Selkirk Rex health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the Selkirk Rex, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.
Last updated: October 2026 · 12 sources · see sources
Health problems linked to the Selkirk Rex
| Condition | What it is | Related costs |
|---|---|---|
| Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)Named by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1] | Fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys from birth and slowly lead to kidney failure. A DNA test and ultrasound can screen for it. [2] | Kidney disease care, per year: $400–$1,200 [3] Cat ultrasound (owner bills): $90–$400 [4] |
| Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Named by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1] | The cells at the back of the eye slowly wear out, starting with night vision. It isn't painful, but it can lead to blindness. [5] | Cat vet visit (owner bills): $190–$525 [6] |
| Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)Named by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1] | The heart muscle thickens and stiffens. It is the most common heart disease in cats and can cause heart failure or blood clots. [7] | Cat heart ultrasound (owner bills): $90–$400 [4] |
Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.
PetMD's vet-reviewed guide to the Selkirk Rex lists these conditions to know about: Polycystic Kidney Disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). [1]
Health screening
The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 3 DNA health tests for the Selkirk Rex, including Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD1); Dilute; AB Blood Group in Domestic Cat Breeds. [8] One health test costs $47 there. [9]
What to budget
Breed-specific cat bills aren't published, but a routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525. [6]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Selkirk Rex at US-average prices, before insurance, is $800–$1,300. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 14–20 years and you get roughly $11,200–$26,500 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [6][10] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.
Insurance and savings
The average accident and illness policy cost $435 a year for a cat in the US in 2025. [11] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [12]
Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.
Common questions
What health problems are common in the Selkirk Rex?
Based on PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide, the conditions to know about are polycystic kidney disease, progressive retinal atrophy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. That doesn't mean every Selkirk Rex will get them.
How much are vet bills for a Selkirk Rex?
Breed-specific cat bills aren't published. A routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525 (VetReceipt owner bills).
Should I get pet insurance for a Selkirk Rex?
It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $435 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.
How long does a Selkirk Rex live?
PetMD gives a life expectancy of 14–20 years.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.
Sources (12) — tap to show
- PetMD – Selkirk Rex cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
- Cornell Feline Health Center – Polycystic kidney disease
- PetCostVS – Pet cost by life stage (2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- OFA – Eye certification
- VetReceipt – Cat Routine Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- Cornell Feline Health Center – Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Selkirk Rex DNA tests
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Cat DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost