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Owner's Guide

Domestic Breeds. Rex cats have been reported from many places at different times, but in most cases the individual animals with the sparse, wavy 'rex coat' have not been used for breeding and their genetic properties have died with them. In several cases, however, they have been developed systematically to start new 'pure-breeds'. The following are cases that have been specifically recorded (See also separate entries for each breed): 1. 1930/1. Prussian Rex Cat. Discovered in East Prussia, but not developed. 2. 1930s. Karakul Cat. Recorded in America, but not developed. 3. 1946. German Rex Cat. Discovered in the ruins of E. Berlin after World War II. Used in successful crosses with the Cornish Rex, but apparently no longer preserved as a distinct breed. 4. 1950. Italian Rex Cat. Not developed as a breed. Vanished in one generation. 5 1950. Cornish Rex Cat. Discovered in a litter of farm cats in Cornwall and carefully in-bred to develop the breed. Remains a popular Rex breed today. 6. 1953. Ohio Rex Cat. Born in an otherwise normal litter, but not developed as a breed. 7. 1959. Oregon Rex Cat. An American strain which seems to have been overshadowed by the popular Cornish Rex. 8. 1959. California Rex Cat. Found in an animal shelter. Because of its longer, wavy coat it was called a 'Marcel Cat'. 9. 1960. Devon Rex Cat. Discovered in Devon and developed into a popular breed. Although geographically close to the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex depends on a different gene for its curly coat. 10.1972. Victoria Rex Cat. Cat carrying curly-coated Rex gene found in Victoria , London, the offspring of feral cats in that district. 11.1985. Dutch Rex Cat. A recent addition to the Rex breeds, the Dutch version has a coarser wavy coat, with a more bristly texture. 12.1987. Selkirk Rex Cat. Another American Rex strain, this one was discovered in Wyoming. Its curly coat is thicker than typical rex breeds. 13.1988. Rexed Maine Coon Cat. Rare cases of Main Coon Cats with wavy, Rex hair have recently been reported by British breeders. 14.1991. Urals Rex Cat. Discovered in Russia. 15.1990s. Longhair Rex. Eastern European breeders are reported to have crossed Rex Cats with Persians to create a long-haired Rex. 16.1990s. Poodle Cat. A new breed of Rex Cat with folded ears, created by crossing Devon Rex with Scottish Fold. History: The genes for the sparse, short, curly hair of all the Rex breeds are recessives that seem to crop up as random mutations in different parts of the world. If left alone, they soon vanish, but if carefully inbred to intensify them, can be used to start a new form of pedigree cat. Most of the 'founding felines' of the various Rex breeds have been local strays or farm cats, spotted by enthusiasts, rescued and employed as foundation breeding stock. At least two genes appear to be involved: GEN 1. REX. No.33. (The Cornish and German) and GEN 2. REX. No.33a.(The Devon only). The new Selkirk Rex appears to be a third, and the Rex gene observed in Main Coons may also be a different one. Unusual features: The wavy fur of these cats, lacking the usual guard-hairs of other breeds, gives them a strange, un-sleek appearance which is exaggerated by their slender, leggy bodies. The tight curling of their coats has given them the popular name of 'Poodle Cats'. In the world of Show Cats, the Rex breeds have caused heated arguments and divided experts into two rival groups. The pro-Rex faction sing the praises of Rex Cats because of their delightful personalities. They remain more affectionate, playful and inquisitive than other cats, the adults behaving more like kittens. The anti-Rex faction claim that the coats are 'imperfect' and give the animals a diseased look even when they are healthy. They also feel that the thinness of the coats of most Rex breeds makes the cats look unduly angular, awkward and lacking in typical feline grace. Despite these criticisms, some of the Rex breeds, at least, appear to have a strong enough following to ensure their future in the realm of pedigree cats and cat-shows. Breed Clubs: Rex Society International was formed in 1962 to promote the breeds. Rex Breeders United which is affiliated to the American CFA, publishes a quarterly magazine called The Forum. The club was formed in 1969. Address: 446 Itasca Ct. N.W., Rochester, MN 55901, USA. Rex Cat Association. Formed in 1989. Address: 37 Leycroft Gardens, Slade Green, Kent, DA8 2PA, England. Rex Cat Club. Formed in 1964. Address: Darby House, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, TW16 5PJ, England.