The Selkirk Rex breed came to the UK in February 2002, when 3 cats were brought in from Austria, bred by Christiana and Karl Aichner (prefix Courtlycats). They were Courtlycats Count Basie, a longhaired Cream male, owned by Angela Mann (prefix Kresant), he later lived with Janet Brett (prefix Witchwillow). TICA Gr Ch Courtlycats Call Me Madam, a blue and white shorthair owned by Linda Davison (prefix Toreska) and TICA Ch Courtlycats Cookies n Cream, a longhaired blue-cream owned by Lisa Peterson (prefix Trueblu).

Later on that year they - along with the first UK LaPerm Uluru BC Omaste Po who was also imported in 2002 - were exhibited in a joint venture on club row at the GCCF Supreme Show by the Rex Cat Association and Rex Cat club. Having been introduced to the breed, we fell for them immediately.

Having the Devon's we knew we had to find a Selkirk who would be able to cope with them, as British are used in the breeding programme (and are not renowned for their active natures!) we needed to make sure it was the right kitten. It was also important that it was a tortie - as a quick glance at our cats shows a preference for that pattern!

We took our time getting to know breeders and the breed and waited for the right kitten to come along.

Last year we met Pam Beard-Smith who told us she might have a tortie kitten in her next litter. She did but it turned out to be male - very rare but not genetically impossible - adorable as he was, he went off to a pet home. So we waited for her next litter where there was also a possibility of a tortie (girl!).

And here she is: Mewsos Blackngold aka Aggie.


Taken her first day here.