One of the most common questions we receive from prospective Selkirk Rex owners is whether the breed is hypoallergenic. After 8 years of breeding Selkirk Rex from our home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, here is the honest answer: no cat breed is truly hypoallergenic, including the Selkirk Rex. However, the Selkirk Rex has some characteristics that may make them better tolerated by people with mild cat allergies.

What causes cat allergies?

Cat allergies are not caused by fur. They are caused by a protein called Fel d 1, which is produced primarily in the cat's saliva and skin glands. When a cat grooms itself, the protein is deposited onto the coat. When the coat sheds or the cat dander spreads through your home, the Fel d 1 protein travels with it. Every cat breed produces Fel d 1, including the Selkirk Rex.

Are Selkirk Rex any better for allergies?

The Selkirk Rex has a dense, curly coat that traps shed hair and dander rather than releasing it freely into the air. This is a key difference from short-haired or straight-coated breeds where shed hair scatters across furniture and carpets. The trapped dander makes regular grooming more impactful because removing the trapped hair removes the allergen at the same time. Read more about Selkirk Rex shedding patterns.

However, the Selkirk Rex is not classified as a hypoallergenic breed by any major cat registry. Breeds sometimes labeled as "hypoallergenic" include the Siberian, Russian Blue, Balinese, and Bengal, although even these breeds still produce Fel d 1. The Selkirk Rex is not on this list. If you have severe cat allergies, you should be cautious about any breed including the Selkirk Rex.

How to test if a Selkirk Rex triggers your allergies

Before committing to a kitten, we strongly recommend spending time around adult Selkirk Rex cats to gauge your reaction. We invite local families to visit our home in Albuquerque to meet our adult cats before they make any decision. If you live too far away to visit, we recommend the following:

• Visit a cat show where Selkirk Rex are competing
• Contact other Selkirk Rex owners in your area to spend time around their cats
• Talk to your allergist about testing your specific reactivity to Fel d 1
• Spend at least 2 hours in a home with a Selkirk Rex to gauge a real reaction

Managing allergies if you do get a Selkirk Rex

If you have mild allergies and decide to bring home a Selkirk Rex, these practical steps help most owners manage day-to-day life with the cat. Regular grooming is the most important factor. Use a soft brush or wide-tooth comb once or twice a week to remove trapped dander before it spreads. Bathe your Selkirk Rex once every 4 to 6 weeks with a cat-safe gentle shampoo, which reduces Fel d 1 levels on the coat.

Designate a bedroom as a cat-free zone if your allergies are worse at night. HEPA air purifiers help reduce airborne dander. Wash your hands after handling the cat and avoid touching your face. Vacuum frequently with a HEPA-filter vacuum, and consider washing bedding and throws weekly.

The bottom line

The Selkirk Rex is not a hypoallergenic breed, and any breeder who tells you otherwise is being dishonest. However, the breed's plush coat does trap dander effectively, and many owners with mild allergies do well with the breed when paired with good grooming habits. If you have moderate to severe allergies, do not assume the Selkirk Rex will be different just because they have curly coats. Test your reaction in person before making a commitment.

"The most ethical thing we can do as breeders is be honest. The Selkirk Rex is a wonderful breed for many families, but it is not magically allergen-free."

Considering a Selkirk Rex but unsure about allergies? Contact us and we can discuss your situation in detail. We have helped many families navigate the question of whether the breed is right for them. Browse our available Selkirk Rex kittens or read more about the Selkirk Rex breed.