German Rex: photo and description of the exterior of cats of this breed, character and features of keeping

History of the German Rex breed

The first mention of the German Rex breed dates back to the 1930s. last century. Its first representative, named Munch, was born from an Angora cat and a Russian blue cat. His curly coat was the result of a genetic mutation. The kitten was given to the Schneider family. The events took place on the territory of Germany (then Prussia) near the city of Königsberg (modern Kaliningrad). This is where the name of the breed comes from (and “Rex” means curly hair).

However, according to official data, the ancestor of the German Rex breed is a cat with wavy hair named Lamchen, which is translated from German as lamb. She was found in 1951 in Berlin near one of the hospitals by doctor Rosa Karpin. She determined that the stray cat's curly fur was the result of a gene mutation (the cat was probably related to Munch). Her kittens attracted the attention of many breeders, and since then the breed has become increasingly popular in Europe.

In the 60s In the 20th century, breeders in Europe and America crossed German Rexes with Cornish Rexes, American and European Shorthair breeds. Already in 1970, German rexes were recognized by the felinological organizations FIFe and WCF, and the first breed standard was adopted. Now these cats participate in exhibitions and are bred along with the Cornish and Devon Rex.

Officially recognized breeds of cats with curly hair

German Rex

German Rex cats

The first kitten appeared in the distant 30s of the last century from Russian Blue and Angora cats. The breed received official status in 1970.

These are medium-sized cats, strong, muscular with a rounded head, medium-sized ears that are wide with rounded corners. The fur of these cats is slightly curly, very soft, reminiscent of plush.

Representatives of the breed are distinguished by high intelligence and a friendly disposition; they get along well with children and any animals in the house.

Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex cats

The breed has officially existed since 1950; it appeared in Britain, when a strange baby with thin long legs, a small wedge-shaped head, large ears and a curly fur coat appeared among ordinary kittens on one of the farms there.

The owner gave the cat to breeders, and they began breeding; the breed was recognized by all felinological organizations only in 1983.

The Cornish Rex is an incredibly active and agile breed (you need to be prepared for this), they are affectionate, intelligent and friendly. Despite their external fragility, Cornish dogs have strong bones and developed muscles; they have very soft short hair that resembles velvet to the touch.

Devon Rex

Devon Rex cats

The breed also appeared in England in the 60s. Initially it was believed that it was a subspecies of the Cornish Rex, but it turned out that completely different genes create the curly hair in these cats.

These cats have, in truth, an alien appearance: medium size, graceful flexible body, fairly large and slightly slanted eyes to match their color, and a wedge-shaped head. But the real feature of the breed is the huge ears, set as deeply as possible and widely spaced, with a wide base and a rounded tip. Six is ​​very soft, short with a slight “wave”.

If you have been dreaming of a long-eared friend with a unique appearance, then this breed is ideal. These are smart cats, they are quite active and affectionate, but they do not like children too much, focusing more on adults.

Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex

This breed originated in the USA in 1987: it all started with a cute curly-haired stray cat, she was crossed with a Persian cat. Further, Persians, exotics and British cats participated in the breeding of the breed; the breed received official status in 1992.

The main feature of the Selkirk is its unique coat; it combines very curly, straight and wavy hairs, so the cat overall looks like a lamb. The coat is plush and very soft, and can be either long- or short-haired.

By nature, these are very affectionate, calm cats with high intelligence.

Laperm

This breed appeared in the USA by accident: an unusual kitten was born on a farm: at first he was bald, and then acquired a curly coat. The breed was registered in 1997.

The main difference from other curly cats is the coat; it can be simply wavy or curl into tight curls, hence the name of the breed from the combination “perm.”

Representatives of the breed are very friendly, moderately active and love company.

Ural rex

Ural Rex cats

A young domestic aboriginal cat breed, appeared in 1988, officially recognized in 2006.

These cats have a slender, flexible body, small ears, a wedge-shaped head and wide-set eyes. Their coat is soft, curly, and their hair is short or semi-long.

Exterior of a cat

A distinctive feature of the German Rex is its soft, short and curly coat. In this they are very similar to the Devon and Cornish Rex. Of these three varieties, it is the “Germans” that have the most silky and pleasant-to-touch fur.

Herman Rexes stand out for their soft, wavy coat.

Table: breed standard

German Rexes have a bright, unusual appearance.

Disqualifying signs:

• lack of fur in some areas;
• body too large;
• skeletal defects;
• malocclusion;
• poorly developed muscles;
• small ears;
• pointed head.

When assessing a cat, first of all, pay attention to its coat: the waviness should be expressed as strongly as possible. The highest scores are given to animals with the best fur characteristics, even if they are inferior to other participants in some way in terms of physique.

Video: colors of the German Rex

Appearance description

Rexes are small, graceful, adults weigh up to 5 kg, females are slightly smaller than cats. Appearance standards apply to certain parts of the body:

• the head is small, with clearly defined cheekbones;
• ears and eyes are set wide;
• slender forelimbs slightly shorter than the hind limbs;
• ears are inactive;
• the tail has a cone shape.

The body is strong and long, the chest is powerful, the neck is strong. The cat's muscles are clearly visible under the short hair. The head is proportional to the small body, the cheeks are well developed, the nose is slightly flattened. The whiskers are slightly curled; in other Rex breeds they curl more strongly. Cats with any eye color are allowed to enter the show, but their shape must be almond-shaped. Individuals with different shades of the iris are rarely found. The tips of the ears are rounded, the pet practically does not move them.

The limbs are short, rather thin, the hind limbs are constantly in a half-bent position due to the fact that they are longer than the front ones. Thanks to its different lengths, Rex jumps high and easily climbs onto cabinets, cornices and bookshelves. The owner needs to prepare for the fact that the pet will suddenly attack from above. The tail is of medium length, but can be short.

The fur is soft and plush when touched with the palm of your hand, has an unusual texture and is slightly curly. Rexes have no guard hair, and there is also no undercoat. At exhibitions they do not pay attention to the color of the cat. The color can be any: completely white or black, red, ash, chocolate. A combination of several different shades is also possible.

At competitions, the first thing to check is the pet’s physique, the health of its teeth and claws. Then the limbs and tail are examined and measured. Cats with fur that curls only in certain areas are disqualified. Animals with small pointed ears, flat cheeks and obesity, falling out and split hairs are also not allowed.

Character and behavior

The German Rex is very friendly and completely devoid of aggression. It will never harm a child, so families with children can safely have it. He does not choose his owner among family members, but treats everyone equally well. A representative of this breed is very loving and loyal. He quickly becomes attached to a person and shows his love with tenderness and affection. This cat can sit on your lap and purr for hours. He feels loneliness very acutely and cannot stand the absence of people for a long time. He also quite accurately captures the owner’s mood: if he is in a good mood, the cat will be mischievous and cheerful, and if he is sad, he will sit on his lap or simply be nearby.

The German Rex loves to be the center of attention

The German Rex is also characterized by such character traits as playfulness and energy. He will never refuse to play with a ball or other toy. Even if the pet is sterilized or is of advanced age, it remains cheerful and active. These cats radiate positivity and give a good mood to everyone around them. Even if there is no one to play with him, the pet will be able to occupy himself on his own.

It is not advisable to get a cat of this breed if there are already pets in the house, especially dogs. Most likely, she will not be able to get along with them, and conflicts cannot be avoided. The exception is if the animals were kept together from a very early age.

German rexes are also distinguished by their curiosity and desire to explore the world. There is hardly a place in the house where this “robber” could get into. He also loves various houses, boxes, bags and packages. He prefers to hide his toys, just like dogs do. However, they are wary of guests; at first they will be afraid of new people and may hide in a secluded place. In general, German Rexes are very conservative and do not like any changes, be it a trip, a change of place of residence, participation in an exhibition or a visit to the veterinarian.

Representatives of this breed are very smart and clean. They immediately understand how to behave and adhere to the rules of their owners. These cats easily learn to go to the litter box and scratch their claws on a scratching post. They will not damage the furniture, wallpaper, interior items in the house, or mark the territory.

German rexes can be taught funny tricks, as cats pick up everything on the fly

Relationships with people and animals

They love children and are always happy to play with them, but they can stand up for themselves. If a child hurts a cat, the latter will definitely let him know what he shouldn’t do, he will swing or snort, and if there is no reaction, he may even give in with his paw. Therefore, immediately explain to children that a cat is not a toy, but a living creature, and should be treated accordingly.

The German Rex gets along well with other pets only if it has grown up with them since childhood. In other cases, the process of addiction is long and difficult, even leading to fights and aggressive behavior.

Maintenance and care of the German Rex

All rexes are very thermophilic, like sphinxes. These are indoor cats and will not survive outside. During the cold season, they freeze, and it is advisable to put clothes on them. Do not allow your pet to be in a draft.

In winter it is necessary to dress your pet in warm clothes

When deciding to buy a kitten, you should prepare everything you need for it: a soft bed/house, a scratching post, a tray with a spatula, bowls for food and water, toys, hygiene products (shampoo, hair brush, nail clipper).

Caring for a German Rex is no different from caring for a cat of another short-haired breed. You should bathe your cat infrequently - once every 6 months. But if one of your family members has allergies, you can wash it every month or even more often. The fact is that an allergic reaction does not occur to animal fur, but to a special protein that is contained in the cat’s saliva and other biological fluids and is spread throughout the house mainly with the help of wool (hence the myth that there is an allergy to wool). And since the German Rex practically does not shed, the likelihood of unpleasant symptoms is sharply reduced, especially if you wash it more often.

For bathing, you should use a special zoo shampoo. Here are a few suitable options that have proven themselves in the market:

• AVZ "Lesnoy".
• VEDA "Phytoelite" for short-haired cats.
• Rolf Club Shiny.
• CLINY “Nutrition and Shine”.
• Ms. Kiss "Graceful Panther".

Each of the shampoos is designed for short-haired cats and perfectly cleanses the animal’s coat and skin and adds shine to the coat. They are hypoallergenic, which is especially important, and also have a pleasant, mild odor and foam well.

German Rex ears require special care. Once a week you need to inspect their inner surface in order to promptly detect symptoms of diseases. You can remove excess wax from your ears using cotton swabs coated with petroleum jelly or other oil. The cat's eyes should be wiped weekly with cotton pads soaked in boiled water, chamomile infusion or weak tea.

If your pet does not use the scratching post very actively, it is recommended to trim the claws with a nail clipper. This should be done once every 1 - 2 months.

You need to trim your claws correctly: it is important not to touch the pulp, where the nerve endings and blood vessels are located.

Veterinarians do not recommend using anti-scratch pads, because this is a lot of stress for the cat. If you trim your cat's claws as needed, and also train your cat to use a scratching post, you won't have any problems with damaged wallpaper, furniture, or other interior items.

German Rex coat care is simple. It needs to be brushed with a soft brush 1-2 times a week. During the shedding period, you can remove dead undercoat with a furminator (for short-haired cats).

You also need to take care of your Rex's teeth - wipe them daily with a finger wrapped in damp gauze (the easiest option). You can use a special rubber thimble for these purposes. You can also buy toothpaste for cats and a comfortable brush at pet stores. But under no circumstances should you use ordinary paste for people. It should be noted that eating dry food for your pet has a positive effect on dental health, as it constantly cleans teeth of plaque.

You need to brush your cat's teeth daily

Interesting Facts

During the existence of this cat breed, many interesting things have been associated with it:

1. The CFA has not yet recognized the German Rex. There they are considered a type of Devonian.
2. The breed has several alternative names. Curly-haired cats are often called Prussian Rex or German Rex.
3. The wavy coat is the result of a natural mutation. The gene responsible for it is considered recessive and no one can guarantee that all littermate kittens will have a curly coat.

Feeding

You can feed your cat either commercially produced food or natural food. Veterinarians do not recommend combining these two feeding methods. The first of them is more convenient and cheaper (and no worse in terms of the quality of the pet’s nutrition, which is important), since few people in the modern world can prepare food for their pet from natural products every day.

If you decide to feed your pet with ready-made food, you should buy food of at least premium and super-premium classes. Best rating based on reviews:

• Royal Canin;
• Hill's;
• Eukanuba;
• Brit Care (but not Premium);
• 1st Choice;
• Eukanuba;
• Almo Nature;
• Purina Pro Plan.

Any food presented contains all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals for the healthy development of a cat, and is also balanced in composition. The basis of the diet is proteins (most often chicken, turkey, lamb), as well as carbohydrates (cereals, vegetables, fruits).

If finances allow, you can feed your pet even more expensive holistic food. These diets contain only high quality ingredients that are suitable for human consumption. Their basis (75 - 90%) is animal protein (chicken, turkey, duck, salmon, etc.). The most popular are Canadian holistic providers Orijen, Acana, Now, Go.

Holistic - the best choice of dry cat food

Each manufacturer produces a whole line of food to meet the needs of any pet. You can choose food based on:

• age of the pet (for kittens, adult cats and elderly cats);
• coat length (for short-haired, long-haired and hairless breeds);
• activity (Indoor - for domestic cats, that is, less active, and Outdoor - for cats with access to the yard, that is, more active);
• characteristics of a particular pet (for sterilized, picky animals, with sensitive digestion, against the formation of hairballs in the stomach, with a tendency to obesity, etc.);
• breed (for cats of a certain breed, for example, Royal Canin food for Persian cats, Sphynx cats, British and Scottish cats);
• health conditions (dietary diets for cats with various diseases).

Premium and super-premium class foods belong to the middle price category (400 g - 250 - 300 rubles, 2 kg - 1200 - 1500 rubles), holistic and medicinal foods are more expensive (230 g - 300 - 350 rubles, 2 kg - 2000 - 2500 rubles).

I do not recommend feeding your cat economy class food (Whiskas, Kitekat, Perfect Fit, Friskies). Their main component is cereals that are useless and reduce the cost of production. There is little animal protein in them (no more than 2 - 4%), and it is of the lowest quality (flour from animal waste, bones and cartilage). Many cats eat them with pleasure, but this is only because the manufacturer has added flavoring chemical additives to them that attract animals. Such food will satisfy hunger, but will not be beneficial and will ultimately cause serious illness and early death of the pet. Based on many reviews, we can conclude that cats that consume economy-class food most often do not live to be 8 years old.

Don't forget about water: your cat needs fresh filtered water in its bowl every day. Tap water contains many harmful substances that are no less dangerous for cats than for humans.

If the owner still decides to feed the pet natural food, the diet should be correctly composed:

• 60% - proteins (more - animal, not plant);
• 30% - carbohydrates;
• 10% - fats.

The basis of your pet’s diet should be the following products:

• lean meat (chicken, turkey, rabbit, beef, veal, lamb) and offal (liver, kidneys, tripe);
• fish - only sea fish (once a week);
• cereals (barley, rice, buckwheat, oats);
• vegetables and fruits (according to the cat’s preferences, exceptions are below);
• fermented milk products (low-fat kefir, cottage cheese);
• raw chicken and quail eggs (once a week);
• milk (allowed for kittens).

Food should not be salted and peppered.

Fresh meat and fish must be frozen for 2 - 3 days before feeding them to your pet. If this is not done, helminth infection may occur. In any case, heat treatment will not be superfluous: both chilled and thawed meat should be cooked.

Do not give to pets:

• sausage, sausages;
• bones (as well as head, neck) and skin;
• any spicy, salty, smoked and fried foods;
• industrial sauces;
• everything sweet and floury;
• from vegetables: eggplant, onion, garlic, radish, radish.

It is advisable to additionally give your pet a vitamin-mineral complex, since natural food does not contain all the micronutrients necessary for a cat.

German rexes love to eat, so it is important for the owner to control the amount of food eaten. This breed is prone to obesity. Food - and this applies to both industrially produced food and natural food - must be dosed and given in portions. Small kittens can be fed 5 - 6 times a day, at the age of 6 months - 3 - 4 times a day, and adult cats - 2 times a day.

The serving size depends on how much the cat weighs. The daily rate can be calculated using the formula: weight x 5%. For example, a cat weighing 5 kg should eat 250 g of food per day. You need 2 times less dry food, since it does not contain moisture. You can always find a table with norms on the packaging of finished food.

How to choose the right kitten

It is advisable to purchase a purebred German Rex from trusted private breeders or certified nurseries. Before making the final choice, you should look at the behavior of the kittens and the conditions in which they are kept.

The room where small German rexes live should be warm, light and clean. The kittens themselves should look neat and healthy. It is important that they do not have a bloated belly, bad breath, bald spots in their fur, or sores or bumps on their skin.

You also need to observe the behavior of the kittens. An indecisive and overly cautious baby may grow up withdrawn and uncommunicative. And a kitten with strong leadership abilities may not be easy to raise.

Kitten care

Responsible breeders do not release kittens to owners before they are 3 months old. By this age, small German rexes already have all the necessary vaccinations and are not so dependent on their mother. They are accustomed to hygiene procedures and know how to use a tray and scratching post.

To protect the German Rex from accidental injuries, wires, breakable objects, household chemicals and indoor plants are removed in advance from the room where he will live. The kitten is also denied access to open windows, balconies and large appliances such as ovens, dryers and washing machines.

To prevent the stress of moving from being aggravated by digestive problems, at first the little German Rex is fed what he is accustomed to from the breeder. New products are introduced into the kitten’s menu gradually to observe the reaction of its body. The German Rex feeding regimen is selected taking into account the age of the curly-haired pet:

• 3-4 months – 6 times a day;
• 4-5 months – 5 times a day;
• 5-9 months – 4 times a day;
• 9-12 months – 3 times a day.

From the age of one year, a German cat can eat twice a day.

Rex health

In general, German Rexes are in good health. They rarely have genetic diseases. Among the serious pathologies are the following:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a pathology in which the wall of the heart ventricle thickens. As a result, its volume decreases and less blood is pumped per cycle. This, in turn, can gradually lead to the development of heart failure. No symptoms of the disease are observed in the initial stages, so this disease is considered insidious, capable of quickly leading to the death of the animal.
• Coagulopathy is a pathology associated with a deficiency of vitamin K in the body. It manifests itself in problems with blood clotting. As a result, the animal may die from bleeding if you do not contact a veterinarian in time.

However, a cat of this breed is susceptible, like all others, to infectious diseases. This is why it is so important to vaccinate your pet annually. In addition, if the cat has access to the outdoors, he can “pick up” parasites. In this regard, it is recommended to regularly treat the animal’s fur with special products.

On average, German rexes live 13 - 15 years, but they can live much longer (up to 20 years) if you feed them high-quality food, get vaccinated on time, and visit the veterinarian every year even in the absence of any symptoms.

Vaccinations and antiparasitic treatment

To prevent viral and infectious diseases, German rex dogs are systematically subjected to routine vaccination. At the age of 7-8 weeks, a German kitten is vaccinated with a complex drug that stimulates the development of immunity to panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calcivirosis.

After 28 days he is vaccinated against the same diseases and against rabies. In the future, German Rex is vaccinated annually.

To prevent the development of diseases carried by parasites, the cat is periodically treated for fleas and helminths. Antihelminthic drugs are given to German Rex twice a year with mandatory repetition after 10-14 days. The dosage is selected strictly according to the weight of the German cat.

To combat fleas, use special drops or shampoos. And if the German Rex is outside, he is put on an anti-parasitic collar.

Breeding German Rex

If breeding cats is not planned, the animal should be sterilized. The appropriate age for this is 8–12 months, when the animal’s reproductive system is already fully formed. But some breeders also practice earlier sterilization.

The first heat of a female German Rex should be expected at approximately 7 - 8 months. But to breed, you need to wait until she is at least a year old. This is the optimal age when a cat is already able to give birth to healthy offspring.

It is very important to choose the right partner for her. He must be healthy, without hereditary diseases, and also have a good pedigree. It is advisable to pair a female for the first time with a male who has already had a similar experience.

Preliminary preparation of partners is also very important: 30 days before the chosen date, the cat and cat should be dewormed, and after 15 days they should be vaccinated. Since animals can injure each other during mating games, their claws must be trimmed before mating. Pets should not be bathed so that they are attracted to each other by their natural scent.

Most often, the female is brought to the male’s territory and left for 3–4 days. You definitely need to bring everything you need for her: a bed, bowls, a tray. This way the cat will feel freer and more confident. For some time, the partners get used to each other. The cat's covering can occur within a few hours or within a day.

If the mating is successful, pregnancy occurs, which lasts an average of 63 - 65 days. A cat can change - become too affectionate or, conversely, aggressive. Soon the first signs appear - the nipples swell and turn pink. After a month you can already see the growing belly. However, it is not recommended to feel kittens to find out their number; they are very fragile.

A week before giving birth, the cat’s behavior will change: she will become more restless, she will lick herself thoroughly, and her nipples will increase even more. A suitable place for childbirth should be prepared in advance. This could be, for example, a cardboard box. You need to put a clean cloth in it.

Most often, pregnancy and childbirth proceed well. But during childbirth, complications may arise due to a too narrow pelvis, large kittens, and weak uterine contractions. If your cat is unable to give birth to a kitten, you should immediately call a veterinarian. If this is your cat's first pregnancy, be sure to monitor her and be prepared to help her if necessary.

The cat feeds the kittens milk for a month

It is recommended to send babies to new families when they are 2 months old. During this time, they feed on their mother's milk and learn simple skills from her.

How much does it cost and where can I buy it?

The rarity of cats explains their high cost. The price of a German Rex reaches 70 thousand rubles, it depends on the purity of the pedigree and class:

• pet
  - animals cannot participate in exhibitions, qualify for awards, are not bred for the purpose of further sale, and are usually purchased as a pet;
• breeding
  - cats meet the standards of an elite breed, but do not have special qualities in appearance to win at exhibitions; they can produce show-class kittens when crossed with an excellent male;
• show
  - kittens are very expensive, their purebred parents have titles received at exhibitions; such animals are capable of
• give your breeder a good profit.

The cost of the kitten will have to include a trip abroad and transportation of the animal itself. But all the efforts will pay off - after all, the German Rex is capable of becoming a true family friend, giving warmth and affection to the people who love him.

Buying a kitten

It is difficult to buy a German Rex kitten in Russia. If this is unimportant, it is better to choose a Cornish Rex or Devon Rex. There are many nurseries that breed cats of these breeds.

However, if you want a “German”, you will have to negotiate with European breeders. It will cost from 15 to 50 thousand rubles. Also, certain difficulties may arise when transporting an animal.

It is very difficult to distinguish a German Rex kitten from a Devon Rex. Both breeds have a rounded, short head, but the Devons have a heart-shaped head, while the Germans have a slightly more elongated head. The ears of both breeds are large and wide. There are differences in the quality of wool: Devons have hard guard hairs, while Germans do not, so it is very soft. However, the coat (like the waves) is finally formed only by 1 - 1.5 years, and in kittens the fur can be completely straight or even fall out completely. The differences between them are so minimal that the authoritative organization CFA, as already mentioned, considers them to be the same breed.

Cornish Rex dogs are quite easy to recognize: they have an elongated muzzle and a wedge-shaped head. There are also differences in the shape of the ears: they are narrower and more elongated. Cornish Rex eyes are almond-shaped rather than round.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like all breeds, German Rexes have pros and cons:

Origin story

In the 19th century, long-haired cats were bred en masse for their attractive appearance. Long-haired cats were not classified by type. Only at the beginning of the 20th century, on the initiative of professor of zoology Friedrich Schwangart, cats were divided into types: long-haired Persians and German cats, whose fur was silkier. In 1929, Friedrich Schwangart developed the first standard for the German Longhair cat.

After World War II, the German Longhair cat was on the verge of extinction and was practically forgotten. A group of breeders concerned about this problem rallied to revive the breed. Breeder Renata Aschemeyer, who has been breeding the breed since 1968, handed over the last breeding animals to young breeders. In addition, it was possible to select individuals from among ordinary domestic cats, whose appearance was close to the Schwangart standard. A preliminary standard was developed in 2008. As a result of long-term work, we managed to get the first litter in 2011. In April 2012, the breed was officially recognized by the WCF. Despite the fact that the breed is formally considered new, in fact the German Longhair has existed for a long time and is the only breed bred in Germany. However, later breeders agreed that the breed has all the features of the European Longhair, and the two breeds are equivalent. The enthusiasm of breeders has weakened, and today there are almost no breeders of the German Longhair breed left.