Rex cat Medium size 3-7 kg

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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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
Low
Coat care
Curly short coat, weekly brushing
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 Shorthair 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 like the curly rex look but prefer a lower-maintenance 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 will not budget for HCM and PKD screening from the breeder,
you are set on a hairless or perfectly straight-coated cat,
you cannot give a company-loving cat regular attention.

A typical day with a Selkirk Rex Shorthair

  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 light interaction
  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
Over-bathing and stripping the coat of its natural curl · Skipping heart and kidney screening because the cat looks healthy · Assuming the calm nature means it needs no play or company

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, low-key and easy to care for.
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 with a fuller long coat
Selkirk Rex Longhair
A patient, curly-coated cat with an easygoing nature - the plush coat needs gentle regular grooming.
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Another curly-coated rex, more active
Cornish Rex
A playful, warm-seeking cat with a soft wavy coat and low shedding - very people-focused and not fond of being left alone.
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Calm, easygoing shorthair companion
British Shorthair
An undemanding, dignified apartment cat that tolerates alone time better than most pets - affection on its own terms.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Selkirk Rex Shorthair 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 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 Shorthair easy to groom?
Yes. The short curly coat needs only weekly brushing to look its best, and you should avoid over-bathing, which can flatten the curl. It is one of the lower-maintenance curly breeds.
What is the difference between the shorthair and longhair Selkirk Rex?
Only the coat length. Both share the same calm, affectionate temperament and curly coat; the shorthair is easier to groom, while the longhair has a fuller, plusher coat that needs more frequent brushing.
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. Teach children to handle the cat gently and give it space to retreat when it wants it.