While most cats have straight hair, rex cats are known for their gorgeously curly coats. They’re just as loveable and playful as many other cat breeds, but just with unique fur that makes them the talk of your street! Some rex cats have short hair while others have longer manes, and you can find them in all different colours and patterns. These breeds have rich histories and come from all over the world, with some even being considered tokens of wealth.
Rex cats are characterised by their coats in particular – they’re curly and dense with a softness like no other. Other than on their heads, legs, and paws, the coat remains wavy or crimped no matter how much trouble they get into! Don’t worry about their longer hair, though, because most Rex cats are also hypoallergenic!
The curly waves in their hair are a result of a genetic mutation, but this doesn’t make them any more predisposed to health conditions. Rex cats are considered rarer than other cat breeds, often making them more expensive and harder to come by.
Rex cats are rapidly rising in popularity, so we’re now finally seeing them make more of an appearance across Australia. There still aren’t too many rex cats to choose from thanks to their coats being formed from a genetic mutation. Interbred cats with rex genes might not get the curly-haired gene, so purebred felines are best if you want to make the most of the curly hair. Here are five of the most popular rex cats in Australia:
Weight: 3 to 7.2 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Temperament:
Health issues:
The Selkirk Rex is a completely unique breed whose genetics cause curly hair. The genetic issue that causes the crimped coat is different in every cat, so no two Selkirk Rex felines are the same – how cool is that!? The wavy coat gene is dominant in this breed, and they even have curly whiskers! Not only are they gorgeous to look at, but they have a personality to match as well. They’re loving and gentle, relaxed around most other cats and humans, and are very intelligent. This breed is quickly becoming a fan favourite thanks to all of these amazing traits!
Weight: 2 to 5 kg
Lifespan: 9 to 14 years
Temperament:
Health issues:
German rex cats were developed in Germany soon after the end of World War II. The first German rex was born in 1957, and they quickly became a popular breed in Europe and America. However, unfortunately they’re now a rare breed and can be difficult to find, so many cat lovers are stuck looking for this glorious breed to meet one in the flesh. In terms of personality, German rex cats are extremely loyal and friendly with high intelligence levels and a sweet temperament. They love playing with their human companions and other pets, and they’re very similar to the Cornish rex.
Weight: 2.2 to 4.5 kg
Lifespan: 11 to 14 years
Temperament:
Health issues:
Speaking of the Cornish rex, these cats originated in Cornwall during the 1950s. A seemingly normal cat gave birth to a litter with curly hair instead of straight coats like their parents thanks to a natural mutation. The Cornish rex has a unique appearance, with a small head and wide eyes that make it look similar to an oriental cat breed, just with a longer, curlier coat. Cornish rex cats have spontaneous temperaments that make them a joy to be around. Their excellent sense of humour and bright personalities make it difficult not to fall in love with them, and their playful tendencies will have you laughing for hours.
Weight: 3.5 to 4.5 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Temperament:
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Just like the LaPerm name suggests, these cats also are characterised by their tightly curled hair. This breed was first documented in 1982 when a cat gave birth to six kittens and the breeder found that one was not like the rest – they had a standout curly coat, and the LaPerm breed was born. These cats are gorgeous and therefore used to being the centre of attention, so if you’re looking for a lap cat, look no further. They’re also super sociable and curious, and they love getting to know new humans, cats, and even dogs.
Weight: 2.7 to 4.1 kg
Lifespan: 9 to 15 years
Temperament:
Health issues:
The Devon Rex cat originates from England and was first discovered in 1960, where it’s thought to be a cross between the common domestic shorthair and a stray tom. Neither of these cats has curly coats, so again, the hair must’ve been a naturally occurring mutation. They look similar to the Cornish Rex, but their personalities are slightly different. Devon Rex cats are sometimes considered to act more like a dog than a cat thanks to their sheer devotion to their owners. They need plenty of companionship and hate being left alone, so make sure they have a playmate to spend time with whenever you need to leave the house.
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