Selkirk Rex health: the checks worth knowing about
Selkirk Rex cats are generally sturdy, but their pedigree links back to Persians and British Shorthairs. Here's what to know about PKD testing, heart scans and breeder questions.
Published 4 min read
The Selkirk Rex is considered a generally robust breed, and most cats live long lives without major problems. But this young breed has a short pedigree: Persian, Exotic and British Shorthair cats were used in its development, and along with their strengths some inherited risks may have come too. Knowing about them isn't meant to frighten you, but to help you ask a breeder the right questions. This article is general information: only a vet can decide on the diagnosis, tests and treatment for a particular cat.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): a simple DNA test exists
Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited condition in which cysts gradually form in the kidneys and, over the years, can impair how they work. The best-studied form is linked to a mutation in the PKD1 gene that spread among Persian cats and related breeds. It is inherited dominantly: a single copy is enough for a cat to be affected. Early stages usually cause no signs at all, so without a test an affected cat can go unnoticed for years.
The UK veterinary laboratory Langford lists the Selkirk Rex among low-risk breeds, but because of its Persian ancestors the mutation may still occur in some lines. That's why responsible breeders test their breeding cats. In the UK, all Selkirks registered with the GCCF for breeding must be tested for PKD or come from two tested parents.
The good news is that the PKD1 DNA test is simple, using a cheek swab or a blood sample. If both parents test N/N, meaning no mutation, their kittens cannot inherit this form of the disease from them. The test only detects this specific mutation, however, so if there are any signs of kidney trouble, your vet decides what investigations are needed.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): the heart is checked by ultrasound
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common heart disease in cats: the wall of the heart muscle thickens and the heart works less well. HCM occurs in cats of any breed and in moggies, and among the breeds in which it is common and probably inherited, veterinary reviews mention British Shorthairs and Persians. The GCCF notes that a Selkirk may inherit a predisposition to HCM from its British Shorthair ancestors.
There is no DNA test for HCM in the Selkirk Rex. Known mutations have been found in only a few breeds, such as the Maine Coon and the Ragdoll, and even there a negative result doesn't guarantee a healthy heart. So the main method is echocardiography, an ultrasound scan of the heart carried out by a veterinary cardiologist. The disease can develop with age, so breeding cats are rescreened rather than checked once in a lifetime. In its early stages HCM often causes no signs, and a heart murmur that a vet hears during a check-up is a reason for further tests rather than a diagnosis.
Other things worth bearing in mind
No serious health problems have been described that are caused by the curly coat itself. But a few points are worth remembering:
- curly ears can collect more wax, so check them every week;
- a sturdy build and a calm nature are no excuse for extra weight: watch portion sizes and play every day;
- straight-coated kittens from Selkirk litters are just as healthy as curly ones, because coat type has no effect on health.
Questions to ask the breeder
Before you reserve a kitten, feel free to ask:
- Have the parents been tested for PKD1, and can I see the laboratory reports?
- Have the parents had a heart scan, when, and with what result?
- Which vaccinations and parasite treatments has the kitten had, and does it have a vet passport?
- Did a vet examine the kitten before it moves to its new home?
- Will you stay in touch if the new owner has questions?
A responsible breeder won't be offended by these questions; on the contrary, they will happily show you the paperwork and explain the results.
When to see the vet
Take your cat to the vet if you notice that it is drinking more or using the litter tray more often, has lost its appetite or weight, has become lethargic, or is breathing faster or with its mouth open. Laboured breathing and sudden weakness or paralysis of the hind legs are emergencies: call your vet straight away. Regular preventive check-ups help to spot changes earlier, even when the cat seems perfectly healthy.
The takeaway
With the Selkirk Rex, it's worth knowing about two inherited risks from its pedigree: polycystic kidney disease, for which there is a DNA test, and cardiomyopathy, which is detected by a heart scan. Ask about the parents' results, keep up with preventive check-ups and discuss any concerns with your vet.
There's more about the breed on the breed page and in “Why is the Selkirk Rex curly?”. Look for available Selkirk Rex kittens, and if there are none right now, join the waiting list.
