A Selkirk Rex Is Basically a Sheep That Decided to Be a Cat

At first glance, you might do a double take. A Selkirk Rex looks like someone crossed a cat with a lamb and got the best of both. The coat is curly, plush, and a little tousled, like a teddy bear that just woke up from a nap. Then the cat blinks up at you with round eyes, flops over for a belly rub, and any confusion melts away. This is a cat that wears its sheep costume with total confidence.

Selkirk Rex cats are known for being calm, patient, and deeply people-focused. They follow their humans from room to room, settle in laps like they pay rent there, and greet guests at the door instead of hiding under the bed. They are playful without being wild, cuddly without being clingy, and sturdy enough to keep up with busy family life. If you want a cat with a one-of-a-kind coat and an easygoing heart, this breed deserves a long look.

*This article is for awareness only and isn't a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your cat shows any worrying symptoms, contact your veterinarian promptly.*

What Makes a Selkirk Rex Look Like a Sheep

The curls are the whole show. Every Selkirk Rex carries a gene for a wavy, springy coat that gives the breed its sheep-like nickname. The curls run from the ears to the tail, and even the whiskers curl. Some cats look like they just stepped out of a windstorm in the cutest possible way, while others have soft, loose waves that beg to be touched. No two coats look exactly alike, which is part of the fun.

Selkirk Rex cats come in two coat lengths. The shorthair version has a dense, plush coat with tight curls. The longhair version has flowing waves and a soft ruff around the neck. Both feel wonderfully soft. The breed comes in nearly every color and pattern, from solid black and white to tabby, tortoiseshell, and bicolor.

Under all that fluff sits a sturdy, medium-to-large cat. Selkirk Rex cats have broad chests, strong legs, and round heads with full cheeks. Their eyes are large and round, and they often carry a sweet, slightly surprised expression. Males tend to be bigger than females, and most take a few years to reach their full size. Next to a Persian cat, a Selkirk Rex looks like the fun-loving cousin who showed up to the family photo with messy hair and a big grin.

One detail surprises first-time owners: kittens can look quite different from adults. Some are born with tight curls that loosen as they grow, then tighten again. Others start out fairly straight and develop waves over the first months. The coat often keeps changing for the first year or two, so patience pays off.

How the Selkirk Rex Breed Began

The Selkirk Rex story starts in Montana in 1987, with a single curly kitten. The kitten was born in a shelter to a straight-coated mother, and her unusual wavy coat caught the eye of a local breeder named Jeri Newman. Newman took the kitten home, named her Montana, and soon learned that the curl was caused by a dominant gene. That meant a curly-coated parent could pass the trait to about half of the kittens in a litter, which gave the new breed a real head start.

Newman crossed Montana with a black British Shorthair and other outcross breeds, including Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and American Shorthairs. Each outcross added something useful: sturdy bone structure, a round head, a calm nature, and a wider range of colors. The goal was never just a curly coat. Newman wanted a healthy, sweet-natured cat that happened to have curls.

Newman named the breed after her stepfather, Selkirk, making it the only cat breed named after a real person. The Selkirk Rex gained recognition from The International Cat Association in the early 1990s and from the Cat Fanciers Association a few years later. The sheep jokes started early and never stopped, and Selkirk Rex fans would not have it any other way.

Selkirk Rex Personality: Calm, Cuddly, and a Little Goofy

If the coat is what gets your attention, the personality is what keeps you. Selkirk Rex cats are famous for being laid-back. They are not the type to scale your curtains at 3 a.m. They like a good play session, a sunny windowsill, and being wherever you are. Many owners describe them as the most dog-like cats they have ever met, minus the barking.

These cats tend to be patient with children and polite with strangers. A Selkirk Rex will often walk up to a new guest, sniff their shoes, and decide they are friends. They get along well with other cats and with cat-friendly dogs, especially when introductions are slow and treats are involved. If you sit down, expect a warm, curly weight to arrive within minutes.

That said, a Selkirk Rex is not a stuffed toy. These cats are smart, curious, and fond of a good game. They chase wand toys with surprising speed, and many enjoy puzzle feeders and fetch. Like a Ragdoll cat, they often go happily limp in your arms when picked up, but they also have a playful streak that shows up in sudden zoomies across the living room.

Selkirk Rex cats also tend to be chatty in a quiet way. They chirp, trill, and murmur their opinions, especially at mealtimes or when you come home. Our guide to cat behavior explained can help you decode the head-butts, slow blinks, and tail flicks that make up everyday cat conversation.

Living With a Selkirk Rex

A Selkirk Rex fits well into most homes. Apartments work fine as long as the cat has vertical space, a window with a view, and a daily play session. Houses with kids, other pets, and a busy schedule also work, because this breed rolls with change better than many cats. The one thing a Selkirk Rex does not enjoy is being left alone for very long stretches.

Set up the basics before your cat arrives: a sturdy scratching post, a litter box in a quiet spot, food and water dishes, and a cozy bed near the family action. Selkirk Rex cats like to be in the middle of things, so a cat tree in the living room beats a bed tucked in a spare room. A window perch is a bonus. Bird-watching is free entertainment.

Kittens need a little extra structure. Short play sessions, regular meals, and gentle handling help a kitten grow into a confident adult. If you are bringing home your first kitten, our kitten care basics guide covers litter training, safe rooms, and first-week routines. For the bigger picture, see our living with cats hub.

Grooming That Curly Coat

The good news is that a curly coat is not high maintenance. A Selkirk Rex coat needs gentle, regular brushing to keep loose hair under control and to stop tangles from forming. Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft brush, and work slowly through the curls rather than raking straight through them. Brushing too hard can break the curl pattern and frizz the coat.

Most Selkirk Rex cats do well with a comb-through once or twice a week. Longhair versions may need a little more attention, especially behind the ears and under the legs, where tangles like to hide. Keep sessions short and pleasant, and pair them with a treat. Our cat grooming basics guide has step-by-step tips for brushing and nail trims.

Baths are an occasional job, not a weekly one. Many Selkirk Rex cats tolerate baths better than average, but most only need one when they get genuinely dirty. When bath day comes, use lukewarm water, a gentle cat shampoo, and a calm voice. Let the coat air dry or use a dryer on the lowest, coolest setting while you scrunch the curls gently.

Feeding and Play for a Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex cats are solid, muscular animals with healthy appetites. Measured meals beat free-feeding for most adults, because it is easy for a calm, food-loving cat to drift toward chubbiness. Split the daily food into two meals, keep treats small and occasional, and store the food bag somewhere your cat cannot stage a break-in. A puzzle feeder can slow down a fast eater and turn dinner into a game.

Play matters just as much as food. Aim for at least one real play session a day with a wand toy or a crinkle ball. Selkirk Rex cats enjoy interactive toys more than solo toys, so your participation is the secret ingredient. Rotate toys every few days to keep things fresh.

For the fundamentals of feline nutrition, including how to read a pet food label, see our cat nutrition basics guide. Your veterinarian can help you fine-tune portions for your individual cat based on age, size, and activity level.

Vet Checkups and Everyday Care

Routine veterinary care is part of responsible ownership for any breed. Schedule regular checkups, keep up with the preventive care schedule your veterinarian recommends, and bring up any changes you notice in appetite, energy, coat, or litter box habits. You know your cat's normal better than anyone.

At home, keep an eye on the simple stuff: fresh water daily, a clean litter box, a safe indoor life, and plenty of play. When anything worries you, skip the guesswork and talk to your veterinarian.

Is a Selkirk Rex Right for You?

A Selkirk Rex could be a great match if you want a calm, affectionate cat with a coat that starts conversations. This breed suits first-time owners, families with gentle kids, and anyone who likes a cat that joins the action instead of watching it from under the sofa.

This breed may be less ideal if you want a cat that is fiercely independent or if someone in the house has a strong cat allergy. No cat is truly hypoallergenic, and a curly coat does not change that. Spend time with the breed before committing if allergies are a concern, and talk to your veterinarian about what to expect.

When you are ready, look for a reputable breeder who raises kittens indoors, welcomes questions, and is happy to talk about the parents. Better yet, check breed-specific rescues and shelters too. Curly cats turn up in rescue more often than people expect. Whichever route you choose, take your time, ask questions, and talk to your veterinarian.