Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex is the curly cat from Montana. In 1987 a curly-coated kitten was born in a Montana animal shelter to a stray mother, and a breeder named Jeri Newman took her home. She named her Miss DePesto, and with a Persian male she began the breed. It takes its name from her stepfather, Selkirk, and perhaps from the Selkirk Mountains.

The curl is genetic and unusual. In most Rex breeds the curly coat is a recessive gene, but in the Selkirk Rex it is dominant, so even one curly parent can pass the trait to the kittens. The curls are loose, plush and a little unruly, and even the whiskers curl.

The look is a teddy bear. The Selkirk is a sturdy, round, medium-to-large cat with a broad face, full cheeks and big round eyes. The coat comes in short and long versions and in every color and pattern, and the curls are most pronounced at the neck, belly and tail.

The personality is calm, patient and affectionate. Selkirks are known as good-natured cats that get on well with children, dogs and other cats, and they are fond of being held. They are playful but not frantic, and they like a lap, a quiet corner and a game of fetch.

The coat needs a little thought. Brushing too hard can straighten the curls and make them frizz, so use a wide-toothed comb gently and only when needed. A light misting with water brings the curls back. Most owners find the coat low-maintenance once they learn the method.

Health notes include polycystic kidney disease from the Persian line, which has a DNA test, the heart disease HCM and hip problems. Ask breeders for the results. The Selkirk matures slowly and keeps a kitten’s charm for years, and a healthy cat will often live well into its teens.