Selkirk Rex Cat Grooming: Everything You Need to Know
The Selkirk Rex is a relatively new cat breed recognized for its unique curly coat. While this special fur looks striking, it also requires some specific grooming considerations to stay healthy and mat-free. This guide covers everything owners need to know about properly grooming a Selkirk Rex cat.
Brushing Tips
Frequent brushing is important for any cat, but especially for the Selkirk Rex's dense curls:
- Brush at least weekly - Ideally, brush your Selkirk Rex cat 2-3 times per week to prevent mats and tangles.
- Use a wire brush - A slicker brush or wire pin brush works best to detangle the curly fur down to the skin. Use gentle pressure.
- Avoid bristle brushes - Bristle brushes only brush the fur's surface and can damage the coat. Use wire brushes only.
- Focus on prone areas - Pay extra attention when brushing the neck, behind the ears, underarms and sanitary area. Mats flourish in these regions.
- Brush before bathing - Always thoroughly brush the coat before bathing to prevent painful matting of the wet fur.
Bathing Best Practices
Selkirk Rex cats typically only need bathing every 4-6 weeks. Here are some tips for bath time:
- Use cat shampoo - Always choose a shampoo formulated specifically for cats. Human shampoo disrupts their pH levels.
- Brush first - Make sure to thoroughly brush out the coat before wetting to prevent matting.
- Avoid getting water in ears - Cats are prone to ear infections. Use cotton balls to plug ears before bathing.
- Rinse thoroughly - Ensure all shampoo residue is completely rinsed out, as leftover soap can cause skin irritation.
- Dry well - Gently wrap kitty in a towel and pat dry. Allow fur to air dry the rest of the way before brushing.
- Brush after bathing - Once coat is fully dried, brush to smooth down the fur.
Trimming Tips
Selkirk Rex cats require only minimal trimming:
- Trim nail tips - Trim nails about every 2-3 weeks to prevent overgrowth and injury. Avoid the pink quick.
- Clean ears - Check and gently wipe outer ears weekly. Use cotton balls dampened with approved solution to remove any wax. Never insert cotton swabs into the ear canal.
- Trim overgrown fur - Use cat-safe scissors or clippers to trim excess fur between paw pads or around sanitary area if needed. Avoid cutting the curly coat itself short.
- Remove mats - Work mats out slowly and patiently with your fingers or a detangling tool. Never cut or shave mats out, as this damages the coat.
Shedding and Deshedding Tips
The dense Selkirk Rex coat traps dead hair and sheds less than other cat breeds. To manage loose fur:
- Brush often - Regular brushing catches shed hair before it spreads over your home.
- Bathe and brush - A bath combined with thorough brushing helps lift out old coat so it can be brushed away.
- Use deshedding tools - Specially designed deshedding tools used gently can help remove old hair from the curly undercoat.
- Vacuum frequently - Vacuum carpets, furniture, cat trees, and anywhere your cat sleeps regularly to catch shed fur.
Preventing Skin and Coat Problems
To keep your Selkirk Rex looking their best:
- High-quality diet - Nutrition is key for skin and coat health. Choose a premium cat food.
- Treat any skin issues - See your vet promptly for diagnosis and treatment of any infections, parasites, or allergies affecting the skin.
- Don't overbathe - Frequent bathing strips beneficial oils. Stick to occasional bathing every 4-6 weeks only when needed.
- Control parasites - Use flea and tick prevention prescribed by your vet to avoid infestations leading to itchy skin and coat damage from excessive grooming.
With their unique coat care needs met, your Selkirk Rex will reward you with a striking yet easy-to-maintain curly coat. Follow these grooming tips and enjoy showing off your cat's beautiful curls!