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miaomap.com · Breed atlas036 / GRX
German Rex
Solid black short wavy coat with medium-sized golden-yellow eyes
✳ miaomap.comBreed atlas · 036
Feline breed atlas036 / GRX
German Rex
Origin
Berlin, Germany
Coat
Short, silky, wavy coat without guard hairs
FIFe traces today's German Rex maternal line to a black curly-coated female noticed by doctor Rose Scheuer-Karpin in a Berlin hospital garden in 1951. Staff reported knowing the cat since 1947. Her curls proved to result from a mutation.
FIFe traces today's German Rex maternal line to a black curly-coated female noticed by doctor Rose Scheuer-Karpin in a Berlin hospital garden in 1951. Staff reported knowing the cat since 1947. Her curls proved to result from a mutation. FIFe recognized the breed in 1982; sharing a curly coat does not make all Rex-type cats the same breed.
02German Rex appearance and coat
Look for a medium-sized cat with a rounded head, developed cheeks, medium-large ears and medium-sized eyes. Its legs are relatively fine and of medium length, with a furred, non-bobbed tail. The defining feature is a short, silky coat that waves across the body; density can vary, and the absence of guard hairs gives a velvety feel. Appearance alone cannot confirm pedigree.
03German Rex temperament and interaction
FIFe describes the German Rex as friendly, lively, playful and intelligent, often forming bonds with people quickly. Interactive play, opportunities to explore and optional quiet retreats can support daily life. Individuals still differ in sociability; respect each cat's signals and introduce new people or animals gradually rather than assuming it will enjoy being held.
04Grooming and everyday care
Handle the delicate curls gently, using a soft brush or your hands rather than vigorous brushing or frequent baths. Provide comfortable resting conditions suited to coat density and room temperature. Check skin, ears and claws, and maintain routine veterinary and dental care. Persistent itching, hair loss or changes in activity deserve veterinary advice rather than being dismissed as normal for a curly-coated cat.
German Rex · Common questions before choosing a cat
Is the German Rex the same breed as other Rex cats?
No. Rex appears in the names of several curly-coated breeds, but curls alone do not make them one breed. The German Rex has its own documented Berlin history and features such as a rounded head and velvety short waves. Reliable pedigree records, not photographs or curls alone, establish ancestry.
Why does a German Rex coat feel velvety, and is its density always the same?
FIFe describes the German Rex as lacking guard hairs, which gives its coat a soft, velvety texture. The characteristic coat is short, silky and wavy across the body, but its density can vary. Assess the overall body and head as well as the coat rather than judging identity from curl intensity alone.
Does the German Rex shed, and does it need frequent brushing?
A short curly coat does not mean zero shedding, and lacking guard hairs does not mean a cat cannot trigger allergies. Use gentle grooming suited to the individual coat, avoiding vigorous brushing. Noticeable hair loss, irritated skin or persistent itching calls for veterinary assessment rather than simply more brushing or bathing.
Sources and production notes
Text is based on the association sources below. AI-assisted original illustrations depict one coat variety, not every individual. Health and care information is general and does not replace veterinary assessment.
Based on the association sources listed on each profile. Illustrations do not establish pedigree. Independently produced by miaomap, without association endorsement. Numbers are catalog IDs, not rarity ranks.
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