German Rex

The German Rex is a rare, medium-sized pedigree cat from Germany, best known for its soft, wavy coat, muscular build, and very people-oriented, affectionate nature. It is generally healthy, active, and playful, making it a good choice for families who want an indoor companion cat that enjoys both games and cuddles.

Appearance and size

German Rex cats are medium in size with a strong, muscular body, round head, pronounced cheeks, and medium-length, fairly slender legs. Typical weight is about 3–4 kg for females and 4–5 kg for males, though some sources express this as roughly 4–10 pounds overall.

The coat is short, velvety, and wavy or curly, lacking a normal top coat and often described as woolly or plush. Whiskers are usually shorter and slightly curled, and all coat colors and patterns are allowed, with eye color typically matching or complementing the coat.

Temperament and behavior

The breed is known for being friendly, affectionate, and very people-focused, often forming strong bonds and enjoying extensive cuddling and close contact with their humans. German Rex cats are intelligent, playful, and active, sometimes nicknamed "Einsteins" of the cat world, and they usually get along well with children, other cats, and well-behaved dogs.

They adapt well to indoor life but need mental stimulation and physical play, so puzzle toys, climbing opportunities, and regular interactive games are recommended.

History and genetics

The German Rex developed from a spontaneous mutation in post‑World War II East Berlin, where a wavy‑coated black female feral cat named Lammchen ("Lambkin") became the foundation of the breed. In 1957 she was bred with one of her wavy‑haired offspring, producing the first recognized German Rex litter, and by the 1960s the breed began to spread from Germany to other countries.

Its curly coat is caused by a recessive rex gene shared with Cornish Rex (and related to other rex breeds), and in some regions Cornish Rex lines can still trace ancestry back to early German Rex cats.

Health, care, and lifespan

German Rex cats typically live around 10–15 years and are generally considered robust, with no widely recognized breed‑specific genetic disease, though early breeding history included some inbreeding concerns. Their thin, short, guard‑hair‑poor coat offers less insulation, so they are best kept indoors and may be more sensitive to cold and to skin or temperature-related issues.

Grooming needs are moderate: gentle brushing once or twice a week usually suffices, and care should be taken not to strip natural oils or irritate the delicate, curly coat. Routine veterinary checks, high‑quality nutrition, and enrichment to prevent boredom are important to support their active, intelligent nature.

How they compare to other Rex cats

Feature	German Rex	Cornish Rex	Devon Rex
Build	More muscular, stocky, rounded features.	Slender, more oriental type.	Slender, fine-boned, large ears.
Coat	Short, velvety, woolly waves; no top coat.	Very short, soft, tightly curled; no top coat.	Soft, wavy/looser curls; different mutation.
Gene type	Recessive rex mutation shared with Cornish.	Same recessive rex mutation as German Rex.	Different rex mutation; not compatible in same way.
General nature	Calm, sociable, affectionate, playful.	Very active, playful, people-oriented.	Very playful, impish, highly people-oriented.

The German Rex combines the unique appeal of a curly-coated breed with a calm, affectionate temperament, making it an excellent choice for families seeking an intelligent, people-oriented indoor companion that thrives on both play and affection.

References

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