The Tennessee Rex is gentle, loving and very affectionate. They are social cats that enjoy being with their human family and like to follow them around. They are curious, playful and snuggly, and they do well with children and other pets if socialised early. They are generally quiet and can cope with being left alone for short periods.32
how to spot oneTennessee Rex coat and colours
Curly, satin coat; both longhair and shorthair varieties
The Tennessee Rex has a unique curly coat with a satin sheen that sparkles in sunlight. The curls are most prominent on the neck, shoulders, chest, legs and tail. The coat is soft and may appear to 'molt' in kittens, especially around the temples and back of ears. Whiskers may be wavy or curly and are often fragile.34
A typical home-care rhythm for a Tennessee Rex. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
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 looksTennessee Rex exercise needs
Moderate exercise needs. They enjoy play sessions and interactive toys. Aim for at least 40 minutes of playtime daily, broken into shorter 10-minute sessions. They are not overly active but need mental and physical stimulation.5
where they are happiestTennessee Rex at home
Indoor living is recommended to keep them safe. Provide scratching posts, climbing areas and interactive toys. They enjoy being with their family and should not be left alone for long periods.2
who they like aroundTennessee Rex with people and other pets
They are social and bond firmly with their humans. They enjoy being part of the family and like to follow their owners around. They can tolerate being alone for short periods but prefer company. Early socialisation with people, children and other pets is important.12
the hands-on bitsTennessee Rex grooming and care
Minimal grooming needed. The curly coat is delicate, so brush gently: once a week is enough for shorthairs, and longhairs may need it up to three times a week to prevent mats. Regular ear cleaning, nail trims and tooth brushing are also important.12
what goes in the bowlTennessee Rex food and feeding
High-quality commercial cat food, preferably with a named protein as the first ingredient. As obligate carnivores, they need meat-based protein. Omega fatty acids can help maintain coat health. No special dietary needs unless health issues arise.15
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Tennessee Rex, and at what times?
Feed your Tennessee Rex high-quality commercial cat food with a named protein first. Follow the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule; most adult cats do well with two meals a day.15
What should a Tennessee Rex eat, and which foods are dangerous?
They need meat-based protein as obligate carnivores. Avoid alcohol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, and raw meat or eggs. Always check with your vet for any changes.156
Does a Tennessee Rex need baths?
Baths are rarely needed; only when very dirty or sticky. Their curly coat is delicate, so gentle handling is key. Ask your vet or a professional groomer for advice if needed.7
How often does a Tennessee Rex need brushing?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing once a week for shorthairs. For longhairs, up to three times a week helps prevent mats. Be gentle to avoid breaking their delicate curly fur.12
How do I trim a Tennessee Rex's claws, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks as per Pet Wiki's plan. Start with one or two claws per session. Use a cat nail trimmer and avoid the quick. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you if unsure.7
How much play does a Tennessee Rex need?
They need about 40 minutes of play daily, broken into short 10-minute sessions. Use interactive toys to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. They enjoy playing with their family.5
How do I look after a Tennessee Rex's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily if possible, as Pet Wiki suggests every two days at least. Clean ears regularly with a vet-recommended solution. Ask your vet for the best routine for your cat.12
How long does a Tennessee Rex live?
They typically live between 12 and 18 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a loving home, they can enjoy a long, happy life.12
Is a Tennessee Rex good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are gentle, loving, and social. With early socialisation, they do well with children and other pets. They enjoy being part of the family and are generally quiet.32
Can a Tennessee Rex be left alone?
They can cope with short periods alone but prefer company. They are social cats that bond firmly with their humans. For longer absences, consider a pet sitter or interactive toys.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.
what to watchTennessee Rex health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Tennessee Rex. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Little documented
A rare breed from a 2004 natural mutation, outcrossed to ordinary domestic cats; TICA's standard lists no health problems linked to the satin-rex gene. TICA standard (2023) discusses no health conditions ↗
Wide gene pool
Because the breed is built on domestic shorthair and longhair outcrosses, it should share the general health of ordinary house cats rather than any pedigree-specific problem. TICA standard: outcrosses to non-pedigree domestic cats permitted ↗
Chest and body faults
Like all TICA breeds, kittens with a sunken breastbone or an unusually small rib cage are disqualified, so a good breeder checks for these. TICA show rules list sternum depression as a disqualification; no rate ↗
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
The most common heart disease in all cats; no breed-specific risk is known, but a heart check in older cats is sensible. generic feline risk (Cornell); no breed data ↗
Little is published for this breed; these are the usual conditions for its size and type. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Tennessee Rex costs
Running costs for a Tennessee 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
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The Tennessee Rex is named after the state of Tennessee in the USA, where the breed spontaneously appeared in 2004.4
I start my day by finding the warmest spot on the couch, my curly fur catching the morning light. My human brings me a toy mouse, and we have a quick chase around the living room. Then I follow them to the kitchen, weaving between their legs as they make coffee. Later, I perch on the windowsill, watching birds with quiet curiosity. When the kids come home, I greet them with soft headbutts and curl up for a nap in their lap. In the evening, we have a gentle play session with a laser dot, and I end the day snuggled close, purring my thanks.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganTennessee Rex history
The Tennessee Rex is a naturally occurring mutation that first appeared in 2004 in the Tennessee Valley, USA. A man named Franklin Whittenburg discovered a semi-feral mother cat and her kittens on his property in Chattanooga. Two of the kittens had curly coats with a satin sheen. Genetic testing revealed a new recessive gene that causes both the curly coat and the satin effect. Breeders then worked with TICA to develop and preserve this unique breed.32
wisdompanel.com: tennessee rexwisdompanel.comused for origin, weight kg, lifespan years, best traits, temperament, grooming or care, habitat needs, social needs, history, fun fact
tica.org: trstd trs18tica.orgused for origin, coat or body, best traits, temperament, history, fun fact
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