Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

9 Types of Rex Cat Breeds (With Pictures)

Written by: Adam Mann

Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

devon rex cat sitting on the bed

9 Types of Rex Cat Breeds (With Pictures)

While most people think of cats with straight hair, that’s not always the case. Rex cats are known for their curly hair, and there are multiple types of Rex cats out there for you to check out. Some Rex cats have short hair, and some have long hair, but you can find them in all sorts of colors. They have a rich history and come from all over the world, so all that’s left is for you to check out the kitties and pick your favorite one!

cat + line divider

The 9 Types of Rex Cats

1. Devon Rex

Devon Rex cat
Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock
Height 10 to 12 inches
Weight 6 to 9 pounds
Lifespan 9 to 15 years

The Cat Fanciers Association only formally recognizes three Rex cat breeds, and the Devon Rex is one of those three breeds. The Devon Rex is a loving cat that gets along with everyone, including other pets and people.

You can find Devon Rexes that are black, gray, red, white, or a combination of these colors, and they have short, curly coats. One of the most notable differences between the Devon Rex and other Rex cats on our list is their short muzzles.


2. Cornish Rex

cornish rex sitting on bed
Image Credit: absolutimages, Shutterstock
Height 8 to 12 inches
Weight 6 to 10 pounds
Lifespan 11 to 15 years

The Cornish Rex is another breed recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association. They have large ears, wavy fur, and slender legs, even compared to other cat breeds. These cats are extremely energetic and intelligent, and they’re always looking for places to play.

They’re outstanding family pets that get along great with kids and other types of cats. With short, curly hair, they have a unique appearance that makes them easy to pick out from different types of cats, even other Rex cats.


3. Selkirk Rex

selkirk rex cat on brown background
Image Credit: mdmmikle, Shutterstock
Height 9 to 11 inches
Weight 6 to 16 pounds
Lifespan 15 to 20 years

The Selkirk Rex is the last Rex cat breed on our list that the Cat Fanciers Association recognizes. However, while the Devon and Cornish Rex have similar ancestry and appearance, the Selkirk Rex comes from a completely different line that traces its roots to Montana.

The Selkirk Cat has long, curly fur and is larger and heavier than the Devon and Cornish Rex, making it the outlier compared to the other two Cat Fancier Association-recognized Rex cats.


4. German Rex

German Rex
Image Credit: Dizfoto, Shutterstock
Height 10 to 12 inches
Weight 6 to 10 pounds
Lifespan 9 to 14 years

As the name implies, the German Rex gets its roots from Germany, and it’s the first Rex cat on our list that doesn’t enjoy Cat Fancier Association recognition. They’re a highly variable breed that comes in numerous colors and patterns, but their personalities are almost always loving and sociable.

Compared to other cats on our list they’re low maintenance, making them the perfect companion if you don’t want to spend a bunch of time completing menial care tasks and just want a cat you can cuddle up with.


5. LaPerm Rex

Laperm Cat
Image By: Linn Currie, Shutterstock
Height 6 to 10 inches
Weight 8 to 10 pounds
Lifespan 10 to 15 years

The LaPerm Rex is one of the smaller Rex cat breeds, with some only standing about 6 inches tall. There are a lot of variances with these cats, with some having short fur and others having long fur. You can find these cats in black, white, blue, cream, red, and more, and they come in many patterns.

But while there are differences between these cats, they are hard to come by due to low breeding numbers. It’s possible that one day, these cats might garner official recognition, but it seems likely that it’s a long way off.


6. Tasman Rex

Height 8 to 12 inches
Weight 8 to 10 pounds
Lifespan 10 to 12 years

The Tasman Rex originally comes from Tasmania, Australia, and it’s unique in quite a few ways. They come in all sorts of colors, including calico. However, the signature feature for most Tasman Rex cats is their rounded head shape, which makes it easier for them to stand out compared to other breeds on our list.

They’re extremely loving and affectionate, but keep in mind that they do require a bit more time and attention compared to other Rex cat breeds on our list.


7. Ural Rex

a cute ural rex kitten sitting on the bed
Image By: Akifyeva S, Shutterstock
Height 9 to 11 inches
Weight 6 to 13 pounds
Lifespan 9 to 15 years

The Ural Rex has Russian origins, and they have thick fur that stands out all over the place. The Ural Rex simply looks fuzzy, and they often have striking color combinations. They’re intelligent, social, and loving toward everyone, and they enjoy having other cats in the home.

They’re extremely playful and active cats, but they also can have an independent streak, so they don’t need non-stop attention from their owners.


8. Skookum Rex

Skookum on a couch
Image Credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock
Height 5 to 6 inches
Weight 3 to 7 pounds
Lifespan 10 to 15 years

If you want a Rex cat that looks like a teddy bear, the Skookum Rex might be just what you’re looking for. They’re independent and energetic cats, so expect to have them zooming all around your house and entertaining themselves.

They want to explore their environment as much as possible, so you’ll want to have various toys for them to play with and to cycle through. They’re great cats, and if you have some time to give them but don’t want a cat constantly begging for more attention, they might be just what you’re looking for!


9. Oregon Rex

oregon rex cat
Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock
Height 10 to 14 inches
Weight 5 to 10 pounds
Lifespan 12 to 15 years

While the Oregon Rex makes this list, you’re not going to find an Oregon Rex to bring home. That’s because the breed is currently extinct, so you won’t be able to bring one home. While breeders have attempted to revive the breed, a lack of interest in the original breeds is what led to their extinction.

They were great family pets with large eyes and small ears, but they simply weren’t as popular as the other Rex cat breeds on our list.

divider-catclaw1

Conclusion

Now that you know a little more about the different Rex cats on our list, all that’s left is for you to decide if one is right for you or if you want one at all! They’re extremely loving cats that typically get along great with families, and with a variety of appearances and personalities there’s really a Rex cat for everyone.


Featured Image Credit: Heather Raithby Doyle, Shutterstock

Get Catster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Catster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.