Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by admin
The Selkirk Rex is named after a person: breeder Jeri Newman’s stepfather, whose family name was Selkirk. The Cat Fanciers’ Association says it is the only cat breed named after a person. The breed began with one curly-coated shelter kitten in Montana in the late 1980s, and its curl gene turned out to be dominant, unlike every other major Rex breed.
How the Selkirk Rex got its name
Newman, a Persian breeder in Montana, adopted a curly-coated kitten that came from a local shelter. She named the kitten Miss DePesto of NoFace. When it came time to name the new breed built from that kitten, she chose her stepfather’s family name, Selkirk. According to the CFA breed profile, that makes it the only cat breed named after a person.
Sources differ slightly on the year. CFA dates the litter to 1986; Hill’s says the breed first appeared in Montana in 1987. VCA Animal Hospitals dates the start of the breeding program to July 4, 1988, when Newman bred Miss DePesto to one of her black Persians.
Selkirk Rex history at a glance
| Event | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Curly kitten (Miss DePesto) born in Montana | 1986 (CFA) / 1987 (Hill’s) | CFA, Hill’s |
| Miss DePesto bred to a black Persian; 3 of 6 kittens curly | July 4, 1988 | VCA, CFA |
| CFA accepts the breed for registration | 1992 | CFA |
| CFA championship status | 2000 | CFA |
| CFA outcrosses closed; kittens must have only Selkirk Rex parents | Born on or after January 1, 2025 | CFA |
Why the curl gene matters: dominant, not recessive
When Miss DePesto was bred to a straight-coated Persian, three of the six kittens had curly coats. That result told Newman the curl was dominant: a kitten needs only one copy of the gene, from one parent, to be curly. The Devon Rex and Cornish Rex curls are recessive, so both parents must carry the gene. Hill’s notes this dominant gene is what sets the Selkirk apart from the other Rex breeds.
A practical result: a Selkirk Rex bred to a straight-coated cat can still produce curly kittens. That is how breeders were able to widen the gene pool with outcrosses while keeping the curl.
Which breeds were used to build it
To grow the breed from a single founder, breeders crossed Selkirks with Persians, British Shorthairs and Exotics. CFA allowed Persian outcrosses for kittens born before January 1, 2020, and British Shorthair or Exotic outcrosses for kittens born before January 1, 2025. Kittens born from 2025 on must have only Selkirk Rex parents to register with CFA.
Those outcrosses explain the breed’s build. VCA calls it “one of the beefier breeds” with a cobby, solid body and big paws. CFA puts adult males at 12 to 15 pounds, with females somewhat smaller.
The Selkirk Rex coat
- Two lengths: shorthair (plush and dense) and longhair (longer ruff around the face, plumy tail, slightly less plush), per CFA.
- Curl pattern: loose, random curls that form clumps; even the whiskers are curly.
- Grooming: lighter than it looks. CFA says combing once or twice a month removes dead hair; Hill’s recommends a weekly comb rather than a brush, which can pull the curls out. Longhairs may need a hair pick to separate clumps.
- Bathing: VCA says the breed rarely needs a bath; towel-blot dry instead of using a blow dryer. Heavy shampoos can flatten the curls.
- Allergies: the curly coat is not hypoallergenic. VCA says the breed is not recommended for people allergic to cats.
Personality
CFA describes Selkirks as affectionate, people-focused lap cats that are playful but not especially vocal. VCA calls them “super mellow and laidback” and patient with people and other pets. Hill’s adds that they have a clownish side and can get bored when left alone, so puzzle feeders and toys help.
Health and lifespan
VCA lists a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, and Hill’s describes the breed as generally healthy. Because Persians and British Shorthairs are in the background, it is reasonable to ask a breeder about polycystic kidney disease (PKD): Cornell Feline Health Center says PKD occurs most often in Persians and occasionally in British Shorthairs, and a genetic test can identify carriers.
For a full care guide, see our Selkirk Rex breed profile. If you are comparing curly breeds, read about the Devon Rex, the Cornish Rex and the LaPerm.
FAQ
Who was the Selkirk Rex named after?
Breeder Jeri Newman named it after her stepfather’s family name, Selkirk.
Is the Selkirk Rex the only cat breed named after a person?
Yes, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association breed profile.
Is the Selkirk Rex curl gene dominant?
Yes. One copy is enough for a curly coat, unlike the recessive Devon and Cornish Rex genes.
Is the Selkirk Rex hypoallergenic?
No. VCA says the breed is not recommended for people with cat allergies.
How big does a Selkirk Rex get?
CFA lists adult males at 12 to 15 pounds; females are somewhat smaller.