Selkirk Rex vs American Curl - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Both American Curl and Selkirk Rex are originated from United States. Both American Curl and Selkirk Rex are having almost same weight. Both American Curl and Selkirk Rex has almost same life span. Both American Curl and Selkirk Rex has same litter size. Both American Curl and Selkirk Rex requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

undefined
United States
United States
Weight Male:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 15 Years
12 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
Sheep Cat
Colors Available:
apricot, black - many patterns or solid coat, Grey, white
All colors
Coat:
Long- and short hair, silky flat-lying coat
Long- and short coat - wavy or curled
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american curlThe American Curl is well known for its unusual shaped ears and for being one of the youngest cat breeds.

It developed in California. The first of these cats appeared to have been strays that arrived in California in 1981. The black female’s name was Shulamith, and she gave birth to a litter with the same curled ears, and was the ancestor of the American Curls of today.

Appearing in a cat show in 1992 for the first time, the longhaired American Curl was then given championship status by TICA and it was also admitted to the Cat Fanciers Association’s championship class in the long- and shorthaired divisions.

The Selkirk Rex originated in the USA in 1987. A host of cats have been used to develop this cat breed – Persians, British Shorthairs, Himalayans, American Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, and others.

There was a litter of kittens and the odd one out, one with an unusual coat – was placed with the breeder, Jeri Newman, who bred the cat with a black Persian.

Three Selkirk Rex kittens were born as well as three straight-haired kittens. The cat has been developed with either long- or short coats. The Selkirk Rex cat breed is recognized by various cat associations such as the International Cat Association, the American Cat Fanciers Association in the 1990s as well as the Cat Fanciers Association in 2000.

Description

american curl kitten - descriptionThe American Curl is a medium-sized cat weighing roughly 2.3–4.5kg. Its a cat that stands between 21 and 27cm in height.

It’s also a cat that takes a fairly long time to mature, reaching maturity about 2 or 3 years of age. The most distinctive feature of this cat is its unusual ears that curl backward as opposed to standing up like most other cats. At birth the ears are straight but they gradually start curling back, staying in a tight bud position.

The American Curl's coat is soft and silky and doesn’t require too much grooming. The fur comes in colors such as grey, white, apricot, black, and the coat can be a solid color or in a host of different patterns such as bi-color, triple-color, tabby, ticking and others.

The head is round, the eyes of the cat are large, giving the cat an alert, friendly look. The eyes can be many different colors from blue to green, amber, copper, hazel, and yellow.

Temperament:

The American Curl Cat loves his human family and gets on well with children too. He is an adaptable cat, settling into different lifestyles. You’ve got to watch him around small children who might manhandle him and pull his sensitive ears.

Nonetheless, he is sociable and loving. He is an intelligent cat, being active and alert and will even follow you around to see what you’re doing that he can be involved in too. He isn’t a particularly talkative breed but he loves to play and can even learn to fetch a smallish ball.

The Selkirk Rex is a medium- to large-sized cat that will weigh between 3 to 6kg. He is a well-built cat of which you get a short- and long coat variety. The coat is available in all colors. The coat has a soft, woolly look to it with some curls.

With the long-haired variety, the cat has a well-plumed tail. One drawback perhaps is that the cat is a fairly heavy shedder, and perhaps wouldn’t be a good choice for those with allergies.

Temperament:

This is a lively, playful, energetic cat with a friendly temperament. Cat experts will tell you that it is the Persian and British Shorthair ancestors that have given him his placid, lovable nature. He is, however, more active than those cat breeds and loves to play.

Tolerant and affectionate, the Selkirk isn't a lap cat. Because he has a sociable nature, he dislikes being left alone for long periods of time.

The Selkirk Rex fits in well with households where there are well-behaved children and other pets. He is such a loving cat and loves to be in the company of his human companions. He isn’t demanding and likes to talk to you in a quiet voice.

Characteristics

american curl cat - characteristicsYou’ll find your American Curl to be a friendly, loving cat that will easily bond with his human family. They’re adaptable cats and will happily adjust to your lifestyle.

Despite their affection, however, American Curls aren't the type of cats to want to be pampered and petted - they are quite happy just to sit next to their owner and relax, or play with their toys.

Because American Curls are highly adaptable, they're suitable for a number of different home types, and homes with other pets or children, making you a splendid feline pet and companion.

When you welcome a Selkirk Rex cat into your home, you’ll have a loving friend and companion.

They love to bask in the attention they get as they’re quite unusual with their wavy to curly coats. People are always wanting to touch it.

The Selkirk Rex cat is an active, playful cat and has a whole lot of love to offer you.

Health Problems

american curl kittens - health problemsThis is a healthy breed of cat that with good care can reach 9 – 15 years of age.

You need to be careful with their ears – perhaps damaging the cartilage if you brush him too hard.

Like many cats, the Curl is susceptible to ear issues so always be sure to check and clean your cat’s ears weekly.

The Selkirk Rex cat, if looked after well and given excellent food can live to be 15, 16, or 17 years of age. Some of these cats can suffer from hair loss. Remember, that every cat will require vaccinations and de-worming.

Kidney Disease:

Chronic kidney failure usually develops over a number of months. Chronic kidney failure in cats is a progressive illness but if you get your cat to the vet it can be managed. The vet will want a sample of your cat's urine and possibly a blood test.

Caring The Pet

american curl cats - caringThe Curl’s coat can be either short or long, but with a gentle brushing, the coat can be well maintained. The shorthaired variety sheds a bit more during the year than the longhaired variety and this is why grooming and brushing becomes necessary.

You can brush your cat’s teeth to avoid periodontal disease.

Trim your cat’s nails every other week if they don’t wear down naturally.

Check inside- and outside the cat’s ears for parasites and dirt. The cat’s ears have a unique shape and they may well be born with narrowed ear canals that can trap dirt and wax and this results in ear infections.

Like all cats breeds, your lean, muscular American Curl can be susceptible to obesity and heart disease. Speak to your vet about a special cat food for your feline friend as cat food is specially formulated to deliver the exact level of natural vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants needed. Understand the amount of food your Curl requires by checking out the feeding instructions on the food labels. Always talk to your vet if you're not sure how much and what you should feed your cat.

Remember, that if you don’t want to do these grooming routines for your cat for fear of hurting him or not doing it properly, the vet or your local pet groomer will do it for you.

Make sure to provide your intelligent American Curl with toys and exercise. You can buy toys and games that will challenge his mental and physical abilities.

Your Selkirk Rex will need to have his fur brushed. You don’t want to brush him too hard every week as this can cause the curls to frizz. Rather use a spray bottle with some cat conditioner and lightly spray the curls and use your fingers to ‘comb’ his hair.

Provide your cat with well-balanced meals. Your Selkirk Rex is a carnivore and you have to ensure that his food is made up of meat. The best commercially manufactured cat foods know how to correctly balance your cat’s food so that it gets the perfect blend of vitamins and minerals. Always choose a good brand of cat food that will meet your cat's nutritional needs. If you’re unsure, you can always ask your vet for suggestions about good quality food that will help towards ensuring good health for your cat.

The cheaper, unknown brands may not have the best ingredients to keep your cat happy and healthy. Remember to read the labels as a growing kitten will require different food to a senior cat.

Provide your Selkirk Rex with a litter box, scratching post, and a climbing tree.

Your kitten will need to be vaccinated to protect him from some of the life-threatening diseases cats can get. Most of the vets these days recommend a combined vaccine, starting at about 8 weeks of age. These vaccines will protect your kitten from Feline Leukaemia Virus, Feline Parovirus, and cat flu.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Selkirk Rex vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. Selkirk Rex vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. Selkirk Rex vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. Selkirk Rex vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. Selkirk Rex vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Selkirk Rex vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Selkirk Rex vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Selkirk Rex vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. Selkirk Rex vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. Selkirk Rex vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Selkirk Rex vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Selkirk Rex vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  13. Selkirk Rex vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  14. Selkirk Rex vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  15. Selkirk Rex vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  16. Selkirk Rex vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  17. Selkirk Rex vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  18. Selkirk Rex vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  19. Selkirk Rex vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  20. Selkirk Rex vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  21. Selkirk Rex vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  22. Selkirk Rex vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  23. Selkirk Rex vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  24. Selkirk Rex vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  25. Selkirk Rex vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison
  26. American Curl vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. American Curl vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. American Curl vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. American Curl vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. American Curl vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. American Keuda vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. American Longhair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  33. American Polydactyl vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  34. American Shorthair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  35. American Wirehair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  36. Applehead Siamese vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  37. Ashera vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  38. Asian vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  39. Asian Semi-Longhair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  40. Australian Mist vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  41. Balinese vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  42. Bengal vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  43. Bicolor vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  44. Birman vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  45. Blue Russian vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  46. Bombay vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  47. Brazilian Shorthair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  48. Bristol vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  49. British Longhair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  50. British Shorthair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison