A medium, muscular cat with a round head, full cheeks, fairly large ears and slim legs; it is sturdier than a Cornish Rex. Its short coat is velvety and very silky, lies in waves and has no guard hairs, and the whiskers are short and curly. The waves become fully developed by around two years of age.412
Coloursall colours and patterns, including silver, smoke, golden and pointedany amount of white4
Personality what they are like
The German Rex bonds quickly with its people and loves both a cuddle and a game. It is lively, smart and sociable, generally easy with children and dogs, and happiest when it is part of family life.123
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate to high. Enjoys running, jumping and climbing; offer daily play, puzzle toys and vertical space.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very little brushing needed. The fine coat can get oily, so an occasional bath keeps it fresh.32
Home where they are happiest
Does well indoors when it has climbing spots, play areas and varied enrichment.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
No special requirements; a complete, high-quality, protein-rich cat food suits it.3
Company who they like around
Dislikes being alone and thrives with people at home or another cat for company.23
The story where it all began
In 1951 Dr. Rose Scheuer-Karpin noticed a black curly-coated cat in the grounds of a Berlin hospital and named her Lämmchen. In 1957 two of Lämmchen's curly kittens became the first German Rex bred on purpose, and catteries in East and West Germany developed the breed through the 1960s and 1970s.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The founding cat's name, Lämmchen, means 'little lamb' in German, after her curly coat.1
2
It is one of only two cat breeds that originated in Germany, the other being the German Longhair.2
The breed name 'German Rex' comes from its country of origin (Germany) and the 'rex' coat mutation, which is a curly or wavy coat type. The first known cat of this breed was named Lämmchen, German for 'little lamb', due to its curly coat.1
Famous ones stars of the breed
Lämmchen The first breeder-owned German Rex cat, discovered in 1951 in Berlin, and the maternal ancestor of all German Rex cats.1
Kater Munk A curly-coated cat reported in 1930/31 in Prussian Germany, possibly the earliest known rex mutation in cats.5
I wake up and bounce onto my human’s bed, tapping her cheek with my paw. She giggles and I zoom around the room. After a quick breakfast, I race up the cat tree, then pounce on a crinkle toy. My human throws a ball and I chase it like a puppy. When the kids come home, I weave between their legs and let them pet me. Later, I sit on the sofa and watch TV with my family, then curl on a warm lap. A busy, snuggly day ends with me purring under the blanket.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FIFe
Fully recognised, Category 4 (code GRX); standard last modified 20246
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a German Rex. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingA soft glove or cloth, the coat is delicateevery 2 weeks
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayDaily playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Tuna Catnip Biscuits
A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.
You need
145g tuna chunks in spring water
120g plain flour
1 tablespoon dried catnip
1 egg
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Allow to cool completely before serving.
How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my German Rex, and at what times?
Feeding times can vary; it's best to follow your vet's advice or a good breeder's routine. Furry Diary doesn't specify times, so ask your vet for a schedule that suits your cat.
What should a German Rex eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, high-quality, protein-rich cat food. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to cats.37
Does a German Rex need baths?
Yes, an occasional bath helps keep its fine coat fresh since it can get oily. Furry Diary's plan doesn't specify baths, but a gentle bath when needed is fine.32
How often does a German Rex need brushing?
Very little brushing is needed; the coat is delicate. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every two weeks with a soft glove or cloth.32Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a German Rex's claws, and how often?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests trimming claws every three weeks. For the best technique, ask your vet or a good breeder to show you. Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a German Rex need?
Your German Rex needs daily play and enjoys running, jumping, and climbing. Provide puzzle toys and vertical space to keep it happy.32Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a German Rex's teeth and ears?
Brush your cat's teeth every two days; daily is ideal. For ears, check them regularly and ask your vet for the best cleaning routine. Pet Wiki plan
Is a German Rex good with children and other pets?
Yes, it is generally good with children and dogs, and enjoys the company of another cat. It bonds quickly and loves being part of family life.123
Can a German Rex be left alone?
It dislikes being alone and is happiest with people at home or another cat for company. Consider having a companion if you're away often.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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