MyCatBreedsBoth Selkirk Rex and Bengal are originated from United States. Both Selkirk Rex and Bengal are having almost same weight. Both Selkirk Rex and Bengal has almost same life span. Both Selkirk Rex and Bengal has same litter size. Both Selkirk Rex and Bengal requires Moderate maintenance.
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.
What an exquisite coat the Bengal cat has. It looks like the coat of a wild cat and can have spots, marbling, and rosettes, but it is domesticated, developed from hybrids – the spotted Egyptian Mau and the Asian Leopard cat.
It is the only domestic breed of cat that has rosette markings. It is Jean Mill of California that you associate the Bengal cat with, and she conducted a number of graduate classes in genetics.
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.
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.
The Bengal looks like a wild cat and it can weigh up to 7kg. It can reach a height of 70cm with long, muscular legs and almond-shaped eyes which are green or blue.
When it comes to the coat of the Bengal cat, it has a wide variety of colors and patterns. The cat can be brown, black, red, grey, spotted, clouded, ticked or rosette.
There are Bengal breeders that claim that their Bengals are hypoallergenic so that they won’t cause an allergic reaction with their owers. This is something that hasn’t been scientifically proved and in fact many will say that there isn’t such as thing as a hypoallergenic cat.
The Bengal is a medium to large-sized cat, being long and lean and muscular. As a low shedder, it is believed the Bengal is a hypoallergenic cat breed – a cat less likely to cause an allergy with its human owners.
When you bring a Bengal cat into your home, you’ll find they are energetic, smart, and playful and they love cavorting around in water.
People who have owned a Bengal say that the cat is friendly and that it enjoys interacting with humans. They’re cats capable of forming strong bonds with their human family, becoming affectionate and loyal. They in turn want to receive lots of loving attention.
They’re intelligent too and are quick to learn. You have to remember that these are part wild cat and that they are only classed as tame from the 4th generation (T4).
The cat has wild traits so it is only natural that it likes to hunt so don’t be alarmed when your Bengal presents you with dead mice, moles, and birds.
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.
Bengal cats are intelligent and just like a dog he is clever at learning tricks and can even be taught things such as ‘sit’, ‘fetch’ or ‘lie down’. They actually make great companions as they are sensitive to their owner's moods and can even recognize human gestures and adapt their behavior to their owner's mood.
They’re vocal cats too and they like to communicate about their needs, being able to meow in different tones. They’re active cats and they want active owners – those who can spend time with them playing and even going on walks and hikes.
The Bengal certainly is a wonderfully companionable cat.
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.
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.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a concern with the Bengal cat breed and this is a disease where the heart muscle becomes thick and unable to pump blood properly.
It’s a common genetic disease in Bengal cats. Cats used for breeding need to be screened each year to ensure no hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is present.
Another problem with the Bengal cat is Progressive retinal atrophy or PRA. Anyone wanting to breed Bengals should have their cat tested for this eye disease as the disease can lead to blindness.
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.
You will need a secured outdoor area for your Bengal cat where he can play and climb. He will need these for his activity levels as well as stimulating toys.
Provide feeding and water bowls and also make sure that you provide your Bengal with a shallow swimming pool as this cat loves water.
The Bengal is a healthy cat breed so it is important to provide your pet cat with the best food there is and to ensure he gets checked out at the vet every year.
Most hybrid breed owners provide raw food as these cats are often sensitive to commercially manufactured food. Having said that, there are high-quality prepared cat foods that will provide your Bengal with everything needed for a healthy life.
Look at providing your pet with a good supplement to ensure your furry friend has every chance to be healthy and happy.