German Rex cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A medium-sized curly-coated cat from Germany, descended from a cat found in Berlin in 1951, heavier and rounder than the Cornish Rex.
Also known as German Rex cat, Prussian Rex, Deutsch Rex
Quick facts
| Origin | Germany |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical weight | 7-11 lb (3-5 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | Commonly 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Short, silky coat that tends to curl; whiskers curl less than in the Cornish Rex |
| Colours and patterns | All colours and patterns, including white |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA |
|---|---|
| How common | Very rare |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 5 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 2 |
| Shedding | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 |
| Trainability | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 |
Allergies and health
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The soft coat sheds less than most, but allergens also come from skin and saliva. |
|---|
Best suited to
| Suits | A home that wants a rex cat with a sturdier build and a friendly, active nature. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | Anyone who needs a breed that is easy to find outside Germany and nearby countries. |
Registries that recognise it
- FIFe
About the German Rex
The German Rex is a curly-coated breed with a clear history. In 1951 Dr Rose Scheuer-Karpin found a black cat with a curly coat in Berlin-Buch and named her Lämmchen, meaning little lamb. She is regarded as the female ancestor of every German Rex alive today. Two Rex kittens from a litter of 1957 were the first bred on purpose. In 1968 a cattery in East Germany acquired the last of her offspring and added European Shorthair and other lines, and a cattery in West Germany started a separate western line in 1973.
An earlier curly male, Kater Munk, was born near Königsberg around 1930. Researchers do not consider him part of the breed.
The mutation is recessive and lies on the same gene as the Cornish Rex, so the two breeds are close genetically. The German Rex differs in body shape. It is medium-sized and heavier than the Cornish, closer to a European Shorthair, with slender legs and a rounder head. The coat is short, silky and prone to curling, and the whiskers curl less than the Cornish's and may be nearly straight. All colours are accepted, including white.
Temperament and living with one
The German Rex is very friendly and forms bonds quickly. It is lively, playful and intelligent, much like the Cornish Rex, and enjoys games, climbing and learning tricks. It follows its people around the house and likes company, including that of other cats and dogs.
It does not like long periods alone. A second pet or a busy household helps.
Care: coat, food and play
The coat needs very little care. Stroke it with a soft hand rather than a brush, which can flatten the waves. Wipe the skin if it feels oily, and ask your vet about a suitable cat shampoo. Clean ears when they are dirty.
Keep the home warm, since the thin coat gives less insulation than a normal one. Feed a complete diet in measured meals, and give a tall cat tree and daily play.
Health
Little health research exists for the German Rex. It is not known for the muscle disease seen in the Devon Rex, and no breed-specific condition is firmly established. Like all cats it can develop dental disease and heart disease, and your vet can advise on what to check for in an individual. Because the breed is rare and the gene pool small, ask any breeder about health testing and pedigree.
Is it right for you?
Choose a German Rex if you like the curly look of a rex cat with a more solid body and a friendly nature. It is very hard to find outside Germany and nearby countries. For an easier search, look at the Cornish Rex or the Devon Rex.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026