Discover All 9 Types of Rex Cat

Written by Heather Hall
Updated: July 28, 2023
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A rex cat is a breed of domestic cat that has short, curly fur and a unique coat pattern. They are known for their friendly personalities and intelligence, making them an ideal pet choice for many households. Rex cats come in nine distinct types, each with its own distinct personality traits. They can range from being quite active to calm lap cats. Some even enjoy playing fetch! All these factors make them highly desirable pets that will bring joy to your home for years to come!

9 Types of Rex Cats

Many different breeds of cats have their own unique coats, colors, and patterns. Rex cats stand out because of their wavy and curly fur, and some even have twisted whiskers. You may not be aware that there are nine varieties of Rex cats, and even more that never made it onto the list. Let’s explore the fascinating features of each type of Rex cat.

1. Cornish Rex

grey and white cornish rex in grass

The Cornish Rex has one of the longest tails of all cat breeds.

©iStock.com/slowmotiongli

A Cornish Rex cat is a breed of domestic cat that can be recognized by its distinctive, wavy fur. They have large ears, an arched back, and slender legs compared to other breeds of cats. This type of cat typically has a short coat, but it also has some unique features, such as long hair on the neck, chest, and stomach area. The Cornish Rex’s tail is usually thin and curly, with tufts at the tip. These cats are energetic and highly active, often displaying their playful nature through climbing or running around the house in search of adventures. They typically get along great with children due to their high levels of energy and intelligence, making them perfect family pets!

2. Devon Rex

white devon rex laying on white floor

They have been around since the 1960s when they were first discovered in England’s Devonshire region by Mrs. Beryl Cox.

©iStock.com/Angela Kotsell

A Devon Rex cat is a breed of domestic cat with large ears, a curly coat, and an unusually short muzzle. This combination of features gives the cats an elfin or pixie-like appearance. They are known to be playful, social, and affectionate cats that get along well with both humans and other animals alike. Devon Rex cats come in a variety of colors, including black, gray, red, and white. They have been around since the 1960s when they were first discovered in England’s Devonshire region by Mrs. Beryl Cox, who found them living near her house in the Buckfastleigh area. Since then, these cats have become popular as pets all over the world for their unique looks as well as their friendly personalities!

3. German Rex

Cute red German Rex cat, laying down side ways. Looking straight to camera with blue eyes. Isolated on a white background.

German Rex cats are known for their intelligence, sociability, and affectionate personalities.

©Nynke van Holten/Shutterstock.com

A German Rex cat is a breed of domestic cats that originated in Germany. It has a distinctive curly coat, which is the result of a genetic mutation. They have large ears and almond-shaped eyes and come in various colors and patterns. German Rex cats are known for their intelligence, sociability, and affectionate personalities. They are generally low-maintenance pets who require minimal grooming due to their short coats. Despite being an active breed with high energy levels, they can also be quite lazy at times!

4. Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex kitten, 5 months old, sitting in front of white background

This breed has an overall medium-sized body with short legs and large ears giving them an adorable teddy bear look!

©Eric Isselee/Shutterstock.com

A Selkirk Rex is a breed of cat that has an unusual and distinctive curly coat. It was first discovered in 1987 in Montana, USA, when a rescue cat gave birth to a litter of kittens with unique fur. The cats were named after the breeder’s friend, Jeri Newman, who was of Scottish descent – thus the name Selkirk Rex which is derived from the Scottish county of Selkirkshire. This breed has an overall medium-sized body with short legs and large ears giving them an adorable teddy bear look! They come in both long and short hair varieties, but regardless they all have soft, wavy coats that require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Selkirk Rexes are known for their outgoing personalities and affectionate nature, making them great companions for families or individuals alike!

5. Tasman Rex

The Tasman Rex cat is a breed of domestic cat that originated in Tasmania, Australia. It has short fur with a distinct rippled pattern and often appears to be curly due to its unique genetics. The coat color can range from solid black or blue-gray to tabby or calico patterns. Its head shape is round, with large eyes and ears, giving it an unmistakable look that makes it stand out from other cat breeds. It also has a thick, muscular body with powerful legs and a long tail for balance when jumping. Additionally, the Tasman Rex Cat is known for being friendly and affectionate towards people, making them great companions for owners who have the time to devote themselves completely to their pet’s needs.

6. LaPerm Rex

The adorable cat relaxing on the pillow.

If you’re looking for an unusual feline companion with lots of personalities, then a La Perm Rex could be just what you need!

©kimberrywood/Shutterstock.com

A LaPerm Rex cat is a breed of domestic cat. It is known for its long, curly coat, which can be either short or long depending on the individual’s genetics. The fur is often compared to soft curls that resemble those of human hair and may range from tight spirals to loose waves. They come in a variety of colors, including black, white, blue, cream, and red. In addition to their unique coat texture, they are also known for being very affectionate cats who love attention and cuddling with their owners! They have been around since the early 1990s but still remain relatively rare due to low breeding numbers. If you’re looking for an unusual feline companion with lots of personalities, then a La Perm Rex could be just what you need!

7. Skookum Rex

A Skookum Rex cat is one of the nine types of Rex cats. These cats are characterized by their soft, plush coats that contain a wave pattern and lack guard hairs. They have large ears and round eyes, giving them an almost teddy bear-like appearance. While they may look sweet and cuddly on the outside, these cats are actually quite independent and energetic! They love to explore their environment, play with toys, and be around people – but don’t necessarily need a lot of attention. A Skookum Rex cat is an ideal choice for those who want a loving companion without being overly demanding or needy.

8. Ural Rex

A small black kitten Ural Rex is sitting on the bed. Cute pet in a modern home interior

It has short, thick fur that stands out in all directions, which gives the cats a unique ‘fuzzy’ look.

©Akifyeva S/Shutterstock.com

A Ural Rex is a type of domestic cat originating from Russia. It has short, thick fur that stands out in all directions, which gives the cats a unique ‘fuzzy’ look. The breed also has large ears and almond-shaped eyes with striking coloration patterns. This breed is known for its intelligence, sociability, and affectionate nature toward its owners. They are very playful and active cats who enjoy being around people and other animals as well. Although they can develop strong bonds with their owners, they tend to be independent and don’t need constant attention like some other breeds do.

9. Oregon Rex (extinct)

The Oregon Rex was a breed of cat that originated in the United States. It had a unique curly coat, and its face was especially round, with large eyes and small ears. The Oregon Rex was known for being active and friendly, making it an ideal pet for families. Unfortunately, this breed of cat went extinct in the early 1990s due to a lack of interest from potential owners. Breeders attempted to revive the breed by crossing other breeds with some remaining Oregon Rex cats but were ultimately unsuccessful. As such, this beloved breed will remain only a memory in modern times.

The Rex Cat Gene

Devon rex cats cuddled together on blanket

The Rex gene mutation is a naturally occurring genetic variation in cats, rabbits, and rats.

©iStock.com/insonnia

The Rex gene mutation is a naturally occurring genetic variation in cats, rabbits, and rats. This mutation causes the fur to stand on end and take on a wavy or curly appearance. It results in short, soft fur with no guard hairs. It gives the animal an unusual look compared to other breeds of cats. In cats, there are nine distinct varieties of Rex Cat. Each variety has its own unique physical characteristics, such as coat type (long or short hair), patterned colors (solid or tabby) as well as eye color (round eyes or oval shaped). The rex gene mutation is responsible for producing some very beautiful-looking cats!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/insonnia


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About the Author

Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.

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