Out of all cat breeds, the Rex cat breed has a whole new different spot in the cat family. Rex cats are very remarkable, they have curly or wavy fur appearance, thanks to the genetic variation they possess.
And due to their extraordinary looks, these cats are in demand. Likewise, cat lovers around the globe are enchanted by the Rex cat breeds because of their luxurious, curly coat, and laid-back demeanor.
For people who truly want a furry companion in their pet, the many types of Rex cats breeds can be a perfect choice.
The Variety Of Rex Cats
The Rex mutation is a natural mutation that occurs in mammals and results in soft curl fur. Apart from rabbits, horses, dogs, the Rexed coats are seen in cats as well. And the variation of genetic elements causes different coat thickness/density and fur length in cats.
The Rex cat breed is well-known for its unique curly coats. Aside from the cat’s head, legs, and paws, the coat creates fairly deep waves or crimps. Likewise, genetic mutations can also lead to several other colors, textures, and curls.
The Four Main Types of Rex Cats
There are three sorts of Rex cats that are recognized by the Cat Fancier’s Association, aka CFA. The cats include Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and Selkirk Rex. However, aside from these three types, there’s one more which is internationally recognized — LaPerm.
There are also some other types of Rex cats, some extinct, while others are still living.
Cornish Rex
In the whole class of Rex cats, the Cornish Rex cats are known to be the oldest ones. And the name “Cornish” comes from the place Cornwall, England, as the first “Cornish” Rex cat was born there around the 1950s.
These types of Rex cats are extraordinary, they not only have curly fur but also curly whiskers, which is usually seen in some Cornish Rex cats. They are also highly playful and curious, but they also need a lot of attention. Likewise, the fun and playful behavior can turn into a mischievous one if their requirements are not met, something that you should keep in mind before bringing home a Cornish Rex.
Further, the Cornish Rex cat only has an undercoat, and they are susceptible to hair loss many of them will grow into a really thin coat or even go bald over certain larger parts of their body. The Cornish Rex cats are also known as the Greyhounds, due to their unique appearance and the galloping run attribute of the cat breed.
Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex cats are one of the latest cat breeds of these curly-coated beauts. They look like no other cat breed, Selkirk Rex cats are different from all the other Rex breeds.
The first Selkirk Rex cat is known to have originated in Montana, US, around 1987. The breed has developed in two different coat lengths — short or long. Likewise, the breed has a highly dense coat and also a high tendency of shedding.
Selkirk Rex cats have an ultra-plush woolly-looking coat, with loose and random curls. Plus, they have a round head with large eyes and medium-sized ears. They come in a wide variety of colors — pointed, sepia, silver, and more.
With no known health complications, the Rex cats are one robust Rex breed. However, in contrast to other Rex breeds with reduced amounts of hair, the Selkirk Rex is not suitable for people who might be allergic to cat allergens.
Devon Rex
With a distinct appearance, including large ears and slim bodies, the Devon Rex cars are also easily recognizable. Similar to the Cornish Rex cats, the Devon Rex cats also emerged from England around the late 1950s.
They have a curly, extremely soft short coat that looks similar to that of the Cornish Rex cats. Further, the Devon Rex cats are mischievous, playful, and very social. With such traits, these cats are easy to take care of. Likewise, they are also easy to train, such as teaching them to walk on a leash or play fetch, or any other tricks, as Devon Rex cats are very intelligent.
Just as how much they like being energetic, Devon Rex cats are also highly affectionate; they particularly have a liking of being close to the neck or head of their owners.
Since this breed is not that common, if you are looking to buy a Devon Rex cat, you can expect to spend around $500–$1000 for a Devon Rex kitten from a certified breeder.
LaPerm
The LaPerm cats, like the Selkirk Rex cats, originated from the USA. But now the breed is present in many other countries worldwide. The LaPerm breed is genetically extraordinary, as it is not related to any other Rex cat breeds; LaPerm cats have a dominant gene that causes their coats to be curly. Likewise, their coat is the most significant feature, which is made of plush waves, curls, and ringlets, resembling a shaggy perm hairstyle.
Further, LaPerms come in many colors and patterns, plus they have very affectionate personalities. And despite the curls, their coat is not that hard to take care of.
LaPerms are not clingy, but they like to be around you and follow you or sit on your lap. And as for their health, they don’t have any complications, as they are generally found to be healthy.
LaPerm cats are very rare, and they can cost you around $900 to $1500.
Less Common Kinds of Rex Cats
In addition to the four main types of Rex cats, there are other Rex cat breeds that are rare and less-known or developing Rex breeds. They include German Rex, Tasman Manx, Oregon Rex, Ural Rex, and Skookum.
Moreover, there were also other Rex cat breeds such as German-bred Pudelkatze (Poodle Cat), which is now extinct.
German Rex
The German Rex cats are surprisingly friendly and can quickly bond with humans. They are playful and intelligent, having the same personality as the Cornish Rex Cats.
And as the name implies, this cat breed has originated from Germany. They have a lot in common with the Cornish Rex cats. They also have curly whiskers but these cats aren’t as strong as the Cornish.
German Rex cats have a short hair coat that is silky and has relatively slighter curls. These cats are found in plenty of different colors, including white and black.
And since the German Rex cats are one of the rarest, the buying price is hard to determine.
Tasman Manx
The Tasman Manx cats have a short and curly-haired coat. It is certainly one of the most interesting cat breeds; the name Tasman Manx comes from the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand.
While the Tasman Manx breed is somewhat linked with Cornish Rex cats and Devon Rex cats, the Manx breed remains extraordinary with genes all of their own.
The Manx breeds are not that expensive breed, costing you about anywhere between $400 to $600 of the price range.
Oregon Rex
Next, we have is the Oregon Rex breed. As the name implies, Oregon Rex cats have emerged from the state of Oregon in the USA. This cat breed rose significant popularity for a short period of time. However, the breed is believed to have gone extinct around the 1970s.
It looked similar to that of the other Rex breeds — Devon & Cornish, though the Oregon Rex cats were relatively smaller. Besides, explaining any present-day behavioral trait is difficult since the cat no longer exists.
It is thought the Oregon Rex cats had a lot similar to Devon Rex cats and Cornish Rex cats, apart from the appearance, the Oregon cats were known to be very affectionate with a playful character.
Ural Rex
The Ural Rex cat breed is known to have emerged from the Ural region of the country, Russia. This Rex cat breed is rare, and the cats of this breed contain a unique double curly coat, seen both in short and long-hair variants.
And certainly, the double coat with soft, loose curls remains the coolest thing about these cats. Further, they have larger, bulgy eyes, giving them an innocent look. But their bodies say otherwise, they are muscular and agile.
The head Ural Rex cats are wedge-shaped and the length is the same as the width. Moreover, the cheekbones are clearly visible, and the ears are medium-sized and set high.
Skookum
The Skookum cats are rather unique in their own way, they look like dwarf cats, and originated in the 1990s. The breed was developed by Roy Galusha.
His plan was to develop a cat breed with short legs and a curly coat. And this was made possible by cross-breeding Munchkins with LaPerms.
As for the cat behavior, Skookum cats are playful and full of fun. They are also highly active, they are remarkably good jumpers and climbers, despite having short legs. Moreover, Skookum cats make wonderful friends, as they are intelligent and affectionate.
Bottom Line
Making its first appearance around the 1950s, the Rex cat breed is a relatively new breed, and it didn’t take long for cat associations and cat lovers to take notice. Though the many types of Rex cats are quite rare, they continue to gain popularity.
And if your heart is really set on getting a Rex kitten, then your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. Likewise, when selecting your Rex kitten, it is crucial you take the time to correctly interview and get to know the breeder since this will be to your only advantage when looking for a Rex kitten to join your family.
References
- Devon Rex — Wikipedia
- Cornish Rex — Cat Fanciers’ Association
- Selkirk Rex Cats — Nature