California Rex Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics, and Care Guide

Have you ever heard of the California Rex? If not, don’t worry; you’re not alone. This is one of the rarest and most obscure cat breeds in the world, and chances are you’ve never seen one in real life. But that doesn’t mean they’re not worth knowing about. In fact, these curly cats have a lot of charm and charisma that make them great companions for those who appreciate their uniqueness.

The California Rex is a long-haired variant of the Cornish Rex, a breed that originated in England in the 1950s. Both breeds have a genetic mutation that causes their fur to be composed only of down hairs, which are soft and wavy. But while the Cornish Rex has a short and sleek coat, the California Rex has a longer and fuller coat that gives it a more rounded and fluffy appearance.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the California Rex, from its history and appearance to its personality and care needs. Read on to discover why this curly cat is such a special breed!

History of the California Rex Cat

The California Rex was first seen in California in the 1960s when a chocolate point rexed male cat was found on a farm. He was bred with various female cats, producing kittens with wavy or curly coats of different colors and patterns. Some of these kittens were taken by a breeder who tried to establish a new breed but faced difficulties due to poor health and inbreeding. The original line of California Rexes seems to have died out, and the breed remains very rare and obscure to this day.

The California Rex is closely related to the Cornish Rex, which originated in Cornwall, England, in the 1950s. The Cornish Rex has a genetic mutation that causes its fur to be composed only of down hairs, which are soft and wavy. The Cornish Rex also has a slender and slinky body, a round head, large ears, and almond-shaped eyes. The California Rex shares these traits with its Cornish cousin but has a longer coat that gives it a rounder and weightier appearance.

Appearance

The California Rex is a medium-sized cat with a graceful and athletic build. It has long legs, a long tail, and a long neck that supports its round head. Its ears are large and set high on its head, giving it an alert expression. Its eyes are almond-shaped and can be any color that matches its coat.

The most striking feature of the California Rex is its coat, which is free of guard hairs. Guard hairs are the outermost layer of fur that protects the skin from dirt and moisture. Without them, the California Rex has only down hairs, which are very fine and soft to the touch. The down hairs form waves or curls that cover the entire body of the cat, including the tail and belly. The coat can be any color or pattern, from solid black to tortoiseshell to tabby.

The California Rex’s coat is so silky and curly that you might be tempted to touch it all the time. And guess what? Your cat won’t mind at all! In fact, they’ll probably enjoy your petting sessions as much as you do. Just be gentle with their fur; it can break easily if you pull or tug on it too hard.

Personality

The California Rex is a smart, curious, and playful cat that loves to explore its surroundings and interact with its owners. It is very affectionate and loyal, often following its favorite person around the house and cuddling up on their lap or shoulder. It also enjoys being held and carried around.

The California Rex is not a couch potato; it needs a lot of stimulation and exercise to keep it happy and healthy. It likes to jump, climb, run, and chase anything that moves. It can also learn tricks and even compete in agility events if trained properly. It is not a shy or timid cat; it is confident and independent, sometimes even stubborn or bossy.

They get along well with other cats, dogs, and children if socialized early and properly. It is not a very vocal cat, but it will communicate with its owners through chirps and purrs. It is not a demanding cat either; it will respect your space and time as long as you give it enough attention and love.

Care

Grooming

The California Rex does not require much grooming; its coat is naturally clean and does not shed much. However, it may need occasional baths to remove excess oils or dander that can accumulate on its skin due to its lack of guard hairs. Use a mild shampoo designed for cats and dry it gently with a towel or a hairdryer on low heat.

They may also have some minor health issues related to abnormal hair follicles. It may be prone to ear infections and nail bed problems, which can cause discomfort and inflammation. They may need regular ear cleanings and nail trims to prevent these issues. You can use a cotton ball or a soft cloth moistened with a mild ear cleaner to gently wipe away any dirt or wax from the outer ear. Do not insert anything into the ear canal, as this can damage the eardrum or push the debris further in. If you notice any signs of an ear infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, odor, or head shaking, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Diet and Nutrition

The California Rex should be fed a high-quality diet that meets its nutritional needs and maintains its ideal weight. It should have access to fresh water at all times, as well as a clean litter box. It also needs plenty of toys, scratching posts, and cat trees to keep it entertained and stimulated. You can also provide it with puzzle feeders, interactive toys, or catnip to enrich its environment and prevent boredom.

Common Health Issues

The California Rex is generally a healthy cat breed but may inherit some genetic diseases from its Cornish Rex ancestors. Some of the possible health issues that may affect this breed are:

• Hypotrichosis: This is a condition that causes hair loss or thinning of the coat. It may be present at birth or develop later in life. This condition has no treatment, but it does not affect the cat’s health otherwise.
• Patellar luxation: This is a condition that causes the kneecap to slip out of place. It may cause lameness, pain, or difficulty walking. It may be treated with surgery or medication, depending on the severity.
• Hip dysplasia: This is a condition that causes the hip joint to be malformed or loose. It may cause arthritis, pain, or reduced mobility. Depending on the severity, it may be treated with surgery, medication, or weight management.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: This is a condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken and reduce its function. It may cause heart failure, blood clots, or sudden death. It may be treated with medication or surgery, depending on the severity.

Where to Buy a California Rex

Because the California Rex is such a rare (possibly vanished) breed, you may have difficulty finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization that has this cat available. You may have to search online or contact local cat clubs or associations to find out if there are any California Rexes in your area. Be prepared to travel long distances or pay high fees to get one of these cats.

If you do find a breeder or rescue that has a California Rex for sale or adoption, make sure you do your research before committing. Ask for references, health certificates, genetic tests, and pedigree papers. Visit the facility and meet the cat in person. Observe its behavior, temperament, and appearance. Ask questions about its history, personality, and care needs.

Also, let us know if you find a breeder so we can adjust this information for others!

Conclusion

The California Rex is a unique and elegant cat breed that has a lot to offer to its owners. It has a silky and curly coat that comes in any color or pattern. It has a smart and playful personality that makes it a fun and loyal companion. It has minimal grooming needs but requires regular ear cleanings and nail trims. It is generally healthy but may inherit some genetic diseases from its Cornish Rex ancestors.

Do you have any experience or questions about owning or adopting a California Rex? Share them with us in the comments below!