The Rex family
Rex Cats: Curls, but Not Only That!
Comparison between Selkirk Rex, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and other Rex breeds
“Rex” cats all share one thing in common: a curly or wavy coat. But behind those charming curls lie very different origins, coat textures, and temperaments. Here is a comparative guide to the main Rex breeds: Selkirk Rex, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and a few lesser-known ones.
1. Selkirk Rex: the teddy bear cat
Origin: United States (1987, Montana)
Coat: Curly, dense, and woolly; short or long
Texture: Soft, thick, reminiscent of sheep’s wool
Rex gene: Dominant (spontaneous mutation)
Temperament: Calm yet playful, affectionate, sociable, perfectly suited to family life
Morphology: Solid, heavy-boned cat with a round face
Distinctive trait: Even the whiskers and eyebrows are curly
Grooming: Gentle brushing 1–2 times per week; very full coat
2. Devon Rex: the affectionate little elf
Origin: England (1960s, Devon)
Coat: Very short, wavy, fine, and sparse
Texture: Suede-like, soft but delicate
Rex gene: Recessive (different from Cornish and Selkirk Rex)
Temperament: Extremely playful and curious
Morphology: Small paws, very large ears, triangular head
Distinctive trait: Nicknamed the “elf cat” because of its mischievous look
Grooming: Low shedding; fragile coat that must be handled gently
3. Cornish Rex: the elegant athlete
Origin: England (Cornwall, 1950)
Coat: Ultra-short, tightly waved close to the body
Texture: Silk or velvet, with no guard hairs
Rex gene: Recessive (different from the Devon Rex gene)
Temperament: Very active and energetic
Morphology: Slender, muscular body with large ears
Distinctive trait: Extremely refined, very “feline” appearance
Grooming: No brushing required due to the very short coat
4. German Rex: the discreet German cousin
Origin: Germany (1950s)
Coat: Short, soft, curly
Texture: Denser than the Cornish, shorter than the Selkirk
Rex gene: Recessive
Temperament: Affectionate, calm, and sociable
Morphology: Moderate build, less extreme features
Distinctive trait: Little known, but visually close to the Cornish Rex
Grooming: Light brushing
5. LaPerm: light, airy curls
Origin: United States (Oregon, 1980s)
Coat: Curly or wavy, short or medium-length
Texture: Light and silky
Rex gene: Dominant
Temperament: Curious, gentle, and very social
Morphology: Medium-sized, elegant
Distinctive trait: May be born hairless and develop curls later
Grooming: Light brushing to maintain the waves
Each Rex breed has its own personality, look, and care requirements. Beyond the curls, it’s the combination of temperament, structure, and lifestyle compatibility that truly defines which Rex is the right match.