Selkirk Rex in Australia — the honest 2026 guide
Also known as: Cat in sheep's clothing
By Catstuff Editorial · Updated 2026-04-27
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The cat that looks like a sheep. Curly coat from a dominant gene (so kittens with one Selkirk parent get curls, unlike Cornish/Devon). British Shorthair-style chunky body. Calm, patient temperament — quite different from the manic Cornish Rex despite the curls.
Selkirk Rex temperament
Calm, patient, affectionate without being demanding. Excellent for families — tolerant of handling. Less interactive than Cornish/Devon Rex; more like a curly British Shorthair in personality.
History in Australia
First cat (Miss DePesto) born 1987 in Montana. Named after stepdaughter Selkirk and 'Rex' for the curl. Outcrossed to Persian, British Shorthair, and Exotic to broaden gene pool. Recognised by CFA in 2000. Genuinely rare in AU — a few breeders nationally.
Who the Selkirk Rex suits
Good for:
- Households wanting a curly cat with a chunky build
- Families with older children
- Indoor-only homes
Watch out for:
- Coat needs careful grooming to maintain curl
- PKD and HCM risk from outcross breeds
- Rare in AU
Caring for a Selkirk Rex
Brushing damages the curl pattern — finger-comb instead. Bath every 6–8 weeks. The curls trap dust and oils more than straight coats. Indoor-only or catio.
Owning a Selkirk Rex in Australia — the essentials
Beyond the breed-specific notes above, every Australian cat owner needs to know:
- Microchipping: Mandatory in every state and territory before sale or transfer (NSW: by 12 weeks; VIC: before sale; QLD: by 12 weeks). Around $60–80 at most vets.
- Desexing: Required by 4 months in the ACT and parts of VIC; strongly encouraged everywhere else. Many councils discount registration for desexed cats.
- Cat containment: 24/7 containment is now law in the ACT (territory-wide since 2022) and 40+ Victorian councils. Other states are following — assume your council requires it within a few years and build a catio.
- Registration: Most AU councils require cat registration by 12 weeks. Annual fee typically $25–80, lower for desexed cats.
- Vet costs: Budget $300–600/year for routine care (annual checkup, vaccinations, parasite prevention) plus an emergency fund of at least $2,000 — a single dental procedure or blocked-bladder treatment can hit $1,500–3,500.
Common Selkirk Rex health issues
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Hip dysplasia
Insurance note: British Shorthair lineage means PKD risk — DNA-test parents. HCM also a concern.
Best food for a Selkirk Rex in Australia
Our top picks based on coat quality, digestion, and AU availability:
- Royal Canin British Shorthair
- Hill's Science Diet Adult
- Advance Adult
Essential gear for a Selkirk Rex
Three things that genuinely matter for a Selkirk Rex living in Australia:
Frequently asked questions
Selkirk Rex vs Cornish Rex vs Devon Rex — different breeds?
Yes, three separate breeds with three separate Rex mutations. Selkirk is dominant (so half the kittens curl from one parent); Cornish and Devon are recessive (need two parents carrying the gene). Body types differ too — Selkirk is chunky, Cornish is greyhound-like, Devon is elfin.
Similar cat breeds
If the Selkirk Rex doesn't quite fit, these breeds share a similar size and energy profile:
Read next
- Indoor vs Outdoor Cats in Australia — the honest trade-off· 6 min read
- Cat Vaccination Schedule Australia — F3, F4, F5 explained· 5 min read
- First-Year Kitten Cost in Australia — the complete 2026 budget· 5 min read
Still deciding on a Selkirk Rex?
Run the numbers with our food cost calculator, or compare pet insurance for Selkirk Rexs before you commit.
Updated 2026-04-27 · Not veterinary advice — always consult your vet.