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Rex Cat Breeds

Curly Coats, Playful Personalities, and Unique Charm

Rex Cat Breeds are known for their unique, curly coats and lively personalities. These cats, including the Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and Selkirk Rex, have a distinctive appearance, with their soft, wavy fur setting them apart from other breeds. Despite their elegant looks, Rex cats are playful, intelligent, and highly affectionate. Their love for human companionship and energetic nature make them perfect for active households where they can receive plenty of attention and stimulation. These breeds are often described as "dog-like" due to their loyalty, curiosity, and strong bond with their owners.

Breed Activity + Play Recommendations

How They Stay Active

Rex breeds are energetic and enjoy a variety of activities that engage both their minds and bodies. They are highly playful and love interactive games, climbing, and exploring their environment. These cats often exhibit kitten-like behavior throughout their lives, making them an excellent choice for families or individuals looking for an active, engaging companion. Providing toys that stimulate their natural hunting instincts, such as feather wands, laser pointers, and puzzle toys, helps keep them entertained and mentally sharp. Rex cats also enjoy climbing and perching in high places, so cat trees and shelves are ideal for keeping them active.


Breed-Suggested Toys + Pet Play Types

  • Feather wands or laser pointers to engage their hunting instincts
  • Puzzle toys for mental stimulation and problem-solving
  • Cat trees and climbing structures for exploration and exercise
  • Soft toys or balls for solo play and chasing
  • Interactive games that allow them to bond with their owners through play
  • Tunnels or hiding spots to satisfy their curiosity and adventurous nature

Social Traits + Interaction Patterns

Family Bonds + Socialization Tips

Rex breeds are known for their affectionate and social nature. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on human interaction. These cats love being the center of attention and are often described as "velcro cats" due to their tendency to follow their owners around the house. Rex cats are also highly adaptable and generally get along well with children, other pets, and even strangers.


Their playful and friendly demeanor makes them ideal for busy households or multi-pet environments where they can interact regularly with their family members.

Very People Oriented

Friendly with Children

Highly Adaptable

Breed-Type General Temperament

Rex breeds are playful, curious, and vocal, often "talking" to their owners with trills and chirps. They need regular attention and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stress. Without engagement, they may overgroom, vocalize excessively, or become restless. Rex cats thrive in homes with plenty of interaction and affection.

Common Stress Indicators:

  • Excessive vocalization when lonely
  • Overgrooming or hair loss when stressed
  • Destructive behavior when frustrated
  • Restlessness or pacing

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

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Common Breed Health Goals

Rex cats are generally healthy but may have specific health concerns related to their unique coat and skin. Skin sensitivity is common, as their curly fur may not provide the same level of protection as other cats’ coats. Regular grooming, though minimal, is important to prevent skin irritation and remove excess oils. Some Rex breeds, particularly the Devon Rex, may also be prone to dental issues, so regular dental care is essential. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is important for Rex cats, as their energetic nature requires a nutrient-dense diet to support their activity levels.

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Suggested Preventive Care

While Rex breeds typically have low grooming needs due to their short, curly fur, it’s important to regularly check their skin for any signs of irritation or dryness. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair and reduce the risk of hairballs. Dental care, including brushing or dental treats, is important for preventing gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, providing a balanced diet and ensuring regular exercise helps Rex cats maintain their energy levels and overall health.

Maximizing Your Pet's Health Potential

These scales provide a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s overall well-being by assessing 11 critical health and lifestyle factors. Each factor is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, offering clear insights into your pet's strengths and areas that may need additional care or attention. This in-depth assessment allows pet owners to create a more tailored care plan, including appropriate supplementation, to support optimal health. By addressing each aspect of their pet's well-being, owners can ensure their furry companions maintain peak vitality, promote longevity, and enhance their quality of life, no matter the breed.

3: Hydration + Electrolyte Balance

Regular hydration is important for Rex cats to maintain skin and coat health.

Regular hydration is important for Rex cats to maintain skin and coat health.

3: Innate Immune Function

Generally healthy, but immune support helps prevent skin issues and infections.

Generally healthy, but immune support helps prevent skin issues and infections.

4: Skeletal Strength + Mobility

Active and agile, Rex breeds benefit from joint support to maintain flexibility.

Active and agile, Rex breeds benefit from joint support to maintain flexibility.

3: Digestion + Nutrient Absorption

Good digestive health, but a nutrient-rich diet is necessary to support their high energy levels.

Good digestive health, but a nutrient-rich diet is necessary to support their high energy levels.

5: Energy Utilization + Metabolism

High energy levels require regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain optimal health.

High energy levels require regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain optimal health.

5: Cognitive Awareness + Clarity

Highly intelligent and curious, Rex cats benefit from mental stimulation and interactive play.

Highly intelligent and curious, Rex cats benefit from mental stimulation and interactive play.

3: Respiratory + Lung Health

Generally healthy, but regular check-ups are recommended to monitor for any respiratory issues.

Generally healthy, but regular check-ups are recommended to monitor for any respiratory issues.

4: Skin Health + Wound Healing

Regular grooming and skin care are important to prevent irritation and maintain coat health.

Regular grooming and skin care are important to prevent irritation and maintain coat health.

4: Heart Health + Circulation

Regular cardiovascular support is important to maintain heart health, especially in active breeds.

Regular cardiovascular support is important to maintain heart health, especially in active breeds.

3: Infection + Resistance

Immune support helps keep Rex breeds resilient against infections, particularly skin infections.

Immune support helps keep Rex breeds resilient against infections, particularly skin infections.

4: Longevity + Aging Gracefully

Rex breeds often live long, healthy lives with proper care, benefiting from joint, skin, and dental support.

Rex breeds often live long, healthy lives with proper care, benefiting from joint, skin, and dental support.

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

Suggested Diet Supplementation

To support their unique needs and active lifestyles, Rex breeds can benefit from targeted supplements that promote skin health, digestion, dental care, and overall wellness:

  • Pico Silver®: Boosts immune function and helps reduce skin irritation, ensuring that Rex cats maintain healthy, resilient skin.
  • PicoMyte: Supports joint health and mobility, helping active Rex cats stay agile and comfortable during play and exploration.
  • ReMag®: Promotes muscle relaxation and supports proper muscle function, keeping Rex cats flexible and comfortable after periods of activity.
  • Pico Selenite®: Provides antioxidant support to promote long-term cellular health and vitality, helping Rex cats maintain energy and longevity.