The Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex breed has been in existence for just over 10 years and can trace its origins back to a curly cat found at a Montana Humane Society in 1987.

Named Miss DePesto, for her pesty personality, she was rescued from the Bozeman Humane Society after Peggy Vorrhees, an employee there, recognized her unusual coat. Peggy asked her friend, a Persian breeder by the name of Jeri Newman, to take a look at Pest.

Fascinated by her curly coat and whiskers, Jeri decided to breed Miss DePesto to one of her Persians. The resultant litter was half-curly and half-straight - leading Jeri to the conclusion that Miss DePesto carried a dominent gene.

Jeri became excited. Upon further investigation, she discovered that Miss DePesto's mother and five littermates were all normal coated. To Jeri, this discovery meant that Miss DePesto was the locus of a new mutant gene. This conclusion was later confirmed by geneticists.

A large black and white male born in Pest's first litter, Noface Oscar Kowalski, is the father of the line for the majority of Selkirk's today.

Pest was bred only five times, once to PhotoFinish, twice to Oscar, once to Mr. Rogers (a local stray when Pest escaped outside) and once to a shaded golden Persian (CH Razberrilane Purrpower of Big Sky).

In the 10 years that followed, breeders from around the country worked together to develop a breed that would be admitted in TICA and CFA, as well as be recognized as a new breed of cats.

To build the gene pool, Selkirk's are still being outcrossed to Persians, British Shorthairs and Exotics. These influencing outcrossings are further developing the coats of these beautiful curly cats, as well as continuing to define their unique look.

Today, Selkirk's are gaining attention around the world. They are accepted in TICA and have provisional status in the CFA, and they are winning awards in increasing numbers.

In TICA, there are two standards that breeders are working toward: the Selkirk Rex Longhair and the Selkirk Rex Shorthair. Kittens are judged mainly on head and body type, as the curly coat takes up to 2 years to develop.

Champion The Great Red Baron of Lapurrfect

Selkirk's are being recognized both for their beautiful curly coats, and also for their sweet dispositions. The history of this new breed is as rich as the pictures of the cats you see being shown today. Thanks to the hard work by many breeders throughout the country, I know that they will continue to develop and grow in popularity.

Selkirk Rex cats are medium size with surprising weight. They are fun loving people-oriented kittens making them a delight to own. With coats curly from birth, these rare cats are known as "Cats in Sheep Clothing." Their coats are soft, thick and plush with non-matting loose curls. Although normally purchased for their unique looks, it's their disposition that people fall in love with after they've purchased a Selkirk. With low maintenance and the ability to get along with everyone, they are sure to make the best pet you've ever had.

Author:

Debra Sutherland, La Purr'fect Cattery /  USA

e-mail: Perfectcat@aol.com

homepage: www.Selkirkrex.net