2023 Author: Alex Livingston | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39
That of the Selkirk Rex is a relatively recent and very particular breed, since it was not born from a cross but from a real one. genetic mutation, which manifests itself through the curly hair of the specimens that carry it. It is precisely this that can be responsible for hair loss of some specimens. We will explain the because in this article.
In 1987, a cat adopted from a shelter in Montana (United States) gave birth to a kitten from curly hair. Once adult, she ended up mating with a Persian, generating a litter of smooth-haired and curly-haired kittens.
It was immediately observed how the gene responsible for the mutation of the hair was dominant and it was decided to recognize this particularity as belonging to a breed in its own right: this is how the Selkirk Rex.
It is a breed extremely popular all over the world because of its particular curled hair. Yet an investigation has never been conducted to identify the mutated gene, at least until the last few years.
A recent study conducted at the University of California investigated this relatively new breed, and its scientists are now able to present its characteristics more accurately.
Since the mutation is dominant, Selkirk Rex can be homozygous (i.e. carriers of two copies of the mutation) or heterozygotes (with one "normal" and one mutated gene).
Heterozygotes are more popular because they have smaller ears, a round head, and a completely curly coat, characteristics that stick to the standard of the breed.
Homozygotes, on the other hand, tend to shedding large amounts of hair as young, even if they do not show areas that are completely devoid of them.
That is why, then, you may encounter this problem in your young Selkirk Rex. It is clear that this does not automatically exclude the most common causes for which a cat loses its hair, which should always be investigated with the help of a veterinarian.
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