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.312
how to spot oneGerman Rex coat and colours
short, soft, wavy coat without guard hairs
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.431
Coloursall colours and patterns, including silver, smoke, golden and pointedany amount of white4
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksGerman Rex exercise needs
Moderate to high. Enjoys running, jumping and climbing; offer daily play, puzzle toys and vertical space.21
where they are happiestGerman Rex at home
Does well indoors when it has climbing spots, play areas and varied enrichment.1
who they like aroundGerman Rex with people and other pets
Dislikes being alone and thrives with people at home or another cat for company.12
the hands-on bitsGerman Rex grooming and care
Very little brushing needed. The fine coat can get oily, so an occasional bath keeps it fresh.21
what goes in the bowlGerman Rex food and feeding
No special requirements; a complete, high-quality, protein-rich cat food suits it.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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. Pet Wiki 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.25
Does a German Rex need baths?
Yes, an occasional bath helps keep its fine coat fresh since it can get oily. Pet Wiki's plan doesn't specify baths, but a gentle bath when needed is fine.21
How often does a German Rex need brushing?
Very little brushing is needed; the coat is delicate. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every two weeks with a soft glove or cloth.21Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a German Rex's claws, and how often?
Pet Wiki'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.21Pet 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.312
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.12
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.
per year, in your countryWhat a German Rex costs
Running costs for a German Rex, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The founding cat's name, Lämmchen, means 'little lamb' in German, after her curly coat.3
2
It is one of only two cat breeds that originated in Germany, the other being the German Longhair.1
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.3
stars of the breedFamous ones
Lämmchen The first breeder-owned German Rex cat, discovered in 1951 in Berlin, and the maternal ancestor of all German Rex cats.3
Kater Munk A curly-coated cat reported in 1930/31 in Prussian Germany, possibly the earliest known rex mutation in cats.6
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.
where it all beganGerman Rex history
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.31
Cornish Rex
Devon Rex
European Shorthair