Selkirk Rex

In 1987 a curly-coated female kitten, Miss DePesto, was born at a Montana shelter and ended up with the Persian breeder Jeri Newman. She bred her to a black Persian and half the litter came out curly: it was a dominant gene, different from the Devon's and the Cornish's. Persians, Exotics, British and American Shorthairs were used afterwards, hence its sturdy body and rounded face. It is a calm, patient and very affectionate cat, a good companion for children and other animals, without the intensity of the athletic rex breeds. It is not hypoallergenic: it has all its coat layers and sheds like any cat.

Contrary to appearances, a curly coat should not be brushed thoroughly: the curl comes undone and frizzes. A wide-toothed comb once or twice a week is better, plus the odd bath, leaving it to air-dry. The longhair forms knots under the legs and behind the ears. The curl varies, and a good bath brings it out. Regular cleaning of ears and eyes.

It inherits risks from its outcross breeds: polycystic kidney disease (PKD, DNA test available, from the Persian), HCM and, if the face is very flat, breathing problems and watery eyes. Ask for the parents' PKD test and echocardiogram. Because of its dense coat, ear infections and wax build-up are more frequent than in other breeds.