History:
The basis for the Selkirk Rex breed is a mutation that causes a curly coat. The foundation cat for this breed was a shorthaired, curly coated dilute calico female found in a slitter of normal domestic cats born in 1987. The straight coated mother and her family of five straight coated kittens and one curly kitten landed in an animal shelter. The unusual kitten was given to Jeri Newman, and experienced Persian breeder, and named Miss Depesto. When she reached maturity she was bred to Jeri's champion black persian, Photo Finish of Deekay.

The resulting litter of six contained three curly coated ktiiens. This proved that the gene was dominant, unlike the recessive gene of the Devon or Cornisyh Rex. Because there was only one kitten with the curly coat of Miss DePesto's litter, it is presumed that this was a spontaneous mutation that Miss DePesto then passed on to her offspring.

Description:
The standard calls for a medium to large cat, with heavy boning. The head typeis similar to the British Shorthair, but with more roundness. The body is muscular and rectangular, with a slight rise to the hind quarters. Selkirks come in both "shorthaired" ( a length similar to that of the Exotic) and longhaired varieties. The original cat carried the longhair gene.

The coat is thick and plush and falls in loose curls. The coat is soft in texture, unlike the stiffness of an American Wirehair.

Selkirks come in a rainbow of colors, including the "pointed" colors, as the original cat was carrying the pointed gene. Because Exotic Shorthairs (some of whom have Burnese cats in their background) are an allowed outcross, burmese and "mink" colored cats have also been produced.

Kittens appear very curly at birth, but then they go through an awkward "straight" stage. Upon full maturity, the coat comes into its full glory. This is a very slow developing breed, but with time, the full head development (with jowls) and body maturity, as well as the coat quality, will improve.

Temperment:
The temperment of the Selkirk reflects that of the breeds used in its development. They have a lot of the laid-back, reserved qualities of the British Shorthair, the cuddly nature of the Persian, and the playfulness of the Exotic Shorthair. They are very patient, tolerant and loving.

Health:
Unlike the other Rex breeds -- Devon and Cornish -- the Selkirk Rex is not a good potential alternative for someone with cat allergy.

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