History
Curly coated cats have spontaneously appeared throughout the world from time to time. Many disappear quickly, while others go on to create new breeds of cat.
The German Rex is one of the oldest of the Rex cats. In 1930-1931, a cat existed by the name of Kater Munk who was owned by Frau Schneider. Munk was said to be the offspring of a Russian Blue/Angora cross. He is the earliest recorded example of a rex cat and was referred to as a Prussian Rex.
In 1951, Dr Rose Sheuer-Karpin took in a black cat with a curly coat. Hospital staff told her the cat had lived on the grounds of Hufeland Hospital in Berlin since 1947. The cat, now named Lammchen (little lamb) had several litters of kittens. In 1956 that it was decided to mate her to one of her sons (Fridolin), which resulted in a litter of curly-coated kittens.
Some people have speculated that Lammchen is a descendant of Kater Munk, but we will never know if that is the case or not.
It is the descendant of Lammchen and Fridolin who became the founders of the German Rex breed. Later crossings to European and mixed breed cats occurred to increase the gene pool.
The gene responsible is on the same locus as the Cornish Rex; however, the German Rex is a heavier build. The Cornish eventually went on to eclipse the German Rex in popularity.
Appearance
Body:
The German Rex is a medium-sized, sturdy cat. Legs are medium in length leading to small, round paws. The tail is medium to long in length and tapering.
Head:
Round with well-developed cheeks, medium ears, round eyes, and a strong muzzle.
Coat:
The coat is slightly thicker than that of the Cornish Rex and velvety to the touch. It comes in all colours and patterns.
Temperament
The German Rex is an active, intelligent, playful breed of cat. They get along with children and other household pets. German Rex cats like to be close to their human companions and don’t do well if left for long periods on their own.
The German Rex is an extremely gentle and loyal breed of cat and as such, makes the ideal family pet.
Their coat is relatively easy to maintain, with just the occasional brush required to help remove old hairs.
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