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Rex
cats make excellent pets. Their curly-coated charisma invariably
charms all those exposed to their impish ways. For these
fascinating felines have an offbeat style that is all their own.
They are truly cats for those who cherish the unusual.
Over
the years there have been a variety of Rex cats evolve around
the world, including the German Rex, Oregon Rex, Ohio Rex and
more recently the Selkirk Rex. However it is the Cornish Rex and
the Devon Rex which have gained by far the greatest recognition
and popularity.
The Devon's curly coat feels much
like suede or brushed corduroy
 Although
tales of curly-coated cats circulated throughout the west of
England for many years, it was not until 1950 that the first one
was officially documented. Two farm cats living near Bodmin Moor
in Cornwall produced a curly-coated kitten (subsequently called
Kallibunker) from an otherwise unremarkable litter. Fortunately
the owner had previously bred and shown Astrex rabbits (which have
the same characteristic rex coat type) so she understood the
significance of this spontaneous genetic mutation - which heralded
the start of the Cornish Rex breed.
Ten
years later, in the adjoining county, another curly-coated
kitten appeared in a litter produced by two domestic shorthaired
cats. Again, although coming from ordinary "moggies", the kitten
in question (called Kirlee) looked like it was of a foreign
breed. Naturally, this cat from Devon was assumed to be the same
as that originating in Cornwall, but when Kirlee was mated to
Kallibunker's descendants, on each occasion only straight-coated
kittens resulted. It was subsequently realised that the Cornish
Rex and Devon Rex each possessed different genes for curly coats
- and were in fact two separate "breeds".
The
Cornish Rex is a quaint but chic-looking cat, having a long
narrow head with prominent Roman nose, large flared ears set
high on the head and an arched, muscular body rather akin to
that of a Greyhound. Its spectacular crimped coat looks and
feels like cut velvet. This charming and chatty feline
fashion-plate makes a distinctive and decorative addition to any
household prepared to give it the affection it craves. Its
playful personality and boundless curiosity makes it an
enchanting companion for children, plus it will happily co-exist
with other pets.
The
Devon Rex is a feline version of "E.T." Its short wide-cheeked
face, huge lowset batwing ears and delicately sculpted body -
combined with its devilish sense of mischief - give it a
pixie-like persona. The Devon's curly coat feels much like suede
or brushed corduroy. Truly a monkey in cat's clothing, this
people-loving puss likes to climb, explore and lark about - even
wagging its tail when pleased!
Although there are some obvious differences between the two
(such as the Cornish coat being softer and wavier, plus its head
shape less extreme) both breeds share a marvellous mix of common
denominators.
Their low-allergenic "Poodle" type coat means that many asthma
or allergy sufferers who may not otherwise have been able to
enjoy the company of feline friends, can now do so. The Rex's
distinctive jacket is extremely low maintenance but it is
delicate - requiring a gentle touch. As it does not afford the
same protection as a normal coat, these cats do need to be kept
warm and dry. To compensate for their lack of guard hairs, the
Cornish and Devon Rex have a slightly higher surface body
temperature than other breeds - making them wonderful lap and
foot warmers!
Super-smart character cats with the happy knack of totally
engaging owners with their entertaining antics and quirky ways,
Cornish and Devon Rex are obsessively affectionate to all those
lucky enough to share a love affair with them. Owning, or being
owned by, these highly individualistic breeds are indeed a
colourful and captivating experience.
Source: www.petnet.com.au
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