Description: German Rex
The German Rex is a rare and charming domestic cat breed known for its distinctive curly coat and playful personality. First discovered in the 1950s in Germany, these cats have soft, wavy fur that feels like velvet to the touch. The German Rex is medium-sized, with a slender yet muscular body, large expressive eyes, and prominent cheekbones. Affectionate and sociable, this breed loves human company and gets along well with children and other pets. They are highly intelligent, curious, and enjoy interactive play, making them excellent companions. Despite their unique coat, German Rex cats are relatively easy to groom, and their gentle temperament makes them suitable for families and first-time pet owners. The breed's rarity adds to its appeal among cat enthusiasts.
German Rex ratings
Properties
The German Rex is a rare and distinctive cat breed recognized primarily for its soft, curly coat and sociable nature. Originating in Germany just after World War II, the breed traces its roots back to a spontaneous genetic mutation observed in a cat named Lämmchen, who is considered the matriarch of all German Rex lines. Physically, the German Rex is of medium build, with muscular yet slender proportions, and displays large, expressive eyes that often give them a gentle, inquisitive expression. The hallmark of the breed is its short, velvety fur, featuring loose curls and waves, which arise from a natural mutation affecting the hair structure.
In comparison to other Rex breeds, such as the Cornish Rex or Devon Rex, the German Rex's coat tends to be slightly denser and softer, with less tight curls. This unique coat sheds very little, making the German Rex relatively hypoallergenic in comparison with many other breeds, though not entirely so. Their whiskers may also be curly or wavy, adding to their whimsical appearance.
Temperamentally, German Rex cats are known for their lively, affectionate, and playful demeanor. They are highly social animals, thriving on companionship and often forming close bonds with their human families as well as other pets. This breed is generally well-suited for households with children, as they are gentle and tolerant. German Rexes are also intelligent and curious, making them adept at learning tricks and engaging in interactive play. They maintain kitten-like energy well into adulthood, ensuring that their owners have an active and engaging companion.
The German Rex is relatively healthy, but as with many purebred cats, they may be predisposed to certain genetic conditions. Regular grooming is recommended, even for their short coats, to remove loose fur and maintain skin health. Their overall maintenance is moderate, and they are adaptable to both apartment and house living as long as they receive ample stimulation and affection. Due to their rare status, finding a German Rex may require contacting specialized breeders. In summary, the German Rex is a charming, unique, and people-oriented cat breed, ideal for those seeking an interactive and loving feline friend.
Appearance
The German Rex is a distinctive and charming breed of cat known for its soft, curly coat and graceful appearance. The most striking feature of the German Rex is its wavy or curly fur, which is a result of a natural mutation that affects the hair's structure. The coat is short, dense, and plush, with a texture often described as resembling that of crushed velvet or chenille. Unlike some other rex breeds, the German Rex typically has curls all over its body, including the tail and whiskers, which may appear slightly crinkled.
The breed comes in a wide array of colors and patterns. Nearly every coat color and pattern seen in domestic cats can be found in the German Rex, including solid colors like black, blue, white, red, and cream, as well as bi-color, tortoiseshell, tabby, and colorpoint varieties. The eyes are medium to large, round or oval, and can come in any color that harmonizes with the coat, often appearing bright and expressive.
In terms of body structure, the German Rex is a medium-sized cat with a well-muscled but slender and elegant build. The body is slightly rounded rather than tubular, giving the cat a balanced and graceful silhouette. The legs are medium in length and fine-boned, ending in rounded, dainty paws. The tail is medium to long, tapered, and matches the body in terms of its curly coat. The head shape is typically round with full cheeks, a medium-length nose, and a slightly pronounced bridge. The ears are medium to large, set high on the head, and are slightly rounded at the tips.
Overall, the German Rex exudes an aura of gentle strength and refined beauty. Its soft, wavy coat is unique to the touch, and its friendly expression adds to the breed’s overall appeal. Though not as extreme in appearance as some other rex breeds, the German Rex’s combination of a curly coat, round features, and a graceful body makes it a truly special and attractive breed for cat enthusiasts and families alike.
History
The German Rex is a distinctive breed of domestic cat renowned for its soft, curly coat and fascinating history. The origins of the German Rex date back to the early 1950s in East Germany. The first noted German Rex, a black female later named Lämmchen (meaning "little lamb"), was discovered in Berlin-Buch in a hospital garden in 1947 by Dr. Rose Scheuer-Karpin. Lämmchen exhibited a unique wavy coat, and upon being bred with local feral cats, she passed on her curly-furred trait, establishing the foundation for the breed.
The breed’s defining curly coat results from a recessive gene mutation affecting the hair shaft, and its discovery sparked great interest among geneticists and cat fanciers. During the early 1950s, Lämmchen was bred with various males, producing more curly-coated offspring, thus confirming the inheritance pattern. The breed name "German Rex" pays tribute to both its country of origin and its wavy-coated resemblance to the earlier Cornish Rex cats in England, though the German Rex derives from a separate genetic mutation.
Internationally, the German Rex’s popularity began to rise during the 1960s. Cats from the original Berlin lines were exported to other European countries, notably England, and to the United States, often being incorporated into Cornish Rex breeding programs to enhance genetic diversity. Despite its early prominence, the German Rex remains a relatively rare breed today, partly due to the small foundation stock and occasional confusion with other rex breeds.
Efforts have been made to preserve this distinct breed through careful breeding and maintenance of its unique features, such as the soft, short, plush, and slightly wavy fur, as well as a friendly, affectionate temperament. Breed enthusiasts highlight the importance of maintaining the original German Rex lines to ensure the breed’s unique identity isn’t lost through excessive outcrossing. While its numbers are not large, the German Rex holds a special place in feline history as a testament to natural genetic diversity and the dedicated work of breeders and enthusiasts aiming to preserve rare and unique feline traits.
Today, the German Rex is recognized by several cat associations, particularly in Europe, and continues to charm cat lovers with its playful nature, elegant appearance, and remarkable historical background.