Rex cat Medium size 3-7 kg

Selkirk Rex Longhair

A patient, curly-coated cat with an easygoing nature - the plush coat needs gentle regular grooming.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
3-7 kg, 23-28 cm
Moderate
Activity
Relaxed and affectionate
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Enjoys company, fairly adaptable
Moderate
Handling
Calm and tolerant to handle
Moderate
Coat care
Curly coat, brush gently to avoid frizz
Excellent
Fit with kids
Gentle and patient with kids
Good
Other pets
Sociable with other pets
Moderate
Health burden
HCM, PKD and skin worth checking

The Selkirk Rex Longhair typically weighs 3-7 kg, stands 23-28 cm, and lives 13-16 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a calm, affectionate cat that is easy to live with,
there are children or other pets and you want a tolerant breed,
you can commit to gentle regular brushing of the curly coat,
you want a laid-back companion rather than a high-energy climber.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a very active, athletic cat,
you cannot keep up with brushing a plush semi-long coat,
you will not budget for HCM and PKD screening from the breeder,
you are set on a hairless or wash-and-go coat.

A typical day with a Selkirk Rex Longhair

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Soft greeting and a slow start to the day
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Settles near its people or a sunny spot
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    A long, comfortable nap
  4. 17:00 · Afternoon
    Gentle wand play and a brushing session
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Lap time and quiet company
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Sleeps on or near the bed

Temperament and training

Affection Very high
Tolerance of handling High
Playfulness Moderate
Vocality Low
Independence Moderate
Hunting drive Low
Common owner mistakes
Letting the curly coat mat by skipping regular gentle brushing · Over-bathing and stripping the coat of its natural texture · Skipping heart and kidney screening because the cat looks healthy

Family and environment

Kids Excellent
Patient and gentle; still teach children calm handling.
Other cats Good
Sociable and easygoing with other cats.
Dogs Good
Calm nature suits life with cat-friendly dogs.
Apartment Ideal
Relaxed and indoor-happy; well suited to flat living.
Seniors Great fit
Affectionate and low-key; the coat does need regular brushing.
First cat Great fit
Forgiving, easygoing temperament suits beginners.
Busy household Conditional
Adaptable, but enjoys company; long empty days are less ideal.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Thickening of the heart muscle; genetic screening exists for some lines
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) Inherited from Persian ancestry; DNA testing available
Dental disease Plaque and gum inflammation; routine dental care helps
Skin and coat sensitivity Curly coat can be prone to oiliness or irritation; groom gently

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Same breed, lower-maintenance short coat
Selkirk Rex Shorthair
A patient, curly-coated cat with an easygoing nature - the short curly coat is lower maintenance than the longhair variety.
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Another affectionate curly-coated rex
Devon Rex
A mischievous, people-obsessed pixie of a cat with a soft wavy coat - endlessly playful but really dislikes being left alone.
View profile →
Calm, plush-coated lap cat in its ancestry
Persian
A quiet, decorative lap cat for a calm home - the flat face and long coat mean daily grooming and real health risks.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Selkirk Rex Longhair cost in the US?
Pet-quality kittens from reputable breeders commonly run $800-$2,000, with show and breeding lines costing more. Across a 13-16 year life, food, litter, grooming and routine vet care typically add $12,000-$18,000 or more, and managing a condition like HCM or kidney disease can add thousands on top.
Is the Selkirk Rex Longhair high-maintenance to groom?
It needs steady but not extreme care. The plush curly coat should be brushed gently a few times a week to prevent matting, and you should avoid over-bathing, which can strip the curl. It is more coat care than a shorthair but far less than a heavily matting longhair.
What is the difference between the longhair and shorthair Selkirk Rex?
Only the coat length. Both share the same easygoing, affectionate temperament and curly coat; the longhair has a fuller, plusher coat that needs a bit more brushing, while the shorthair is lower maintenance.
Are Selkirk Rex cats good with children and other pets?
Yes. They are calm, patient and tolerant, which makes them a good fit for families with children and other pets. As always, teach children to handle the cat gently and give it space to retreat.