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American Wirehair vs Selkirk Rex
Two rare American curly-coated cats; the Wirehair is quiet and independent, the Selkirk Rex a cuddlier, plush-coated one that needs combing.
Verdict
These two share an unusual coat and a place among the American rex-type breeds. The American Wirehair has a short, springy, crimped coat that includes the whiskers, is very rare and is independent and quiet. The Selkirk Rex has a plush coat of loose random curls in short or long hair, needs regular combing and scores top marks with children. Neither coat guarantees an easier cat for people with allergies. Choose the Wirehair for a low-fuss coat and the Selkirk for a cuddly family cat.
Choose the American Wirehair if
- You want an independent cat that copes with a workday alone.
- You want a coat with low grooming demands.
- You want a playful but quiet cat.
- You will accept a very rare breed and a long wait.
Choose the Selkirk Rex if
- You want a calm, cuddly cat for a family with young children.
- You like a plush, curly coat and will comb it regularly.
- You want a cat that is more attached to its people.
- You will ask your vet about its kidney, heart and hip watch-list.
Where they are alike
Both are medium-sized, moderate-energy cats with quiet voices that get on well with other pets. Neither coat means a cat that is easier for allergy sufferers.
Side by side
| American Wirehair | Selkirk Rex | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | Vernon, New York, United States | Montana, United States |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | — | Males about 12-15 lb (5.4-6.8 kg); females are somewhat smaller |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Medium |
| Coat | Springy, coarse, crimped coat that includes the whiskers and ear fur | Plush, curly coat with loose random curls, in short and long varieties |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1978 | Championship breed since 2000 |
| How common | Very rare | Uncommon |
| Affection | 3 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 3 |
| Shedding | 2 | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 2 |
| Trainability | 3 | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The wiry coat still carries the same cat allergens, and people who react to cats may react to a Wirehair. | — |
| Suits | A household that wants a quiet, even-tempered cat with an unusual coat and low grooming demands. | A family or a household that wants a calm, cuddly cat with an unusual coat and does not mind regular combing. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a cat that is easy to find, or who dislikes a coarse, crimped coat. | Anyone who wants an energetic, athletic cat, or who expects a rex coat to mean low shedding. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch | — |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026