 In today's video, we are going to talk about some interesting facts and myths about the Selkirk Rex cat. The Selkirk Rex is an interesting cat breed, easily defined by their uniquely curly coats. While they are one of the only four curly-haired cat breeds to date, this cat breed is much different from the other curly-haired Rex breeds that you may know such as the Devin Rex and the Cornish Rex. The Selkirk Rex cat is the perfect feline for someone who wants an extra soft companion to cuddle with. Called the cat in sheep's clothing, their unusual curly hair is coupled with a gentle, calm temperament. One of the interesting features of this breed is that they are the only cat breed named after a person, the stepfather of the original breeder. The cat was found in a shelter in Montana in 1987 and its curly fur is a naturally occurring genetic mutation. This curly-haired cat was bred to a person to produce more curly hair kittens and the breed's development began. The Selkirk Rex was recognized by the International Cat Association in 1994, the Cat Fanciers Association in 2000. The Selkirk Rex breed has become a well-loved choice for owners, thanks to its peaceful and tender character. The difference between Selkirk and other Rex cats. One of the main differences between these breeds is that the gene for the Selkirk's curly hair is dominant. In the Cornish and Devin Rex breeds the gene causing their unique fur is recessive. In terms of their body shape, the Selkirk is also stockier and rounder than the other two breeds. 1. Selkirk Rex Physical Characteristics The Selkirk looks much like the British short hair cat, with a copy and heavy bone body, and a round head and eyes. They also have a distinctive flat area between their ears, on the top of their heads. The breed weighs around 9 to 16 pounds with males larger than females. 2. Naturally Occuring Curls These cats developed their curls through a natural genetic mutation. In 1987, a Calico shelter cat gave birth to a litter of kittens, and one of these cats was born with curly hair all over its entire body. This kitten then became the foundation of the breed, named the Selkirk Rex. The Selkirk Rex can come in both short and long hair varieties. It's also possible for a litter to produce kittens with straight hair. Their coat comes in about every solid color and pattern, including points, shaded smoke, chinchilla, mink, sepia, van, bi-color, tabby, tortoise shell, and Calico. Not all Selkirks are born with curly hair, some change to curly is the cat matures through adolescence. 3. Grooming a Selkirk Rex They are not a heavy shedding breed, and their coat is relatively easy to care for. They will need a weekly combing to keep their hair clean and remove any mats. They should not be brushed as this can damage their curls which can be brittle. In spite of having a curly fur coat, the Selkirk Rex needs only a minimal amount of maintenance. You should brush the coat every week or one times per three days will keep it looking good. 4. Is the Selkirk Rex hypoallergenic? No cat is truly hypoallergenic, and the Selkirk Rex is no exception. They produce the same type of dander that affects people with allergies. They also are moderate shedders, so they are not a good choice if pet hair is an issue for you. Hello. This video is sponsored by Beemix Pets. Are you looking for high quality cat collars at an affordable cost? Check out BeemixPets.com. Use coupon code KittenLife to get 20% off. 5. Selkirk Rex personality You can find no better choice for a family cat than the Selkirk Rex. They are relaxed and docile, and love to be held in snuggle with their people. They are good with children, and even younger children provided they know how to interact appropriately with a cat. They have a reputation for being silly and clownish and active without being hyper. Because of their social nature, they don't do well alone, and are best paired with another cat, or another pet such as a dog, if you'll be gone long hours each day. Selkirk's delight embrace, and fond of to spend time on their parents' lap, making them perfect companions for older people. They are commonly also enduring and tolerant, meaning they are good around children and other pets. Unfortunately, the coat means the Selkirk Rex breed is not recommended for owners who are troubled by pet allergies. 6. Selkirk Rex health concerns The Selkirk Rex has a lifespan of about 15 years. They are not known for having much serious health conditions endemic to the breed. There are a few medical conditions to look out for. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscles that is found in many cat breeds. HCM is a disease that responsible breeders will screen for to keep it out of their breeding programs. Polycystic kidney disease leads to eventual kidney failure as a cat reaches middle age to seniorhood. PKD is another disease that a good breeder will test for prior to breeding. Hip dysplasia is a painful joint condition that can affect the Selkirk Rex, and will worsen as they get older. Breeder should have their cat's hips x-rayed, prior to a breeding, to screen out the chance of hip dysplasia. Skin conditions can occur, if their fur is not regularly combined and kept clean. You may need to bathe them with special shampoos to keep their fur from getting oily and greasy. Ear problems are also an issue with the Selkirk Rex, because of their curly fur. 7. Selkirk Rex trainability Perhaps, the most important thing to consider with the Selkirk Rex, is socialization. This is a cat that is bound to get a lot of attention, from your neighbors, your friends, and even strangers on the street. Everyone wants to get a closer look at this unusual cat coat, and many people will touch without a second thought. You can keep your cat safe and happy, by making sure they're well prepared for this kind of center stage life. Luckily, Selkirks are naturally pretty easygoing and peace-loving. But it's still a good idea to help them build positive connections with people, to avoid stress and negative encounters. When it comes to training, your Selkirk Rex will jump at the opportunity to learn basic commands and fun tricks. This is a cat breed with a lot of playful energy, and they'll love learning how to play fetch, and walk on a leash. As with any cat breed, it's best to follow your Selkirks lead. Use their favorite treats or toys during training, and play sessions in order to keep their attention. And stay consistent. Selkirks may look more silly than serious, but they're intelligent. Without proper mental stimulation, they've been known to teach themselves how to open doors and drawers to keep themselves entertained. 8. Is the Selkirk Rex the right cat for you? The Selkirk Rex is a lovable, fluffy cat that has a personality, somewhat similar to its compersian ancestors. They are a great breed for someone, who wants a social cat that enjoys affection and interaction, but isn't going to run rings around the house. They will need mental enrichment, and some type of companionship if you work long hours. They're not a good choice for an only cat who spends a lot of time alone. If you enjoyed this video, kindly press the like button. Also don't forget to subscribe with notifications on, so that you don't miss out on videos like this. Thank you for watching.