The Selkirk Rex is one of the healthiest curly-coated cat breeds and enjoys a lifespan comparable to other domestic cats. Most Selkirk Rex cats live between 10 and 15 years, with some reaching 17 or 18 years when properly cared for. This guide covers what affects Selkirk Rex lifespan and what you can do to maximize your cat's healthy years.

Average Selkirk Rex lifespan

The Selkirk Rex shares ancestry with the British Shorthair and Persian, two breeds with reasonably long lifespans. A healthy, well-cared-for Selkirk Rex from a reputable breeder typically lives 12 to 14 years. Cats in our breeding line have routinely lived into their mid teens, with some still active and healthy at 16 and beyond.

Indoor-only cats generally live longer than outdoor cats, and the Selkirk Rex is best kept exclusively indoors. They are not athletic climbers or strong hunters, and their friendly nature makes them too trusting of strangers and dogs. Every Selkirkish kitten goes home with the expectation of being an indoor cat for life.

Factors that affect Selkirk Rex lifespan

Genetic health

The most important factor in Selkirk Rex lifespan is the genetic health of the breeding parents. At Selkirkish, every parent in our program is tested negative for the four main feline genetic concerns: PKD, HCM, FIV, and FeLV. Without this screening, inherited conditions can cut a cat's life short by years. See our breeding cats and our screening process.

Diet and weight management

Selkirk Rex are relaxed cats who can gain weight quickly if overfed. Obesity is one of the biggest threats to lifespan in indoor cats, contributing to diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and a shorter life. Feed a high-quality cat food appropriate for your cat's life stage and avoid free-feeding. Most adult Selkirk Rex do well on two measured meals per day.

Veterinary care

Regular vet visits catch issues before they become serious. Annual check-ups for adult cats and biannual visits for senior cats (over 10 years) help maintain health throughout life. Dental care is particularly important. Many cats develop dental disease that is preventable with routine cleanings.

Common Selkirk Rex health concerns

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Inherited from the Persian ancestry, PKD causes cysts to form on the kidneys. It is detectable through a simple genetic test. Reputable breeders test all breeding cats and never breed positive cats. PKD that goes untested can shorten a cat's life significantly.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a heart condition where the heart muscle thickens. It can develop later in life and is harder to predict than PKD. Echocardiogram screening of breeding cats is the gold standard. Regular vet checkups help catch HCM early enough to manage.

Dental disease

The Selkirk Rex's round face can lead to slightly crowded teeth, which makes dental care more important than for some other breeds. Annual dental cleanings and daily brushing if your cat tolerates it help prevent the dental issues that shorten so many cats' lives.

How to help your Selkirk Rex live a long life

• Keep them indoors. Indoor Selkirk Rex routinely live 5 to 10 years longer than outdoor cats.
• Maintain a healthy weight. An ideal-weight cat lives years longer than an obese cat.
• Schedule annual vet checkups. Twice yearly for cats over 10.
• Practice good dental hygiene. Annual cleanings and at-home brushing if possible.
• Choose a breeder who health tests. Genetic conditions caught early or avoided entirely are the biggest factor in lifespan.
• Provide mental stimulation. Play sessions, interactive toys, and a cat tree keep your cat engaged.
• Watch for changes. Cats hide illness well. Subtle changes in appetite, weight, or behaviour are early warnings.

"Every Selkirkish kitten comes with a one-year written health guarantee covering genetic and congenital issues. Pair that with good ongoing care and your Selkirk Rex can be a beloved family member for well over a decade."

The bottom line

A healthy Selkirk Rex from a reputable breeder typically lives 10 to 15 years, with many reaching 16 and beyond. Genetic screening of parents, indoor living, weight management, and regular vet care are the four biggest factors. Read about our written health guarantee or browse our available Selkirk Rex kittens.