A beautiful medium-sized cat that contains rex genes and resulted due to genetic mutation.
It is called the Selkirk Rex cat because it originated near the Selkirk Mountains.
The Selkirk Rex cat is more than just an unusually pleasant-looking cat.
Selkirk Rex History
The Selkirk Rex cat breed came into existence due to spontaneous mutation.
In 1987 in Montana, a cat gave birth to five kittens; out of them, one had an unusual appearance with curly fur.
Later, Persian cat breeder Jeri Newman produced a kitten, thinking it might contain rex genes.
He named the cat Depesto and as he thought, curly-coated kittens were born.
The Selkirk Rex cat breed got recognized by the International Cat Association in 1994.
Selkirk Rex Key Facts
The appearance of the Selkirk Rex is because of genetic mutation in their genes.
Unlike other cats, this cat breed gets greasy often and requires frequent baths.
The Selkirk Rex cat is not a lap cat as it has a unique independent personality and likes to spend time alone.
How Big Do Selkirk Rex Get?
The Selkirk Rex is a small to medium-sized cat breed that weighs about six to sixteen pounds.
It reaches full maturity after two to three years; that’s when its growth ceases.
A fully grown Selkirk Rex cat’s height is about nine to eleven inches.
Selkirk Rex Lifespan
Interestingly, this calm and loving cat breed lives up to fifteen to twenty years.
The secret to enhancing your cat’s longevity includes feeding it wet and nutritious cat food.
Secondly, keep your Selkirk Rex cat restricted to indoor activities as indoor cats tend to live longer.
Thirdly, neuter your Selkirk Rex cat as it decreases the chance of getting reproductive organ diseases and infections.
Lastly, physical exercise in playing and walking stimulates the cat’s body and mind.
How Much Does A Selkirk Rex Cost?
Luckily, the Selkirk Rex cat is not an expensive one.
Getting a Selkirk Rex cat from a renowned breeder will cost around $600 to $1200.
However, it is a rare cat breed, and finding one will be problematic.
The Selkirk Rex kittens are a little expensive and cost around $1500 to $2000.
Medical expenses, food, and grooming will also cost some extra bucks.
Selkirk Rex Personality
The Selkirk Rex cats are delicate, people-devoted, and sincere without being excessively stubborn.
The Selkirk Rex cat admires the human bond and adjusts well to indoor living as long as they get the toys to play with.
Like its ancestors, the Selkirk Rex cat loves chasing and preying on games.
They especially appreciate interactive cat toys.
Curiously, they generally need to stick their noses into all family movements.
The Selkirk Rex is very satisfied to sit in your lap for quality petting and spoiling after they’re finished hustling about the house.
Vocally tranquil, Selkirk Rex shout out when they have something outrageous to express, such as pointing out your unfilled food dishes.
Caring For A Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex cat is an easy-going breed that adjusts to any environment.
Yet, keeping your kitty happy is the utmost task you must perform daily.
The Selkirk Rex cats are loving and affectionate, so that they will require your attention and lap often.
In addition to love and care, feeding the right kind of food at the right time, consistent grooming session, and health checkups is what your pet demands from you.
Selkirk Rex Nutrition
Feeding a Selkirk Rex cat can get problematic as it is picky about food.
The Selkirk Rex cat needs to be fed three times daily with a high protein and fat diet.
Amino acids, especially taurine, are essentially required by this cat breed.
Water should always be easily available at all times.
If your Selkirk Rex cat is facing medical conditions, fed formulated diets.
In the kittenhood, your Selkirk Rex requires optimal food for growth.
A kitten requires more calories, vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
Ensure certain things are never included in your Selkirk Rex diet, mainly low-quality fillers, artificial additives, toxins, and garlic.
How To Groom A Selkirk Rex?
A Selkirk Rex cat is a high-maintenance cat breed; grooming is necessary to keep your Selkirk Rex free from yeast infections, mites, flea bites, and skin diseases.
This breed only sheds hair during shedding seasons, so weekly brushing will help remove dead hair. Use curry brushes for this cat, as it has sensitive areas along the back, belly, and legs.
As Selkirk Rex cats have sensitive skin, use waterless cat shampoo for baths.
Using high-quality pet products for better grooming, such as de-shedding equipment, tip massager, and nail trimmer, is better.
The Selkirk Rex hair looks best in the cold seasons.
Daily eye wiping using baby wipes will help reduce the chance of eye infections.
Similarly, ear cleaning is vital to avoid ear infections.
Selkirk Rex Activity Levels
As Selkirk Rex cat is an indoor cat, playtime is necessary for maintaining a healthy weight.
Like other cat breeds, the Selkirk Rex cat is a natural predator, so keeping it close to its instinct will keep your kitty happier and healthier.
Schedule its playtime for early kittenhood.
Get some cat toys for your Selkirk Rex cat that will keep your Selkirk Rex cat occupied throughout the day.
Daily exercise for an hour will provide mental stimulation to your Selkirk Rex cat.
Selkirk Rex Health Concerns
The Selkirk Rex cat has inherited healthy genes from its parent and is susceptible to fewer health conditions.
While buying a Selkirk Rex cat from the breeder, ask for the genetic diseases seen in this breed.
However, some health concerns include hair, claws, and skin ringworm infections.
It is an infection caused by fungus and is known as dermatophyte.
The symptoms of this infection include bald patches and broken hair in a ring shape.
Next would be Hip Dysplasia, and in this condition hip joint is not properly fixed in place, leading to a degeneration of the joint.
This is a genetic condition and requires surgery.
Lastly, gingivitis is when gums are inflamed due to bacterial infection.
Gum color changes to red or purple.
Symptoms include bad breath and bleeding. Bacterial and fungal infections can be treated through medications and early prevention.
Sources
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