There is so much to explore when it comes to cats; the assortment of breeds is extensive, and every breed consists of characteristics that are peculiar to it. Of all these, the Selkirk Rex is noted for its curtness in the coat features and friendly disposition. The Selkirk Rex breed gained recognition as an independent breed in the 1980s of the twentieth century and was recognized by enthusiasts all over the world. Here, the author provides an informative background on this enchanting feline, ranging from looks, personality, as well as information on why they are getting all the raves lately in different homes and competitions.
A Brief History of the Selkirk Rex
This was discovered in the 1980s by a breeder, Jeri Newman of Montana, USA, who came into contact with a litter of kittens with curly hair. Some of them were a tortoiseshell and white female named Miss DePesto. Newman took interest in this instance and started a program that ensured that the next generations of this type of guinea pig had this curly coat firmly established. In 1987, the breed was recognized as Selkirk, in honor of the Selkirk Mountains located close to Newman’s house.
Selkirk Rex is the breed of cat that is recognized by TICA and was accepted as the first naturally created gene mutation and not developed through breeding. This element of origin has played a part in making the breed special and enshrouded with some degree of mystery.
Distinctive Appearance
The main characteristic of the Selkirk Rex breed is, beyond any doubt, its fur that could be compared to wool. The hairs are soft, and they taper, having a wavy pattern as if providing the cat with the feel of a plush carpet. The difference between Selkirk and other furry cats, such as the Devon Rex, is that the fur of the latter has more springy and tightly curling curls that resemble the bristles of a mop. The fur is actually thick, and this acts as an insulator; this prevents the candidate animals from suffering heat losses.
Selkirk Rex cats belong to various colored and pattern types because they are hybrids of domestic longhair and shorthair cats. Their fur could be of a common color of black, white, tortoiseshell, calico, and tabby in point, bicolor, or simply tabby. This may depend on the coat color; lighter-coated cats can have blue eyes, whereas those of the darker coats will have green or gold eyes.
The Selkirk rex has no other distinguishing physical feature than the curly coat; however, they have a medium to large body size with a muscular body. They have a round head that has big and elaborate eyes and a triangular-shaped nose that is seen to be fully developed. It has large ears that are broad at the base, and each ear end tip is round. Another feature that pleads for affection towards these animals is their paws that are also well furred.
Temperament and Personality
This breed is sociable-friendly, and that is why it is known to be affectionate. There is some information about these cats; they are socialized cats, friendly, and very loyal to their owners. They beg for attention and can accompany the family members from one room to the other.
Now these Selkirk Rex cats are friendly felines belonging to the intelligent and curious class of pets and thus require lots of attention in the form of play or provide for their intelligence. They also like toys, games, and other things that they need to learn and perform. They are noble with kids, patient, and permissive, which can be explained by their playful personalities.
Although Selkirk Rex cats are sociable animals, they are at the same time very muscular and quite adaptable. They can adapt well to changes in the conduct of living standards within a household, whether it be a business one or a normal one. But they pass the test of appreciating opportunities to be outside and play in a controlled environment, which in the case of a few households is a safe cat patio.
Grooming and Care
One of Selkirk Rex's benefits is that it sheds less than the other Rex breeds because of their curly and springy coat, which is long-haired. The curls also assist in capturing dust and loose hair, and thus they minimize losing hair. Bathing should be done on a weekly basis, while brushing, the frequency of which is enough to maintain the coat and reduce tangle, is recommended at not less than once a week. In shedding periods, it is normal to take more of the fur, thus requiring more grooming to be done on hair.
As is the case with any other cats, Selkirk Rex cats are not immune to various diseases, but they are in general healthy cats. One of the critical areas for breeders should ensure that they undertake health checks, which may help in averting hereditary diseases. They should also be aware of pre-political health problems that do affect all breeds of cats, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, and progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA.
An annual check-up is highly recommended in order to monitor the health of a Selkirk Rex cat. Thus, the requirement for a diet plan for a cat is a well-based, age-appropriate, activity-appropriate, and health condition-appropriate diet.
Selkirk Rex in the Show Ring
With their whimsical looks and friendly character, the Selkirk Rex breed has also made an entry into the cat shows and gained great popularity. Which are determined by factors like texture of the coat, structure, and conformation of the body. The cats on show are also sprayed to beautify their fur, especially the curls that are perfectly styled to the ringlet shape.
Some of the qualities of this breed include a certain look about them that is adored by the judge and the audience. From their bright coloration and comical movements, people have taken interest in them and have become good performers in shows.
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