The German Rex

The German Rex is the oldest known Rex mutation. The Rex mutation is a recessive gene born from ordinary housecats that causes curly coats that often appears spiky, with curled whiskers. This makes for an awesome look, appealing and unique all in one.

The German Rex can be followed back to two separate Rex mutations: Monk was a tomcat born in 1930 in Kningsberg in East-Pruissen and then in 1947 the female cat Lammchen roamed a hospital in Berlin. Years later Dr. Rose Scheuer-Karpin came across the cat and found her curly features amusing. She took the cat home where Lammchen (meaning little lamb in German) was bred until she was twenty years old. She had many kittens, all of which had straight fur, until her original partner died and she was serviced by one of her sons. The first litter bore two straight haired kittens and two curly haired kittens, thus proving that this unique trait is purely genetic mutation! In the beginning, most people were not particularly interested in curly haired cats, so they were handed off as pets without consideration of showing or breeding. Professor Letard from France was the first person to show the cat and soon Dr. Scheuer-Karpin began receiving many requests for the rare breed. The German Rex shares the same mutation as the other Rexes such as the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex.

The German Rex possesses sharp, profound cheeks happily set on a round head, decorated with a distinct thick chin. The ears are set broadly apart and are widely open and the nose has a slight break at the base of it. The German Rex also features eyes that are color coordinated to its fur that are medium in size and well spaced, bright-eyed and wide open. She portrays a very luminous look. Though medium sized in body, the German Rex is solid and muscular. With a straight back from shoulders to croup, her chest lays heavy and round, airing an essence of power. The German Rex sports long, slender paws that are oval in shape and nicely rounded on the bottom, and a long tail that tapers into a rounded point. Though it has no guard hairs, the German Rex is equipped with a thick, short fur that is smooth, very silky, and a velvety coat despite its curly texture. All colors are acceptable with the exception of brown, lilac, and colorpoint.

The German Rex is also an intelligent cat all the while possessing a virtue of patience. Displaying great affection towards their owners, the German Rexes also initiate loyal companionships with other cats. This lively cat is well known to quickly make contact with its owner. She is a very affectionate and kind animal that any human is sure to appreciate.

Though this is a great, insurmountably beautiful cat with wonderful features, it is a rare mutation that has not been bred in abundance. In the late 1990s there were only five curled hybrid Germen Rexes left. Thanks to a final few interested people who diligently worked to refine the specimen for breeding, the German Rex has still survived. Currently there is a group of people who have begun an extended outcross breeding program in order to ensure the preservation of the breed. Lets hope for the German Rexs sake, as well as our own, that the breed is able to flourish, allowing us to spot many more curly haired cats around.