If you ’ve dreamt of having a cat that ’s as unique on the outside as they are on the inside , a Rex computerized axial tomography might be the one for you . You ’ve belike heard of ( or even met ) some of the most well - be intimate breeds of these wavelike - haired bozo — like the Devon Rex , Cornish Rex , and Selkirk Rex . But these democratic Rex cats are n’t the only Arabian tea multiply with that clearly curly coat .

What is a Rex Cat?

The descriptor “ Rex ” describes the curve coat of the cat , say Teresa Keiger , aCat Fanciers ’ Association(CFA ) all - strain judge . Rex cats are domesticated cats recognized by their gurgle , wavelike , or curly coats .

There are several case of Rex computerized tomography , each sharing a interchangeable name and coat case . But Rex computerized tomography are freestanding and distinct breeds that developed independently from one another thanks to self-generated genetic variant .

“ All Rex cat strain came from a dissimilar spontaneous mutation in unlike cats , ” Keiger explains . “ The genetics behind each breed ’s curl essence is completely different both in appearing and in its desoxyribonucleic acid . ”

Rex cat breed being held by owner

The genic mutation for curly tomentum in cats is passably rare . And when selectively spawn , these coat occur in a variety of lengths , texture , and colors . But that ’s not the only thing that differ in Rex stock . Besides their adorable curly coifs , Keiger says each Rex cat breed “ motley in almost every way potential . ”

8 Rex Cat Breeds

There ’s no denying thatwavy - hirsute cat breedsare incredibly endearing , and most of them have personalities to match ! Plus , there are tons ofgreat naming optionsfor these curly cuties ( think : Teddy , Chewie , Bear , and Rapunzel ) .

If you ’re look to add a cat with a curly or wavy pelage to your family , deal one of these eight unlike Rex breeds :

Cornish Rex

According to Keiger , the Cornish Rex is the first fuck curly Arabian tea breed . A curly - hirsute barn kitten in England named Kallibunker is credited with carry the first genetic mutant for the Cornish Rex breed . From the fifties on , Kallibunker and his offspring were selectively bred with Burmese , Siamese , and British domestic shorthair cats . The result was a new exotic cat multiply with large , cricket bat - like ears and incredibly soft , curly pelt .

“ Cornish Rex cats are very combat-ready and do well in a menage with a good deal of activity , ” Keiger enounce . Almost doglike ( and often compare to the anatomy of a Whippet ) , the stock is adored for put-on like playing fetch and clean up their favorite toy dog with their quick paws .

Devon Rex

Keiger describes this England - bear Rex cat as being “ full through the venter with mellow cheekbones and large spike that flare out at the base . ” Their unequaled features give them what many describe as an elfin visual aspect . Their curl coat is short and soft , appearing more rippled than tightly curled . Devon Rex cats come in all patterns and coloration , from white to brown , queen and tortoiseshell butterfly .

These wide - eyed cats have a clownish demeanor and are recognize to entertain their human fellow traveler well into their fourth-year years . “ Devon Rex cats bond very closely with their owners and care to be with them as much as possible , ” Keiger tell . So , they ’re better suit for a home that pop the question a playmate or two and character human - kitty soldering time .

Selkirk Rex

Truly a one - of - a - tolerant look puss , the round - faced Selkirk Rex might resemble a teddy suffer more than a cat . Or if they ’re white , a cat in sheep ’s clothing . This plush , sturdy breed is medium - to - prominent in size , weighing up to 16 pounds . Their myopic or long fur can have free waves or tight spiral gyre , depending on the number ofgenetic variationsthey’re suffer with .

Thefirst Selkirk Rexwas spotted in a Montana protection . She was named Miss DePesto and soon found her home with aPersiancat stock breeder named Jeri Newman . Miss DePesto was breed with a opprobrious Persian and produced a bedding material of both full-strength - hirsute and curly - haired kittens . Unlike their straight - haired litter mates , Selkirk Rex kat boast curl whisker from nascency .

These floofy cuties need brush on a regular basis , but do n’t overdo it or they become genuine frizz balls . Like their teddy bear doppelganger , the Selkirk Rex is a put - back , mirthfully - go - lucky computerized tomography that promptly accepts cuddles and affection . They ’ll necessitate mental stimulation from interactive toys , mystifier , and make for , too .

Cute cat with wavy hair

LaPerm

The LaPerm ’s genetic sport was break moderately recently ( 1982 ) on a farm in Oregon and is the latest CFA - recognized Rex breed to originate , Keiger says . While their hallmark feature article is the perm - similar appearance of their pelt , which can vary in colour and pattern , their personality are just as sensational .

“ LaPerm cat essay human touch and will purr as soon as they become aware of your mien , ” says theCFA . In fact , another trademark feature of speech of this people - orient cat is theirlouder - than - normal purr . When they ’re not soaking up their man ’s tending , this curious kitty will keep busy playing with other pets andkids – or be paw at you to play fetch .

German Rex

According to Keiger , the stock standards for the German Rex dissent from the Cornish Rex — but they share the same genetic variation for their velvety soft curls . Recognized by theInternational Cat Federation , the intermediate - sized breed tout short , curly whiskers and endearingly oversized ears .

Tennessee Rex

It ’s not just the personality of the Tennessee Rex that sparkles — this curly - hairy cat breed sports satin hairs that shimmer in the sunlight . According toThe International Cat Association(TICA ) , Tennessee Rex kitty are “ curly or wooly-haired with crimping at birth , ” with their satin sparkle developing as they age .

Like many other Rex breed , these medium - to - with child qat are the great unwashed - oriented , odd , and extroverted . “ They care to be where the legal action is , ” TICA report .

Ural Rex

seldom found outside of their native home of Russia , Ural Rex cats ostentate a sozzled , flat wave . They have pinch whisker , in high spirits cheekbones , and expressive almond - shaped eyes . Ural Rex catteriesdote on the strain for their good will , expression of emotion , and friendly personality .

Tasman Manx

You might be intimate with the anurous or rumpy - buttocks Manx cat cat-o'-nine-tails — but have you heard of the curly - haired Tasman Manx ? They ’re recognized by theNew Zealand Cat Fancy , andbreeders of this Rexdescribe the Tasman Manx as “ seem ad libitum in Australia and New Zealand with a relatively obtuse and frizzled coating . ” They have a distinct shake and love to shoot the breeze with their human companions .

Caring for a Rex Cat

Because of the unique coats of the unlike Rex cat breeds , many conceive they are hypoallergenic . But no strain of cat ( or cad ) is in truth hypoallergenic . Compared to other breed of cats , the Rex breed may shed less , but they do still shed . So , if you have hombre allergic reaction , you should babble to a doctor before receive any positron emission tomography into your family .

Since each Rex breed is disjoined and trenchant , it ’s important to read up on health concerns and care for the stock you ’re interested in . “ possible owners should read about each breed ’s temperament and bodily process level to check that it will be a good fit for their household , ” Keiger adds .

Guide to Buying or Adopting a Rex Cat

It ’s not unheard of to stumble upon a Rex cat-o'-nine-tails breed in a shelter — that is , after all , where Miss DePesto was first notice . But , Keiger adds , it ’s also not probable that you ’ll find Rex cats readily available for adoption .

“ Pedigreed khat — all pedigreed computed axial tomography — describe for only 5 percent of all domesticated cat , ” she says . “ That ’s not to say that one might find a cat whose previous owner surrendered them , but most breeders want the owner to generate the computerized tomography so that they can rehome it directly . ”

When it fare to purchasing a Rex cat from a breeder , prices can vary . Curled favorites like the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex are breed throughout the U.S. , but more rare breeds like the Tennessee Rex and Ural Rex are hard to follow by — and likely get along with a higher price tag end .

Cornish Rex cat outside in the garden

“ A responsible stock breeder is concerned in the health and welfare of their cats . They ’re implicated about the cat ’s newfangled owners and want to make sealed that there ’s a good fit between the owner and the CT , ” Keiger explain .

So , expect the breeder to ask a lot of question about yourself , your home , and your experience with computerized tomography . When you sour with a reputable breeder , you and your bozo will be on the correct path to a felicitous and healthy liveliness together .

Devon Rex cat sitting on couch

Selkirk Rex cat

Laperm wavy haired cat breed

German Rex kitten wavy haired cat breed

Ural Rex cat snuggled in the couch

Cat walking through the field

Cozy cat in the garden that is a rex breed