People usually search “Rex cat” when they’ve met a curly-coated cat and want to know what it is, how it lives, and whether it will fit into their home. The word Rex doesn’t name a single breed, and that’s where confusion starts.
Most of the time, the cat in question is a Cornish Rex or Devon Rex—two separate breeds shaped by different genetic mutations. The sections below keep the facts tidy: where these cats came from, what their coats are actually like, what daily care looks like, and which health checks are worth discussing with a vet.
Quick profile (Rex-type cats)
- Meaning of “Rex”: a curly/wavy coat caused by a genetic mutation (used in several cat breeds).
- Common “Rex cats” people mean: Cornish Rex and Devon Rex (different breeds, different coat genetics).1, 2
- Size: typically small to medium; fine-boned but often surprisingly muscular when picked up.1, 4
- Coat: short, soft, and wavy/curly; Cornish Rex has no guard hairs and forms neat “Marcel waves”.1, 4
Which “Rex cat” is it?
Cornish Rex and Devon Rex can look similar at a glance—big ears, short coats, a light, athletic build—but they’re not the same breed. Their curls come from different mutations, which is why early attempts to cross them produced straight-coated kittens.2
- Cornish Rex: the classic tight, even waves over the body; whiskers often crinkled; coat lacks guard hairs.1, 4
- Devon Rex: also wavy/curly, but typically with a different “look” to the head and coat texture; founded from a curly-coated kitten found in Devon in 1960 (Kirlee).2
If you’re trying to identify a pet cat, the most reliable answer comes from pedigree papers (if any) or a breeder’s documentation. Many curly-coated cats are simply domestic shorthairs with a coat variation.
History and origin
Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex began with a single curly-coated kitten, Kallibunker, born in Cornwall, England, in 1950. Breeding back to his mother helped establish the trait, and the line was later developed through carefully managed outcrossing.3, 5
In the UK, the breed gained official recognition with GCCF in 1967 (with championship status).4
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex traces back to Kirlee, a curly-coated kitten found in Buckfastleigh, Devon, in 1960. The coat gene turned out to be different from the Cornish Rex, which is why the breeds later developed along separate lines.2
Physical characteristics and coat quirks
Rex coats tend to feel unusually soft because the hair structure is different from most cats. In Cornish Rex cats, the coat is short, dense and silky, with defined waves and no guard hairs, and even the whiskers can curl.1, 4
That same fine coat changes how the cat experiences the world. They can chill more easily than thick-coated breeds and may seek warm spots around the house. Sun exposure is also worth managing—thin coats offer less natural protection.1
Temperament and everyday behaviour
Temperament varies by individual cat, but breed organisations consistently describe Cornish Rex cats as social, affectionate, and keen to play. They’re often lively indoors and stay interested in interaction well into adulthood.4
Intelligence shows up as curiosity: cupboards investigated, new objects tested with a paw, routines quickly learned. It’s less “naughty” than it is persistent. Plan on providing climbing space, puzzle feeders, and play that mimics stalking and pouncing.
Grooming and care
Despite the curly coat, grooming is usually straightforward. Over-brushing can be counterproductive for some Rex coats, so use a gentle approach and let the coat’s natural wave settle back into place.
- Coat care: light grooming as needed; some Cornish Rex cats may need occasional bathing because skin oils can build up more noticeably on a fine coat.6
- Ears and toes: some Cornish Rex lines can develop greasy build-up; check and clean gently as advised by your vet.1
- Teeth: regular dental care matters for all cats; ask your vet about tooth brushing, diet choices, and professional cleaning intervals.7
- Warmth and shelter: thin-coated cats should have warm resting areas and should not be left exposed to cold, wet weather.4
Health concerns to know about (and how to stay ahead)
No breed is “problem-free”, but many Rex cats do well with sensible breeding and routine preventive care. A few issues are mentioned repeatedly in breed guidance and veterinary resources:
- Weight gain: some Cornish Rex cats will overeat if allowed. Measure meals, monitor body condition, and keep play and climbing in the daily routine.6
- Heart and joint screening: Cornish Rex may be predisposed to conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and patellar luxation. If you’re buying a kitten, ask what health screening the breeder does in their lines.1
- Skin and sun: fine coats can mean less protection from sun and environmental irritation. Provide shade, avoid harsh grooming products, and see a vet early if you notice redness, itching, or hair loss.1
The earlier you spot a change—coat texture, appetite, breathing, exercise tolerance—the easier it is to investigate. Annual vet checks are a quiet kind of insurance.
Training and socialisation
Rex-type cats often respond well to gentle, consistent training because they like engagement and routine. Keep sessions short. Let the cat walk away, then try again later.
- Use rewards: tiny treats, a favourite toy, or a brief game can reinforce calm behaviour.
- Handle early: regular, gentle handling of paws, ears, and mouth makes grooming and vet visits less stressful over time.
- Slow introductions: new people and pets should arrive gradually, with safe retreat spaces and predictable feeding/play routines.
Rex cats in popular culture
Curly-coated cats show up in film, books, and online media because the coat is visually distinctive. It’s worth noting that famous fictional cats are not always clearly linked to a real breed, and a “Rex-like” look in a story doesn’t guarantee the character is meant to be a Cornish or Devon Rex.
Final thoughts
“Rex cat” is really a coat story. Once you work out which breed you’re looking at—or whether it’s simply a curly-coated pet cat—the care becomes straightforward: warmth, good food habits, gentle coat care, clean ears and teeth, and the sort of play that keeps a bright, active animal settled indoors. The curls are the first thing you notice. The daily rhythm is what makes the match work.
References
- The International Cat Association (TICA) – Cornish Rex
- Devon Rex (overview and history)
- Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) – Cornish Rex (breed history)
- Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) – Cornish Rex
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association / TICA breed history resource – Classic Cornish Rex history (Kallibunker)
- Cornish Rex Breed Council – About the breed (care notes and lifespan ranges)
- RSPCA Australia – How should I care for my cat’s teeth?
- Co-ordinating Cat Council of Australia (CCCA) – Breed standards listing (includes Cornish Rex)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom