Cat · Large Breed
Selkirk Rex Age Calculator
Use this Selkirk Rex age calculator to convert cat years to human years. You can also check the average Selkirk Rex lifespan, adult weight range, growth chart, feeding guide, and breed facts in one place.
Quick Answer
Selkirk Rex facts at a glance
Average lifespan
14-15 years
Adult weight
3-7 kg
Fully grown
12-18 months
The Calculator
How old is your Selkirk Rex in human years?
At 1 year old
Your Selkirk Rex is approximately 15 in human years.
Field Notes
Selkirk Rex Lifespan, Size, and Care
The Selkirk Rex is a relatively modern breed that began in the United States in the late 1980s after a curly-coated kitten was born in a rescue litter. That kitten became the foundation of the breed, which was developed with careful outcrossing to breeds such as Persian, British Shorthair, and Exotic Shorthair. Unlike some other rex breeds with fine, close-lying waves, the Selkirk Rex is known for a heavier body and a soft, dense coat with a distinctly tousled look.
In temperament, Selkirk Rex cats are usually gentle, social, and adaptable. They often enjoy being near their families, tolerate handling well, and tend to do well in calm homes as well as busier households with respectful children or other pets. Most are affectionate without being overly demanding, making them a good fit for owners who want a friendly but not constantly vocal companion.
Care centers on coat maintenance, weight control, and routine preventive health care. Their curly coat can mat if neglected, especially in longer-haired individuals, so gentle combing and regular checks behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail are important. Because some lines may inherit conditions seen in related breeds, routine veterinary exams, dental care, and screening from responsible breeders are especially valuable.
Exercise needs are moderate, and these cats usually benefit from daily interactive play rather than nonstop activity. Wand toys, climbing trees, puzzle feeders, and short play sessions help prevent boredom and excess weight gain. They are often content indoor cats as long as they have enrichment, scratching areas, and regular social interaction.
Temperament
Exercise Needs
moderate
Health Watch
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
- Hip dysplasia
- Obesity
- Dental disease
Grooming
The Selkirk Rex needs gentle regular combing to prevent tangles and matting, with frequency depending on whether the coat is shorthaired or longhaired.
Growth Curve
Selkirk Rex weight chart
Typical weight progression from young to adult. The tinted band marks the healthy adult range. 3-7 kg.
Nutrition, Staged
Selkirk Rex Feeding Guide
Use this Selkirk Rex feeding guide as a starting point for common life stages, then adjust for body condition, activity, and veterinary advice.
Formative years
Young
Feed a complete kitten formula in several small measured meals each day, with the exact amount adjusted to growth rate and body condition. Kittens should stay on a growth diet until your veterinarian confirms they are ready for adult food.
Peak years
Adult
Feed a complete adult cat food in measured portions and monitor body condition closely, because indoor cats often need fewer calories than owners expect. Wet food, fresh water, and routine portion checks help reduce weight gain and support urinary health.
Mature years
Senior
Older cats often need closer monitoring of weight, appetite, hydration, and dental comfort even before a full diet change is needed. Ask your veterinarian about senior diets if kidney disease, thyroid disease, muscle loss, or digestive changes start to affect intake.
Questions, Answered
On the Selkirk Rex
That depends on the pet's actual age. Use the calculator above to estimate a Selkirk Rex's age in human years using the method shown on this page.
Most Selkirk Rexs live 14-15 years, although genetics, diet, body condition, husbandry, and preventive care all influence the real outcome.
A full grown Selkirk Rex usually weighs 3-7 kg, though sex, lineage, and body condition can move an individual above or below the average range.
Most Selkirk Rexs are close to full size around 12-18 months, although growth rate and final build vary from one pet to another.
Use the feeding guide above as a starting point, then adjust for age, body condition, activity, and your veterinarian's recommendations.
Yes, Selkirk Rex cats are generally known for their calm, affectionate, and tolerant nature. They often do well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs when introductions are gradual and respectful.
No, Selkirk Rex cats are not truly hypoallergenic. Their curly coat may trap some loose hair, but they still produce allergens in skin oils and saliva, so allergic individuals can still react.
They need more grooming than many people expect because the dense curls can tangle or mat, especially in longhaired cats. Gentle combing once or twice weekly is often enough for short coats, while longer coats may need more frequent maintenance.
They are often healthy cats overall, but some bloodlines can be prone to inherited conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease, and hip dysplasia. Choosing a breeder who performs appropriate health screening and keeping up with routine veterinary care are important.
This breed is usually moderately active rather than extremely energetic. Daily play, climbing opportunities, and food puzzles help maintain a healthy weight and provide enough mental and physical stimulation.
Adjacent Breeds
