Selkirk Rex Cat Breeder – If you are looking for a unique and adorable cat breed, you might want to consider the Selkirk Rex. This breed is known for its curly coat, which can be long or short, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The Selkirk Rex is also a friendly, playful, and affectionate cat that can get along well with children, other pets, and strangers.
However, before you decide to buy a Selkirk Rex kitten, you need to find and choose the best breeder for your curly kitty. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Selkirk Rex cat breed, why you should choose a reputable breeder, and how to find and select the best one for your needs.
What is a Selkirk Rex Cat?
The Selkirk Rex is a relatively new cat breed that was developed in the late 1980s in Montana, USA. The breed originated from a litter of kittens that were born to a rescued cat named Miss DePesto. One of the kittens had a curly coat, which was a result of a spontaneous genetic mutation. This kitten was named Selkirk, after the nearby Selkirk Mountains, and was adopted by a Persian cat breeder named Jeri Newman.
Newman decided to create a new breed from Selkirk, and crossed him with Persian, British Shorthair, and Exotic Shorthair cats. The resulting offspring were the foundation of the Selkirk Rex breed, which was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1992, and by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 2000.
The Selkirk Rex is a medium to large-sized cat, with a sturdy and muscular body, a round head, large ears, and expressive eyes. The most distinctive feature of the Selkirk Rex is its curly coat, which can be either long or short, and can have any color or pattern. The curls are present at birth, and can vary in tightness and density. The coat is soft, plush, and woolly, and requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. The Selkirk Rex is sometimes called the “cat in sheep’s clothing” because of its curly coat.
Selkirk Rex is not only a beautiful cat, but also a wonderful companion. The breed is known for its sweet, gentle, and laid-back personality. The Selkirk Rex is a social and affectionate cat, that loves to cuddle and purr with its human family. The breed is also playful and curious, and enjoys interactive toys and games.
The Selkirk Rex is not a very vocal cat, but will communicate with soft chirps and meows. The breed is adaptable and easy-going, and can fit in well with different lifestyles and environments. The Selkirk Rex can get along well with children, other pets, and strangers, as long as they are introduced properly and treated with respect.
The Selkirk Rex is a generally healthy and robust cat, that can live for 10 to 15 years. However, like any other cat breed, the Selkirk Rex can be prone to some health issues, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hip dysplasia, and dental problems.
To prevent or reduce the risk of these conditions, it is important to buy a Selkirk Rex kitten from a reputable breeder, who can provide health certificates and genetic testing for the parents and the kittens. It is also essential to provide proper care, nutrition, and veterinary check-ups for your Selkirk Rex cat, to ensure its well-being and happiness.
Why Choose a Selkirk Rex Cat Breeder?
If you have decided that the Selkirk Rex is the right cat breed for you, you might be wondering where to get your curly kitty. There are different sources and options to buy a Selkirk Rex kitten, such as pet shops, online ads, rescue groups, or breeders. However, not all of them are equally reliable and trustworthy.
In fact, some of them can be risky and unethical, and can cause problems for you and your kitten. Therefore, we recommend that you choose a reputable Selkirk Rex cat breeder, who can offer you many benefits and advantages, such as:
A reputable Selkirk Rex cat breeder is a professional and experienced person, who is passionate and knowledgeable about the breed. A breeder can provide you with valuable information and advice about the Selkirk Rex, such as its history, characteristics, temperament, health, and care. A breeder can also answer any questions or doubts that you might have, and help you choose the best kitten for your personality and lifestyle.
A reputable Selkirk Rex cat breeder is a responsible and ethical person, who cares about the welfare and quality of the breed. A breeder follows the breed standards and guidelines, and only breeds healthy and well-socialized cats. A breeder also performs health tests and genetic screening for the parents and the kittens, and can provide health certificates and guarantees for them. A breeder also spays or neuters the kittens before selling them, and registers them with the appropriate cat associations.
A reputable Selkirk Rex cat breeder is a trustworthy and reliable person, who offers you a safe and smooth transaction. A breeder has a clean and comfortable facility, where you can visit and meet the kittens and their parents. A breeder also has a clear and fair contract, where you can read and agree on the terms and conditions of the sale, such as the price, the deposit, the delivery, the refund, and the after-sale support. A breeder also provides you with a kitten kit, which includes the kitten’s documents, records, toys, food, and other essentials.
How to Find and Choose the Best Selkirk Rex Cat Breeder
Now that you know why you should choose a reputable Selkirk Rex cat breeder, you might be wondering how to find and select the best one for your curly kitty. There are many Selkirk Rex cat breeders out there, but not all of them are equally qualified and reputable. Therefore, you need to do some research and evaluation, before you make your final decision. Here are some tips and steps that you can follow, to find and choose the best Selkirk Rex cat breeder for your needs:
Search Selkirk Rex Cat Breeders
The first step is to search for Selkirk Rex cat breeders, using different sources and resources. You can start by asking for recommendations from your friends, family, or acquaintances, who have or know a Selkirk Rex cat. You can also consult your veterinarian, your local cat club, or your regional cat association, for referrals and suggestions.
Another option is to use the internet, and browse through websites, forums, blogs, or social media, that are related to the Selkirk Rex breed. You can also check online directories, such as TICA or CFA, that list registered and reputable Selkirk Rex cat breeders.v
Evaluate the Selkirk Rex Cat Breeders
The second step is to evaluate the Selkirk Rex cat breeders, using different criteria and questions. You can start by visiting their websites, and reading their profiles, testimonials, and reviews. You can also contact them by phone, email, or chat, and ask them some questions, such as:
- How long have you been breeding Selkirk Rex cats?
- How many litters do you produce per year?
- What are the health and genetic tests that you perform for the parents and the kittens?
- What are the health certificates and guarantees that you provide for the kittens?
- What are the breed standards and guidelines that you follow?
- How do you socialize and care for the kittens?
- What are the terms and conditions of the contract?
- What are the price and the deposit of the kitten?
- When and how can I visit and meet the kittens and their parents?
- What are the delivery and the after-sale support options that you offer?
Negotiate and Communicate with The Selkirk Rex Cat Breeder
The third step is to negotiate and communicate with the Selkirk Rex cat breeder, using some tips and tricks. You can start by being polite and respectful, and expressing your interest and enthusiasm for the Selkirk Rex breed. You can also show your knowledge and research about the breed, and ask relevant and specific questions.
You can also be flexible and open-minded, and listen to the breeder’s suggestions and recommendations. You can also be honest and transparent, and share your expectations and preferences for the kitten. You can also be patient and respectful, and wait for the breeder’s response and confirmation. You can also be courteous and grateful, and thank the breeder for their time and attention.
Conclusion
The Selkirk Rex is a beautiful and charming cat breed, that has a curly coat and a sweet personality. The breed is a great companion for anyone who loves a cuddly and playful cat. However, before you buy a Selkirk Rex kitten, you need to find and choose the best breeder for your curly kitty.
A reputable Selkirk Rex cat breeder can offer you many benefits and advantages, such as providing you with a healthy, well-socialized, and registered kitten, as well as giving you valuable information and support. To find and choose the best Selkirk Rex cat breeder, you need to do some research and evaluation, using different sources, criteria, and questions.
You also need to negotiate and communicate with the breeder, using some tips and tricks. By following these steps, you can ensure that you get the best Selkirk Rex kitten for your needs, and enjoy a wonderful and rewarding relationship with your curly kitty.
FAQs
How much does a Selkirk Rex kitten cost?
The price of a Selkirk Rex kitten can vary depending on the breeder, the location, the quality, the color, and the gender of the kitten. The average price range is between $500 and $1500, but it can go higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above.
How can I tell if a Selkirk Rex kitten is purebred?
The best way to tell if a Selkirk Rex kitten is purebred is to ask for the kitten’s pedigree and registration papers, which should be provided by the breeder. The pedigree should show at least four generations of Selkirk Rex cats, and the registration papers should indicate the kitten’s name, date of birth, color, and pattern. The papers should also have the signatures and seals of the cat associations that recognize the Selkirk Rex breed, such as TICA or CFA.
How often should I groom a Selkirk Rex cat?
The grooming frequency of a Selkirk Rex cat depends on the length and texture of the coat. A long-haired Selkirk Rex cat should be brushed at least once a week, to prevent mats and tangles. A short-haired Selkirk Rex cat can be brushed less often, but still needs regular grooming to remove loose hair and dirt. Both long-haired and short-haired Selkirk Rex cats should also have their nails trimmed, their ears cleaned, their teeth brushed, and their eyes wiped, as needed.
What are the common colors and patterns of the Selkirk Rex cat?
The Selkirk Rex cat can have any color or pattern that is accepted by the cat associations that recognize the breed, such as TICA or CFA. Some of the common colors are black, white, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, silver, and golden. Some of the common patterns are solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, bicolor, calico, smoke, shaded, and pointed.
Are Selkirk Rex cats hypoallergenic?
No, Selkirk Rex cats are not hypoallergenic. There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat, as all cats produce some amount of allergens, such as saliva, dander, and urine. However, some cats may produce less allergens than others, and some people may be less allergic to certain cats than others. The Selkirk Rex cat is not known to be a low-allergen cat, as its curly coat can trap more dander and saliva than a straight coat. However, some people may still be able to tolerate a Selkirk Rex cat, depending on their individual sensitivity and the cat’s individual characteristics. The best way to find out if you are allergic to a Selkirk Rex cat is to spend some time with one, and see how you react.
