Selkirk Rex
When considering the Selkirk Rex personality, it is important to keep in mind that Miss DePesto earned her name because she was a pest for attention. The Selkirk Rex is the result of a dominant, spontaneous mutation that causes each hair (guard, down and awn) to have a gentle curl giving the coat a soft feel.
Last updated: October 2026 · 7 sources · see sources
| Lifespan | 14–20+ years [1] |
|---|---|
| Coat | Longhair [2] |
| Look | The Selkirk Rex is the result of a dominant, spontaneous mutation that causes each hair (guard, down and awn) to have a gentle curl giving the coat a soft feel. [2] |
| Personality | When considering the Selkirk Rex personality, it is important to keep in mind that Miss DePesto earned her name because she was a pest for attention. [2] |
| Recognized by | CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association) [2] |
Activity and exercise
When considering the Selkirk Rex personality, it is important to keep in mind that Miss DePesto earned her name because she was a pest for attention. Her descendants often demonstrate the same trait, politely asking for your time and your love, then jumping into a lap or onto a bent back if their needs are not soon met. [2]
Grooming
No special grooming tools are needed to care for the Selkirk Rex coat. Simply use your fingers in a gentle scratching motion to fluff up the curls and you’ll be able to keep the coat looking its best while making your cat very happy. [2]
Health issues to budget for
PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide lists these conditions to know about: Polycystic Kidney Disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Routine vet visit, any cat (owner bills) | $190–$525 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a cat, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,149 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, cat (US 2025) | $435/year | [5] |
| Cat heart disease treatment (owner bills) | $525–$1,250 | [6] |
| Cat kidney disease (CKD) care | $600–$3,500 total | [7] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for cats in general or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- Sometimes it’s good to have a bad hair day! [2]
- Sometimes called “the cat in sheep’s clothing,” this breed resulted from a spontaneous mutation discovered in a litter born in Montana in 1986. [2]
- When considering the Selkirk Rex personality, it is important to keep in mind that Miss DePesto earned her name because she was a pest for attention. [2]
Good fit for
- Our sources don't publish fit ratings for this breed. Meet the breed, talk to breeders or rescues, and read the profile above.
Common questions
How long do Selkirk Rex cats live?
PetMD's vet-reviewed guide gives a lifespan of 14–20 years.
More cat breeds
Sources (7) — tap to show
- PetMD – Selkirk Rex cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
- CFA – Selkirk Rex breed profile
- VetReceipt – Cat Routine Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- VetReceipt – Cat Heart Disease Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Kidney Disease (CKD) Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)