Siamese vs Selkirk Rex - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

The Siamese cat is one of the most recognized cat breeds there are. The cat hails from Thailand and is the foundation stock for a number of other breeds.

It comes in two distinct variations - traditional and the more modern Siamese.

In the United States, most of the top cat registries only consider the 4 original fur colors as Siamese – chocolate point, seal point, blue point, and lilac point.

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.

The Siamese cat is a medium-sized cat. Today’s Siamese cat is recognized by the triangular-shaped head, the slender, muscular body, the blue almond-shaped eyes, the largish ears, and the cream point colored coat.

The face of the Siamese also has a mask of the same point color. Weighing at between 3 – 5kg, the Siamese has a long neck and slender tail.

All Siamese kittens are cream or white at birth, but they develop visible points in the first few months of life. The coat is short and glossy. By the time the kitten is 4 weeks old, the points are clearly distinguishable.

Temperament:

Siamese are affectionate, curious, playful, intelligent cats and are known for their vocal, social natures.

With the Siamese cat, you may see him bonding strongly with one particular person in the family.

They’re active cats and are also one of these cat breeds that are described as being more dog-like. Some of them become so attached to their human owners that they can become depressed or suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time.

Because of the cat’s intelligence, he can be easily trained to respond to simple commands.

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.

The Siamese cat is such a popular breed and with good reason. It makes a splendid companion for single people, families, couples, and older people. It gets on well with children and other pets too.

However, it is an energetic cat and won’t relish lying around day after day. He will want you to play with him and exercise him too, providing him with a stimulating environment.

These are such affectionate cats too, that it will be too sad if he lands up in a home where people don’t provide him with love and care. In exchange for that, you couldn’t ask for a better companion and friend.

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.

With good care, your Siamese cat can live to be between 12 and 20 years of age. It is a slim cat, so you want to keep him that way as becoming overweight can put a whole lot of pressure on the cat’s joints and bring on other health issues.

There are always some common cat diseases to watch out for and one of these is mammary tumors. They also battle with gastrointestinal problems and lung infections.

They are actually prone to respiratory problems, but this is more seen in younger cats. Upper respiratory infection with the Siamese cat will usually last about a week or it can go on longer.

Your cat with have a nasal or eye discharge, will be drooling as well as have ulcers around the nose and mouth with aches and pains aa well as lethargy.

Make sure that your Siamese cat is up to date with his vaccinations.

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.

Good diet is one of the most important ways to care for your Siamese cat. Your cat is a carnivore and you therefore need to ensure he gets an appropriate diet otherwise you’re going to be spending more time at the vet with a sick cat than you’d like to.

Always check with your vet if you have any uncertainties about feeding your Siamese kitten. Kittens will eat different food to an adult, and even in adulthood, there is commercial cat food manufactured for adult cats, pregnant felines, lactating cats, energetic cats, senior cats and sick cats.

Where possible, you will need to try and provide your cat with some fresh, raw meat too.

Never leave your cat without a bowl of fresh, cool water night and day.

The coat of the Siamese cat is thick, soft, and silky and he will require a brush every week to keep it like that.

They are agile, athletic cats, loving to jump up onto perches so it will be a good idea to provide a climbing tree or some other equipment where the cat can leap up onto.

Provide your cat with a litter box and make sure that the cat’s feces are removed every single day.

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.