German Rex
The German Rex was the first of the modern Rex breeds to be formally developed — a curly-coated cat discovered in East Berlin in 1951, predating the better-known Cornish Rex (1950 UK, but formalised later) and Devon Rex.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Germany
Lifespan
9–14 years
Weight
3–5 kg (6.5–11 lbs)
Height
23–30 cm (9–12 in)
Exercise
10 to 20 min/day
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality food.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The German Rex was the first of the modern Rex breeds to be formally developed — a curly-coated cat discovered in East Berlin in 1951, predating the better-known Cornish Rex (1950 UK, but formalised later) and Devon Rex. The German Rex's curl gene is allelic with the Cornish Rex gene — meaning crossing a German Rex with a Cornish Rex produces all curly-coated offspring, confirming they share the same mutation location. The breed is recognised in Europe by FIFe and WCF but not by the CFA or TICA, which has limited its spread outside Continental Europe.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The German Rex has a medium-sized, well-muscled, moderately foreign body type with a rounded head. The coat is short, wavy, and soft — less tightly curled than the Cornish Rex and more plush in texture. Whiskers are often curled.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Coat Length
rex
Coat Type
wavy
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-2-3-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Playful, sociable, and adaptable — combines energy with affection. Good with families and other pets.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
10 to 20 min/day
Ideal Weather
10°C to 25°C
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor-Only
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Vocal Profile
chatty
Stress Signals
clinginess, food obsession, over-grooming
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Minimal grooming — gentle weekly combing. Sensitive to cold — provide warm sleeping areas. Interactive play daily.
Nutrition Notes
German Rex — predates Cornish Rex. ALLELIC with Cornish Rex gene (same gene, independent mutation). Few health issues. Moderate calorie needs.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Very few health issues. HCM possible. Same gene as Cornish Rex (allelic — r gene). Discovered 1946 Germany (before Cornish Rex 1950). Near extinct — very few breeders. 12-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
350 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Generally healthy. HCM. Skin sensitivity without guard hairs. The allelic relationship with Cornish Rex means the same health profile applies.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Predates Cornish Rex. Same gene. Near-extinct. FINAL BREED (C090).
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $3,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The German Rex gene is allelic with the Cornish Rex gene — when the two breeds are crossed, all kittens have curly coats, confirming that the two independently discovered mutations occur at the same gene location.
The German Rex predates the formal development of the Cornish Rex — a curly cat named Lämmchen ("Little Lamb") was documented in East Berlin by Dr. R. Scheuer-Karpin in 1951, one year before the Cornish Rex Kallibunker appeared in England.
