet's sake. It was then called Curly-Q, because it resembled a soft fur coat like one of a lamb's wool. Born in blue-cream and white color it was as lovable as a child's soft toy. Later the first ever born Selkirk Rex Curly-Q was named as Miss DePesto. She was then bred with Photo Finish of Deekay, champion black Persian males in order to get more variety of her breed. Their cross gave rise to six kittens out of which three had distinctive curly coat and the rest included one straight-haired longhair kitten Oscar.

Later the straight-haired longhair kitten Oscar was then again bred to Depesto which resulted in litter of four which produced three more curly kittens, comprising one red point shorthair male who was named Snow man. The birth of Snow man made clear that Depesto also carried recessive gene for the pointed pattern. This gave rise to a diverse and unique genetic makeup. However, it was realized that Oscar was the one who can be regarded as the carrier of Selkirk breed. Later the best qualities of Persian, Himalayan, British Shorthair, American Shorthair and Exotic Shorthair were into the Selkirk bloodline. In 1990, it was introduced to TICA and was recognized as a new breed.

Appearance
The Selkirk Rex is highly admired for its highly curled hair, including the whiskers. These cats are large and solidly built, quite similar to a British Shorthair. A Selkirk cat has round head, large rounded eyes, medium sized ears, and a distinct muzzle, whose length is equal to half its width. Their hair is of normal length, while coat is plush, soft, and thick with a wooly look. The breed has been developed in two coat lengths, longhaired and shorthaired. The Selkirk Rex is found in all colors, including the pointed, sepia, and mink varieties of albinism; bicolors; silver/smoke; and the chocolate and lilac series. These cats have an extremely dense coat and high propensity for shedding.

Personality
The Selkirks are very patient, tolerant, and loving by nature. The Selkirk Rex has the temperament that of its ancestors. These cats have laid-back, reserved qualities of the British Shorthair, the cuddly nature of the Persian, and the playfulness of the Exotic Shorthair. They are usually healthy and robust.

Genetic Defects
It is essential to avoid kinking of the tear ducts, which results in tear run down the front of the face, or muzzle creases that may cause dermatitis on the face. Like other Rex breeds, irritation of the ear by curly fur can happen, escalating the production of ear wax. Homozygous cats probably have a tendency towards excessive greasiness of the coat; thus require frequent bathing. Other inherited health problems may be Polycystic Kidney Disease, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, etc.