German Rex Cat Breed Information

Group

Rex

Weight

2-5 kg

Length

25-30 cm

Lifespan

9-14 years

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About the German Rex Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you’re looking to make a new feline addition to your family, the German Rex might be the perfect breed you need. Highly intelligent, this breed has been given the nickname the “Einsteins of the cat world”. Their incredible brain power makes them a fascinating and extremely fun pet to live with.

Because of their intelligence, they require lots of mental stimulation. Luckily, they take well to training and games, so they’re easy to keep entertained. They’re also very friendly and cuddly, unlike some hyper-intelligent cats, which makes them the perfect fireside companion.

If you’re looking for German Rex cat information, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find out more about what makes these cats tick and how to best look after them.

What Is the History & Origin of the German Rex Cat?

To truly understand the history of this breed, we need to go back to 1950 in Cornwall, England, where the first Cornish Rex kitten was born. It occurred as a combination of a barn cat and an unknown mate, and the resulting kitten had a curly coat.

As you might infer from their name, this breed was developed in Germany not long after the second world war came to an end. Their breed history began when a feral female kitty was rescued in East Berlin by Dr R. Scheuer-Karpin. He found the lonely feline wandering outside a hospital and named her Lammchen due to the wavy-haired female resembling a black lamb.

In 1957, this cat was bred with one of her offspring, which resulted in the first-ever litter of German Rex kittens.

Three years later, in 1960, two curly-coated kittens of this breed were imported into the US. They were named Jet and Marigold and were soon accompanied by a male German Rex called Christopher Columbus. After this, they began their expansion throughout America.

Nowadays, cats of this breed are rare and difficult to find. They’re not recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association. However, a similar breed, the Cornish Rex, is recognized. The International Cat Foundation is the only association that recognizes this type of cat as its own breed.

What Is a German Rex Cat Breed?

The German Rex cat breed is highly intelligent and adorable. They have a round head and large ears but are relatively small in size compared to other breeds. They’re unique because they have no guard hairs, but their coats are silky, short, and naturally curly.

You might have read about different types of Rex cats, such as a Devon Rex or Cornish Rex. It’s important to understand what sets them apart from each other. Despite their many similarities, there are some features that distinguish the Devon Rex from the Cornish Rex.

For instance, a Devon Rex has large, low-set ears and shorter whiskers, as well as more muscular legs when compared to a Cornish Rex breed. When the Cornish Rex and German Rex were interbred, they became genetically compatible, which is why they’re often referred to with the same name these days.

Who Is a German Rex Cat Best For?

German Rex cats are extremely intelligent. This makes them a great option for first-time cat owners as they can be trained easily. The German Rex breed tends to be very affectionate and takes well to children. They love to be held, so they’ll love an owner who gives them plenty of attention.

When it comes to exercise, like most cats, German Rexes can take care of themselves. They’re happy to run around and play – or chase unsuspecting mice – outside or to curl up next to you after a hard day’s work.

What Does a German Rex Cat Look Like?

German Rex cats are small to medium-sized. They are muscular and have an athletic appearance, so they’re not prone to becoming overweight. They have fine bones, which lends to their small appearance.

These kitties have adorable round heads with large ears that often appear too big for their heads. The cat hair on their heads is curly, as well as their whiskers. They have large, orb-like eyes that can be a variety of different colours.

Coat

When a cat has a “rex” or wire coat, it means that its hair is curly or bent. This typically affects their whiskers too.

This means that their hair is more fragile than other cats and can break easily. There are various breeds with this type of coat, and sometimes their hair can be sparse. It can also mean their coats become easily greasy, and their skin can be sensitive and prone to infections. For this reason, they might require regular bathing and special care in order to keep their coat healthy and smooth.

The German Rex coat can come in a variety of colours and patterns.

Colours

This breed can come in many colours, including lavender, smoke, calico, and multi-coloured.

Patterns

They can be different patterns, such as ticking, tabby, shaded, pointed, and tortoiseshell.

German Rex Cat Grooming & Shedding

Most German Rex cats don’t require more than weekly brushing to ensure their hair doesn’t become matted and hairballs are avoided.

How Do German Rex Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

German Rex cats are extremely loyal and friendly pets. Their personality traits include being extremely intelligent and sweet-natured. They love being picked up and played with by their human companions. These cats are also very active, so they’ll love playing with younger family members and even other pets. Their personality is similar to that of a Cornish Rex.

Living Needs

This extremely loving cat doesn’t require much to live a happy and long life. As long as you have space for them to run around in, they’ll be happy. They love exploring the outdoors; however their small size can make them quite timid when they meet other animals.

They’re very smart, so it’s a good idea to provide them with plenty of mental stimulation to ensure they don’t become bored. Filling the house with cat toys is a great way to ensure they remain entertained throughout the day until they’re tired out and ready to curl up next to you in the evening.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of German Rex Cats?

What are the common habits and activity levels of the German Rex breed?

Habits

These cats are very playful. They’re also very intelligent, which means they can be taught entertaining tricks easily. They love people and will make a habit of cuddling up or rubbing against their humans.

Activity level

The German Rex is an athletic cat that loves to run around and play. Make sure you provide your German Rex kitty with plenty of physical and mental stimulation to ensure he’s tired out by the end of the day and doesn’t keep you awake all night!

Vocalness

The German Rex cat isn’t overly vocal. They’re generally quiet and purr a lot but can make more noise when they feel threatened or scared.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a German Rex Cat?

Height

They generally reach a height between 25-30 cm. This means they’re quite tall when compared to their relatively small frame and weight.

Weight

Typically, German Rex cats are lightweight and weigh between 2-5 kg.

Size

The German Rex is a medium-sized cat. They can be quite tall in stature, which can sometimes give them the appearance of being large cats.

Are German Rex Cats Easy to Train?

German Rexes are highly intelligent creatures. This means they adapt to training very well. As soon as you bring your German Rex kitty home, start training him using positive reinforcement methods like treats and praise. It’s important to be patient but firm with these cats, as they can be prone to developing a stubborn streak.

Does the German Rex Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

German Rex cats have a generally healthy immune system. One issue to watch out for is their skin, as both the Cornish and German Rex can have sensitive skin that’s prone to yeast infections. Some are also prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

What Is the Lifespan of a German Rex Cat?

These cats typically live between 9-14 years, which puts them on par with many other cat breeds.

How Much Does a German Rex Cat Need to Be Fed?

Like many other cat breeds, the German Rex requires high-quality food that provides them with plenty of protein. They’ll love the taste of meat and fish, which will give them all the energy they need to play all day long.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a German Rex Cat in Australia?

A German Rex cat can cost anywhere between $500-$1000. The exact price depends on their breeding and pedigree.

German Rex Cat FAQs

Are German Rex cats ideal for first-time cat owners?

Yes, these cats are very intelligent and friendly animals. They’ll bond well with any family and are even great around children and other animals.

Do German Rex cats like to cuddle?

Although they’re more intelligent than other cat breeds, German Rexes still have the same affectionate nature that everyone wants in a feline companion!

Can German Rex cats adapt to different climates?

Yes, they’re very adaptable when it comes to living in different climates. As long as these curly-coated kittens have enough space and a loving human, they’ll be happy!