
The selkirk rex cat breed stands out mainly by his mantle, which precisely attributes the nickname " sheep cat ".We also talk about one of the most "recent" cat breeds, as it was developed in the last century.This cat has earned The love and adoration of millions of cat lovers around the world, as well as having a sweet and tender appearance, also stands out as one of the most affectionate and playful cats.
In this file We will explain everything about the cat breed selkirk rex , from its origins to its care, also reviewing the most common diseases of the breed or the usual character of the species.Remember that each holiday is unique.So, whether you are considering the option of adopting a Selkirk Rex cat, you already have one or simply be to know more about this feline breed, keep reading!
Origin of Selkirk Rex
The selkirk rex cat was developed in the United States in 1988, when a curly-haired cat was crossed with a Persian cat The first cats of the Selkirk Rex breed were born from both individuals.The breeders have explained that this curly hair is due to a genetic mutation, which has appeared naturally and that affects the characteristics of the hair of these specimens, making that looks curly and fluffy .
Although it has appeared recently, at least for the times related to the appearance of races and recognition of them, this breed has been recognized by the main official bodies, like this, the TICA, for example, made it official in 1990.Although by name we can think that it is related to devon rex or cornish rex, this is not so, since the term "rex" only refers to the characteristic of having curly hair.
Physical characteristics of selkirk rex
Selkirk are large-sized cats, weighing between 4 and 7 kilograms , some of these cats reach a size that makes them considered giant cats.Although the weight average for most of the specimens is between 5 and 6 kilograms.Its body is muscular and fibrated, quite slender but with very powerful but flexible limbs.They have a medium-length tail, finished in a round tip and of considerable thickness.
The life expectancy of selkirk rex cats ranges between 12 and 15 years.
The head of the selkirk rex It is medium, with round shapes and short, wide and straight snout.The eyes are round and large in size, whose color will be a function of the one with its fur, with which they always harmonize.The coat of the breed is the most characteristic of selkirk rex, because they have a mantle that can be long or short , there are two variants that would be longhair selkirk rex or shorthair selkirk rex, in any of the two types all possible colors are accepted.
But the main thing about this hair is not the length of it, but the shape, because these cats have a curly hair , which in the long-haired specimens can form loops.And not only in the body they have that characteristic curly hair, but also they have it in the area of the face, forming picturesque mustaches of soft and dense hair.
Character of selkirk rex
The cats of the selkirk rex breed are very calm and peaceful felines , which are characterized by a calm and balanced temperament.They are also very affectionate , showing a great affection for their loved ones.All this makes this a suitable breed to live with families with small children, because they are very affectionate cats and patients with the little ones of the house, they also love to play with them.
Also due to the great tranquility and serenity that they transmit, they are very suitable for older people, because they will provide them with a fantastic company, but without generating problems because they are nervous as happens to other races.They also adapt very easily to environments of almost any type , so we do not have to worry if we live in a small flat or if on the contrary our home is a big house with a garden.
Selkirk rex care
Depending on the variety of selkirk that we have at home the care varies, so in the long-haired specimens we have daily brushing of their mantle, while with the short-haired ones these brushes can be spaced, being enough to make about 2-3 per week.Baths should be limited to when it is totally and strictly necessary, as well as haircuts, which in principle should not be done .
Due to the abundant coat it is important that attention be paid to the accumulation of wax in the ears, having to be attentive to its condition and cleanliness.We also have to pay attention to the ocular and oral health, it may be necessary that there also Perform more or less frequent cleanings in order to keep eyes and mouth clean and healthy.To make proper cleanings it is best to follow the advice that our veterinarian gives us about it.
To keep our feline healthy we have to feed them On a healthy and balanced basis, that adequately meets your nutritional needs and is not excessive, in order to prevent our pet from developing obesity.
Selkirk rex health
Perhaps because the race originated spontaneously and not by artificial selection of man, we speak of a race with good health, which still does not have registered congenital pathologies .
Some of the diseases or problems that selkirk rex can present are related to their abundant fur, for example, if they are not brushed as we have commented in the care section, they can develop tricobezoares , or what is the same, hairballs in the digestive system, so it is important that in addition to brushing them, we help them eliminate these balls before they are too large with products such as malt or paraffin.
Also because of this coat they may have more ease of hearing problems , due to the low oxygenation of the auditory tract, which is more covered by hair than in other races.Therefore it is important that the veterinarian advises us a clean The auditory dor with which we can clean your ears from home, so we will avoid that the accumulation of wax can trigger an annoying and painful otitis.
Bibliography
- FIFe.(2017).SELKIRK REX LONGHAIR/SHORTHAIR.2019, from Federation Internationale Feline Website: http://www1.fifeweb.org/dnld/std/SRL-SRS.pdf
- WCF.(2010).WCF Standard-Breed standards, Selkirk Rex Shorthair.2019, from World Cat Federation Website: http://www.wcf-online.de/WCF-EN/standard/shorthair/selkirk-rex.html
- CFA.(2018).Selkirk Rex.2019, from The Cat Fanciers' Association Website: http://cfa.org/Portals/0/documents/breeds/standards/selkirk.pdf
- RCC.( 2017).Selkirk Rex, Standard of Points.2019, from Rex Cat Club Website: http://www.rexcatclub.com/
- RCC.(2017).Selkirk Rex, Breeding Policy.2019, from Rex Cat Club Website: http://www.rexcatclub.com/
- RCC.(2017).Selkirk Rex, Health.2019, from Rex Cat Club Website: http://www.rexcatclub.com/
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