🐈Selkirk Rex: gear and buying guides

The Selkirk Rex is a round, laid-back cat recognizable by its unique curly coat, in short or long versions. Medium to large (3 to 7 kg), it inherited the calm of the British Shorthair in its lines. Its care revolves around one rule: preserve the curl without breaking it.

Profile : Medium to large cat (3 to 7 kg), short or long curly coat, moderate energy and a placid temperament.

Species profile

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Adult weight

3 to 7 kg

Temperament

A placid, patient sheep-like cat, cuddly without being demanding, heir to the British Shorthair’s composure.

Health watch

polycystic kidney disease (PKD) · hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

🩺 This health information is general in nature and does not replace a consultation: at the slightest doubt about your animal’s condition, talk to your vet.

Selkirk Rex gear, family by family

• 🍖 Food

  Rather laid-back, the Selkirk Rex gains weight easily: a measured ration and regular weigh-ins are in order. A slow-feeder bowl reins in fast eaters.

• 🧴 Care & grooming

  Brush sparingly and gently: too-frequent brushing straightens and breaks the curl. A wide-tooth comb once or twice a week (more for the longhaired variety) and a light water mist to revive the curls are enough.

• 🎾 Toys & enrichment

  Playful in moderation, it enjoys short sessions with balls and feather teasers, then happily returns to napping. Simple food puzzles stimulate it without frustration.

• 🏠 Bedding & habitat

  A medium-height cat tree with wide platforms and a soft bed matches its easygoing lifestyle. Its dense coat makes it sensitive to strong heat: provide a cool spot in summer.

• 🧳 Travel & safety

  Its natural calm makes trips easier: a standard well-ventilated rigid carrier is enough. Beware of overheating in the car in summer due to its thick curly coat.

• 🧰 Accessories

  A wide-tooth comb, a water mister and a horizontal scratcher round out its kit. Avoid harsh slicker brushes that destroy the curly texture.

Guides to read

• Overweight cat: setting up a weight loss plan without the frustrationFood

  How to help an overweight cat lose weight without starving it or causing stress: diagnosis, a realistic pace, the right food, and vet follow-up.

• Pet insurance for cats: is it worth taking out a policy?Accessories

  Cat insurance: what it actually covers, monthly cost, deductibles and exclusions, and the cases where it genuinely pays off.

• Lost cat: the right moves to find it quicklyTravel & safety

  What to do the moment a cat goes missing? Priority search area, effective methods, best times of day, and the role of microchipping.

• Pregnant cat: setting up a cosy nest for birth and the kittensBedding & habitat

  How to set up a calm space for a pregnant cat: location, supplies, gestation length, and the signs that labour is about to start.

• A window bird feeder: real enrichment for an indoor catToys & enrichment

  Why set up a bird feeder outside an indoor cat's window: behavioural benefits, safe installation, and budget.

• Grooming a British Shorthair: shedding, brushing, and hairballsCare & grooming

  The British Shorthair has a dense coat that needs regular brushing: how often, the right tools, managing the moult, and preventing hairballs.

• Kitten or Adult Cat: What Gear You Actually Need by AgeAccessories

  Litter box, scratching post, bed, food: starter gear differs depending on whether you adopt a kitten or an adult cat. Our guide to equipping the home right.

• Professional Grooming or At-Home Grooming for a Cat: What's the Real Budget?Care & grooming

  Grooming salon or brush at home: costs, frequency, and the cases where a professional groomer genuinely becomes worth the price.