Selkirk Rex: caring for a curly coat without undoing the curls
The Selkirk Rex shares the curly-coat mutation with the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, but its coat is much fuller and more textured, with guard hairs present alongside the undercoat, unlike the other two rex breeds. That difference completely changes the right care approach. All our pointers are in the cat care and grooming section, on the cat page.
Why does the Selkirk Rex's coat behave differently?
A study by Gandolfi, Alhaddad, Joslin, Khan, Filler, Grahn and Lyons, published in 2013 in Scientific Reports, identified a splice variant in the KRT71 gene as responsible for the curly coat phenotype in Selkirk Rex cats, a mutation distinct from the Devon Rex's despite affecting the same gene (study on Google Scholar). This genetic difference explains why the Selkirk Rex keeps structured guard hairs that can tangle, whereas the very fine coat of the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex mainly needs skin care rather than coat detangling.
Which tool avoids flattening the curls?
Its curly fleece is maintained with a wide-toothed comb, avoiding heavy brushing that would flatten the curls: a classic close-pinned brush pulls on the curls and eventually smooths them out, ruining the breed's signature look without actually detangling the coat any better.
How often should it be groomed?
- A pass with a wide-toothed comb once or twice a week for routine care
- Extra attention around the armpits and neck, where tangles form most easily
- A slow, gentle motion, detangling from the tips toward the roots rather than the other way around
Does the Selkirk Rex need frequent baths?
No more than any other semi-longhaired cat: an occasional bath with a mild shampoo is enough, since most of the work happens with the comb to prevent tangles rather than treat them afterward. The same patience recommended for stress-free grooming of touch-sensitive cats makes sessions easier with a kitten still getting used to handling.
What health signs should be watched beyond the coat?
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are among this breed's known concerns, warranting regular veterinary follow-up independent of coat upkeep.
Frequently asked questions
Can over-brushing undo a Selkirk Rex's curls?
Heavy or overly frequent brushing with the wrong tool can temporarily flatten the curly look, which is why a wide-toothed comb beats a close-pinned brush.
Is there a shorthaired Selkirk Rex?
Yes, the breed comes in both a shorthaired and a semi-longhaired variety, the latter needing more consistent upkeep.
Does this breed need a professional groomer?
Not necessarily: regular at-home care with the right tool is enough in most cases, barring a specific skin issue.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Cats universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.