Selkirk Rex is distinctive teddy-bear-like cat with naturally curly coat mutation (Wyoming 1987). Unique amongst rex breeds with fuller, denser coat in three lengths. Soft, plush texture combined with gentle, affectionate temperament. Calm, people-oriented companions bonding deeply with families. Moderate energy suits families, elderly, multi-pet households. However, curly coat requires significant daily grooming commitment. Ideal for first-time owners willing to invest in grooming. Moderately available through ANCATS breeders in Australia.
Breed Type
Pedigree
Weight (M)
4–6.5 kg
Weight (F)
3–5 kg
Lifespan
10–15 years
AU Price
$1,000 - $2,500
Annual Cost
$1,680/yr
Indoor/Outdoor
Low-Moderate — calm breed
Selkirk Rex Overview
Selkirk Rex Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Selkirk Rex temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
Selkirk Rex are teddy bears of feline world—soft, cuddly, deeply affectionate. Enjoy human interaction, cuddles, laps; many are 'velcro cats'. Patient with children and other pets; rarely show aggression. Playfulness gentle, non-aggressive. Relatively quiet; communicate through soft meows. Bond strongly but not overly demanding. Calm, forgiving nature makes excellent therapy cats.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Selkirk Rex scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Selkirk Rex Right for You?
✅
Apartment Living
4/5
✅
First-Time Owner
4/5
⚠️
Indoor Only
Supervised outdoor OK
❌
Outdoor Risk
Low-Moderate — calm breed
Separation Anxiety: Moderate — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Selkirk Rex Size & Appearance
Selkirk Rex Health & Lifespan
10–15 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Heart thickening; screening essential
Est. treatment: $600–$1,500Kidney cysts
Est. treatment: $400–$800Knee dislocation
Est. treatment: $600–$2,000Flaky, itchy patches
Est. treatment: $150–$400Infestation; curly ears trap debris
Est. treatment: $100–$300Pet Insurance for Selkirk Rex
Avg Annual Insurance (Australia): $480
Est. Monthly: $15–$25/month AUD
Recommended Australian Cat Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow (bowwowmeow.com.au)
• PD Insurance (pdinsurance.com.au)
• Petinsurance.com.au (PetSure)
• Budget Direct Pet Insurance
• Petcover
• Woolworths Pet Insurance
• HCF Pet Insurance
TIP: Insure before 6 months to avoid pre-existing condition exclusions.
Compare insurance policies for your Selkirk Rex
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →Selkirk Rex Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| PURCHASE PRICE | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Food | $1,320 |
| Vet/Health | $400 |
| Grooming | $100 |
| Insurance | $480 |
| TOTAL/year | $1,680 |
| LIFETIME COST (15 yrs) | $25,200 |
| Desexing | $200–$500 |
| Vaccinations (kitten) | $150–$250 |
| First vet check | $80–$150 |
$25,200
Estimated lifetime cost (10–15 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Selkirk Rex Grooming Guide
Grooming Frequency
Daily
Brushing
Daily to 2–3× weekly
Professional Groom Cost
$60–$100
Coat Type
curly — Curly/wavy coat; three lengths; soft, dense
Shedding
★★★☆☆/5
Care Essentials
• Litter box
1 per cat + 1 extra; scoop daily
• Hairless breeds
weekly bath + sun protection
Selkirk Rex Exercise & Enrichment
Energy Level
★★★☆☆/5
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
• Interactive toys
wand, feather, laser pointer
Outdoor Risk Assessment
Low-Moderate — calm breed
Note
Australian outdoor cats face serious threats — snakes, foxes,
Training Your Selkirk Rex
Trainability: ★★★☆☆/5
Vocality: ★★☆☆☆/5
Cats can learn: sit, high-five, fetch, recall, harness walking
Method: Clicker training + high-value treats (chicken, tuna)
Sessions: 3–5 minutes max; always end on a success
Socialisation Tips:
• Handle paws, ears, mouth from 3–7 weeks
• Introduce to carrier, car, vet smells early
• Positive exposure to children and gentle dogs
• Feliway diffuser helps in multi-pet households
Selkirk Rex Feeding Guide
Avg Annual Food Cost (Australia): $1,320
Balanced protein (25–30%) for moderate activity. Premium feed $80–$130/month AUD. Ensure adequate omega fatty acids for coat.
General Feeding Tips:
• Mix wet food + dry kibble for hydration and dental health
• Cats are obligate carnivores — high-protein diet essential
• No grapes, onion, garlic, chocolate, xylitol, raw dough
• Fresh water always available (consider cat fountain)
• Avoid all-dry diets — linked to urinary tract issues
• Measure portions to prevent obesity (40% of cats are overweight)
Finding a Reputable Selkirk Rex Breeder
REGISTRIES / FINDING AN ETHICAL BREEDER:
• ANCATS
• CCCA
• RightPaw
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
• Registered with ANCATS, CCCA, or ACF
• Health-tests parents (HCM, PKD, FIV/FeLV as appropriate)
• Allows kitten visit — you meet the mother
• Kittens raised underfoot in family home (not caged)
• Provides vaccination certificate, microchip, desexing agreement
• Screens buyers with questions
RED FLAGS — AVOID:
• Kittens always available without waitlist
• Multiple breeds always available
• Refuses home visit
• No health certificates or registry papers
• Selling via Facebook/Gumtree without ANCATS/CCCA/ACF credentials
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ACF, GCCF, TICA, or a state feline body
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (queen)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a kitten mill)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Cat Registries:
ACF (acf.asn.au) · GCCF of NSW · Feline Control Council of QLD · CATS Victoria · TICA (tica.org)
Adopting a Selkirk Rex in Australia
RESCUE & ADOPTION:
• Selkirk rescue (limited)
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA
ADOPTION COST: $150–$350 AUD (includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
BENEFITS:
• Often past the demanding kitten stage
• Lower upfront cost
• Temperament known by carers
• Gives a cat a second chance
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest cat adoption platform
Note: Many Australians find wonderful pets via RSPCA and council shelters.
❤️ Thousands of cats need homes. Rescue cats come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Selkirk Rex — Frequently Asked Questions
Do Selkirk Rex need daily grooming?
Yes, daily brushing prevents matting, maintains texture. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($60–$100).
Are Selkirk Rex hypoallergenic?
No, shed moderately despite curly coat.
Cost?
Kittens $1,200–$2,500 from ANCATS breeders.
Health issues?
HCM, PKD, patellar luxation, dermatitis, ear mites.
Good for families?
Yes, excellent; gentle, patient, playful.
Outdoors?
Yes, supervised access; coat prone to dirt/matting when wet.
Climate?
All climates; three coat options provide flexibility.
Apartments?
Yes, calm, quiet, content indoors.
Other pets?
Yes, friendly towards cats and dogs.
Lifespan?
Typically 10–15 years; some reach 18+.