Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 15 and 20 years, which makes it a cat with often appreciable longevity. This duration depends on the quality of the breeding, lifestyle hygiene, medical prevention and maintaining a stable weight throughout adult life.
Build
A robust breed?
The Selkirk Rex is rather sturdy on a daily basis, without being a breed that one would describe as particularly hardy. Its balanced build and calm temperament work in its favor, but certain lines require increased vigilance regarding cardiac, joint and renal health.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to the selection of the breeding, to family history and to maintaining a good body condition. Regular check-ups help to detect early the disorders most often mentioned in the breed and to adapt the care if necessary.
Polycystic kidney disease : A hereditary condition that can progressively impair kidney function, to be looked for in bloodlines and through screening of breeding cats.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy : A heart disease observed in certain related bloodlines, which calls for particular vigilance on the breeding and veterinary follow-up side.
Hip dysplasia : Rarer in cats than in dogs, it can nevertheless affect certain individuals and promote pain or locomotor discomfort.
Overweight : Its calm temperament can promote weight gain if diet and activity are not well balanced.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its dense coat, the Selkirk Rex tolerates rather well temperate to cool environments. On the other hand, high heat requires greater vigilance, with fresh water, shaded areas and a limitation of exertion during the hottest hours.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The Selkirk Rex may tend to become overweight if its activity decreases or if portions are too generous. A measured ration, daily play, and weight monitoring help avoid a gradual gain in mass that is often discreet in calm cats.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Ask for the available health tests or information on the breeding cats before adoption.
- Regularly monitor weight and body condition.
- Schedule preventive veterinary visits and keep vaccinations up to date.
Vaccination
Selkirk Rex vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Selkirk Rex? Like all dogs, the Selkirk Rex receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Selkirk Rex is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Selkirk Rex vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Selkirk Rex?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Selkirk Rex
It is relevant to ask breeders about the screenings carried out on breeding cats, in particular for renal and cardiac conditions known in related lines. Regular clinical examinations and, depending on the context, targeted check-ups help to monitor the cat's progression under good conditions.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
