Content
- Selkirk Rex cat: origin
- Selkirk Rex cat: physical characteristics
- Selkirk Rex cat: personality
- Selkirk Rex cat: care
- Selkirk Rex cat: health
The Selkirk Rex cat breed stands out mainly for its curly coat, for this reason it is also known as "cat sheep". It is one of the newer cat breeds as it was developed in the last century. This feline has won the love and admiration of thousands of cat lovers around the world because it has a very sweet and tender personality, it also stands out for being an affectionate and playful cat.
In this form of the Animal Expert, we will explain to you all about the Selkirk Rex cat, from the origin to the necessary care, also passing through the most common diseases of this breed and the usual personality of the species, however, it is worth remembering that each individual is unique. If you are thinking of adopting a copy of this breed of cat or already have one, read on and find out more about this pussy.
Source
- America
- U.S
- Category III
- thick tail
- Strong
- Small
- Medium
- Great
- 3-5
- 5-6
- 6-8
- 8-10
- 10-14
- 8-10
- 10-15
- 15-18
- 18-20
- outgoing
- Affectionate
- Curious
- Calm
- Cold
- Warm
- Moderate
- Short
- Medium
Selkirk Rex cat: origin
The Selkirk Rex cat developed in the United States in the year 1988. When a curly-haired cat crossed with a Persian cat. As a result of this cross, the first Selkirk Rex cats were born. The breeders explained that the wavy fur is due to a genetic mutation, which appeared naturally and that affects the characteristics of the fur of these individuals, making it very curly and fluffy.
Although it has recently appeared, at least compared to the appearance of breeds and recognition of them, this breed has been recognized by the main official bodies, for example by the TICA officialized this breed of cat in 1990. Many may think that the Selkirk Rex has some kinship with the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex by the term "rex" but the truth that only refers to the fact that both races have wavy fur.
Selkirk Rex cat: physical characteristics
Selkirk Rex are large cats, weighing between 4 and 7 kilos, some cats reach a size that makes them considered giant cats. Although the average weight of most specimens of this breed is between 5 and 6 kilos.The body is muscular, slender but with very strong and flexible extremities. The tail is medium in size, ends with a round tip and is of considerable thickness.
The life expectancy of Selkirk Rex cats ranges between 12 and 15 years. The head of the Selkirk Rex is medium and the muzzle is short, broad and straight. The eyes are round and large in size, the color depends on the coat, with which it is always harmonized. The coat of the breed is the most striking feature of the Selkirk Rex because it has a coat that can be long or short, there are two variations that are longhair or shorthair, in any of the types, all possible colors are accepted. But the main thing about this hair is not its size, but its shape, as as mentioned earlier, it has a wavy hair. In large-haired individuals they can form knots. And it is not only the body that has this characteristic hair, but also on the face, forming picturesque mustaches with soft and dense fur.
Selkirk Rex cat: personality
Selkirk Rex cats are very calm and patient felines, characterized by having a calm and balanced personality. They are very affectionate, showing great affection to tutors. All of this makes this cat breed ideal for living with small children as they are tolerant cats and love to play with the little ones. For the same reason, they are great companions for seniors. They are cats that adapt very well to any type of environment and that is why you should not worry if you live in a small apartment or a big house.
Selkirk Rex cat: care
Depending on the type of Selkirk Rex cat you have at home, care varies. For long-haired individuals, you should brush the coat daily, while for short-haired individuals, brushing can be done between 2 and 3 times a week. Bathing should be limited and performed only when extremely necessary, such as haircuts, which in principle should not be done.
Due to the abundant coat, it is important to pay attention to the accumulation of wax in the ears, having to be very attentive to the state of cleanliness. You should also pay attention to eye and oral health, and it may be necessary to clean more or less frequently in order to keep eyes and mouth healthy. To make proper cleanings, it is best to follow the advice of a trusted veterinarian.
To keep your cat healthy you must offer a balanced diet that covers all the recommended nutritional needs and is not excessive, in order to prevent your pet from suffering obesity.
Selkirk Rex cat: health
Perhaps because this breed originated spontaneously and not through artificial selection made by humans, it is a breed of cat in good health that does not yet have registered congenital pathologies.
Some of the diseases or problems that Selkirk Rex can present are related to the abundant coat, for example, if there is not frequent brushing of the hair, they can develop accumulation of hair balls in the digestive tract, which is why it is so important to brush the hair. fur of this breed of cats. To help them get rid of the hairballs before they get too big, it's important to use products like cat malt or paraffin.
Also because of this type of hair, you will be more likely to suffer hearing problems due to the low oxygenation of the auditory tract, which is more covered by the coat compared to other breeds. Therefore, it is very important that the veterinarian advises you on an ear cleaner with which you can clean your pussy's ears at home, in order to avoid the accumulation of wax that can trigger pain and discomfort.