Selkirk Rex vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison

Both American Wirehair and Selkirk Rex are originated from United States. Both American Wirehair and Selkirk Rex are having almost same weight. Both American Wirehair and Selkirk Rex has almost same life span. Both American Wirehair and Selkirk Rex has same litter size. American Wirehair requires Low Maintenance. But Selkirk Rex requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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United States
United States
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
12 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
Sheep Cat
Colors Available:
Any color or pattern
All colors
Coat:
springy, coarse and wiry
Long- and short coat - wavy or curled
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american wirehairThe American Wirehair started as a spontaneous mutation so that somewhere along the line, an unusual litter with this unique wiry type of fur was born.

The cat hails from New York and it was in 1966 that a couple of barn cats had a litter of kittens, some of which were born with this peculiar wiry hair. Only one kitten survived – a male – and later it was discovered that the gene responsible for the wirehair coat was dominant so that only one parent required the gene to produce Wirehair offspring.

Today, all American Wirehairs are descendants of this one surviving male kitten. Today the breed is still fairly rare. It is, however, recognized by the four largest North American cat associations.

The Selkirk Rex originated in the USA in 1987. A host of cats have been used to develop this cat breed – Persians, British Shorthairs, Himalayans, American Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, and others.

There was a litter of kittens and the odd one out, one with an unusual coat – was placed with the breeder, Jeri Newman, who bred the cat with a black Persian.

Three Selkirk Rex kittens were born as well as three straight-haired kittens. The cat has been developed with either long- or short coats. The Selkirk Rex cat breed is recognized by various cat associations such as the International Cat Association, the American Cat Fanciers Association in the 1990s as well as the Cat Fanciers Association in 2000.

Description

american wirehair kitten - descriptionThe American Wirehair is a medium-sized cat, strong and powerful, and can weight 5, 6 or 7 kg.

The head is in proportion to the body and the cat has a strong muzzle and chin. The ears are medium-sized and are rounded at the tips while the eyes are large, round, and set well apart.

It’s the coat that draws attention as unlike a regular cat’s silky fur, the fur of this cat is springy, coarse and wiry to the touch. The coat can be any color or pattern. It is the cat’s very coat that distinguishes it from all other breeds.

With this coat, the less grooming the better. Brushing or combing can damage it, so unless he is shedding heavily, leave it alone.

The only other care he needs really is nail trimming, to check inside his mouth for bad teeth and to also check inside his ears for redness. Both the teeth and the ears can be a source of pain for your pet.

Temperament:

The American Wirehair may have a harsh coat but there is nothing harsh about his personality at all. He is amicable and loving, getting on well with all members of his human family.

He is an independent cat and while he loves spending time with his family, he is quite capable of spending time on his own as well.

The American Wirehair is a playful cat so you want to give him some toys to entertain himself for when you’re not around.

The Selkirk Rex is a medium- to large-sized cat that will weigh between 3 to 6kg. He is a well-built cat of which you get a short- and long coat variety. The coat is available in all colors. The coat has a soft, woolly look to it with some curls.

With the long-haired variety, the cat has a well-plumed tail. One drawback perhaps is that the cat is a fairly heavy shedder, and perhaps wouldn’t be a good choice for those with allergies.

Temperament:

This is a lively, playful, energetic cat with a friendly temperament. Cat experts will tell you that it is the Persian and British Shorthair ancestors that have given him his placid, lovable nature. He is, however, more active than those cat breeds and loves to play.

Tolerant and affectionate, the Selkirk isn't a lap cat. Because he has a sociable nature, he dislikes being left alone for long periods of time.

The Selkirk Rex fits in well with households where there are well-behaved children and other pets. He is such a loving cat and loves to be in the company of his human companions. He isn’t demanding and likes to talk to you in a quiet voice.

Characteristics

american wirehair cat - characteristicsThe American Wirehair makes a splendid pet, and while he isn’t the best breed for children, he can make a good pet with those children who have been taught kindness, gentleness and respect for animals.

He is calm, quiet, dependent, and sociable and by providing him with a good home, he’ll prove to be a wonderful pet and companion.

When you welcome a Selkirk Rex cat into your home, you’ll have a loving friend and companion.

They love to bask in the attention they get as they’re quite unusual with their wavy to curly coats. People are always wanting to touch it.

The Selkirk Rex cat is an active, playful cat and has a whole lot of love to offer you.

Health Problems

american wirehair kittens - health problemsThe American Wirehair is a healthy type of cat but any cat can develop health issues.

Be aware of Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – a common form of heart disease in cats where there is the thickening of the heart muscle.

Be careful of overfeeding your cat as obesity is a major contributory disease to many illnesses that a cat gets. Excess weight can contribute to diabetes and arthritis and put pressure on your cat’s joints. Certainly, carrying extra weight can shorten your cat’s life. Make sure your cat gets smaller, healthier meals and that he is active and exercised.

The Selkirk Rex cat, if looked after well and given excellent food can live to be 15, 16, or 17 years of age. Some of these cats can suffer from hair loss. Remember, that every cat will require vaccinations and de-worming.

Kidney Disease:

Chronic kidney failure usually develops over a number of months. Chronic kidney failure in cats is a progressive illness but if you get your cat to the vet it can be managed. The vet will want a sample of your cat's urine and possibly a blood test.

Caring The Pet

General:

american wirehair cats - caringBrush the cat gently once a week. Your cat will love the connection you and he has. While you brush him, make a point of checking inside his ears and inside his mouth as well. It is also time to trim his nails. If you are hesitant to do this, ask you vet for suggestions or you can make use of a pet groomer too.

Make sure your pet cat is free from parasites such as fleas, ticks and heartworm. Your vet can recommend a treatment and it is also a good idea to talk to your vet about vaccines for your cat.

No unwanted kittens:

Have your American Wirehair spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted kittens and to promote better health for your cat.

Diet:

Always choose healthy food for your pet, bearing in mind that cats are carnivores, which means that you need to choose cat-food for your pet that has fish and meat in it. It can be difficult making good homemade food for your cat but there are excellent commercially prepared cat foods to ensure your cat gets the correct balance of nutrients and calories. Bear in mind that your cat's nutritional requirements change through their different stages of life.

Your Selkirk Rex will need to have his fur brushed. You don’t want to brush him too hard every week as this can cause the curls to frizz. Rather use a spray bottle with some cat conditioner and lightly spray the curls and use your fingers to ‘comb’ his hair.

Provide your cat with well-balanced meals. Your Selkirk Rex is a carnivore and you have to ensure that his food is made up of meat. The best commercially manufactured cat foods know how to correctly balance your cat’s food so that it gets the perfect blend of vitamins and minerals. Always choose a good brand of cat food that will meet your cat's nutritional needs. If you’re unsure, you can always ask your vet for suggestions about good quality food that will help towards ensuring good health for your cat.

The cheaper, unknown brands may not have the best ingredients to keep your cat happy and healthy. Remember to read the labels as a growing kitten will require different food to a senior cat.

Provide your Selkirk Rex with a litter box, scratching post, and a climbing tree.

Your kitten will need to be vaccinated to protect him from some of the life-threatening diseases cats can get. Most of the vets these days recommend a combined vaccine, starting at about 8 weeks of age. These vaccines will protect your kitten from Feline Leukaemia Virus, Feline Parovirus, and cat flu.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Wirehair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. American Wirehair vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. American Wirehair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. American Wirehair vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. American Wirehair vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. American Wirehair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. American Wirehair vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. American Wirehair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. American Wirehair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. American Wirehair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Applehead Siamese vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Ashera vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  13. Asian vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  14. Asian Semi-Longhair vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  15. Australian Mist vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  16. Balinese vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  17. Bengal vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  18. Bicolor vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  19. Birman vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  20. Blue Russian vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  21. Bombay vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  22. Brazilian Shorthair vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  23. Bristol vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  24. British Longhair vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  25. British Shorthair vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  26. Selkirk Rex vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Selkirk Rex vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Selkirk Rex vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Selkirk Rex vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Selkirk Rex vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Selkirk Rex vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Selkirk Rex vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Selkirk Rex vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Selkirk Rex vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Selkirk Rex vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Selkirk Rex vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Selkirk Rex vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Selkirk Rex vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Selkirk Rex vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Selkirk Rex vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Selkirk Rex vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Selkirk Rex vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Selkirk Rex vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Selkirk Rex vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Selkirk Rex vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Selkirk Rex vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Selkirk Rex vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Selkirk Rex vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Selkirk Rex vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Selkirk Rex vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison