Selkirk Rex vs Safari - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Both Safari and Selkirk Rex are originated from United States. Both Safari and Selkirk Rex are having almost same weight. Safari may live 3 years more than Selkirk Rex. Both Safari and Selkirk Rex has same litter size. Safari requires Low Maintenance. But Selkirk Rex requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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United States
United States
Weight Male:
9 - 11 kg
19 - 25 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 11 kg
19 - 25 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
17 - 20 Years
12 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
Sheep Cat
Colors Available:
black, cream, Silvery gray
All colors
Coat:
Short with black markings
Long- and short coat - wavy or curled
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

safariThe Safari Cat, hailing from the USA, is one of the rarest breeds of cats. There are only about 70 of these cats registered at the International Cat Association.

The Safari cat is a mix of a moggy and Geoffroy's cat. At first, the cat was used for research purposes by Washington State University but then cat breeders took over the development of the breed.

The name ‘Safari’ was chosen because of its wild look.

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.

Description

safari kitten - descriptionThe hybrid Safari cat is a medium to large-sized cat that at first weighed in the region of 15kg, but the cat now weighs roughly 11kg.

Its body is much like that of the wild parent, the Geoffroy – muscular and compact. The ears aren’t particularly large and are smallish, rounded ears with a fairly broad head.

It has a typical wild cat look and is a spotted or rosetted cat breed. Below the spots, the coat is a silvery grey shade.

The coat which is short actually comes in a variety of colors that come from both cat breeds. The eyes of this cat are either yellow or green. The Safari cat certainly has a wild cat appearance, because of the cross-breeding. This is a rare cat and because of this, there is no breed standard for it.

They can live to be between 17 and 20 years of age.

Temperament:

Even though one of the parent breeds is a wild cat, the Safari cat is described as an easy-going cat that can make a good pet.

The cat is very intelligent and playful and will enjoy swimming and climbing. It is for this purpose that he needs to have quite a large outside enclosure with a pool of sorts so that he can paddle.

There isn’t much information on their interaction with children and other pets in the home. While they are quite likely to make good pets where there are children, there would have to be supervision where there are small children. During play, these cats can bit. It would be extremely important to teach children to respect any animal and to be gentle and kind to them.

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.

Characteristics

safari cat - characteristicsAs a hybrid cat, your Safari is interesting alright, but unfortunately, you can’t ever be 100% sure of a hybrid cat. It needs careful consideration before you bring one into your home.

Apart from coming into the home from time to time, hybrid cats need an outside enclosure too that is securely fenced and gated and with a roof.

You made a decision to buy a cat with a wild side. It may live up to all your expectations but it may not either.

When you do research you find that the biggest number of behavioral complaints from owners of hybrid cats are about aggression issues and the refusal to use a litter box when indoors.

There is still a raging debate going on as to whether hybrids make suitable pets, but when you bring any animal into your home, as a responsible adult it is your job to provide well for it to ensure its happiness.

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.

Health Problems

safari kittens - health problemsThe Safari cat isn’t a particularly well-known breed so there isn’t much information on their health. They can suffer from the same illnesses as non-hybrid domestic cats.

Certain hybrid breeds, such as the Safari, can sometimes have issues with reproduction as some cats are infertile. Domestic cats and wild cats have a different number of chromosomes and this results in reproductive problems, and stillbirths are quite common.

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.

Caring The Pet

safari cats - caringIt is recommended that you brush this cat each week. He isn’t a big shedder but the brushing once a week keeps the fur in good condition, removing loose hairs and dust.

A high protein diet is imperative. Cats are carnivores and a meat diet is imperative. You can speak to your vet or a cat expert about feeding your Safari cat. Certainly, they need to be fed high-quality cat food. These foods are available in wet and dry form.

He will definitely need some raw meat. Make sure you understand the ingredients in some low- quality cat foods as corn for cats can be a problem for them, hard to digest and it could cause intestinal problems.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  4. Selkirk Rex vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. Selkirk Rex vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Selkirk Rex vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Selkirk Rex vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Selkirk Rex vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. Selkirk Rex vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. Selkirk Rex vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Selkirk Rex vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Selkirk Rex vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
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  18. Selkirk Rex vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
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  24. Selkirk Rex vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  25. Selkirk Rex vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison
  26. Safari vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Safari vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Safari vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Safari vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Safari vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Safari vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Safari vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Safari vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Safari vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Safari vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Safari vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Safari vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Safari vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Safari vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Safari vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Safari vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Safari vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Safari vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Safari vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Safari vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Safari vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Safari vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Safari vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Safari vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Safari vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison