Petcare Hints

R for Rexcellence

Rex make excellent . Their curly-coated charisma invariably charms all those exposed to their impish ways. These are fascinating felines with an offbeat style all their own.

Over the years there has been a variety of Rex Cats evolve around the world, including the German Rex, Oregon Rex, Ohio Rex and more recently the . However it is the and the which have gained by far the greatest recognition and popularity.

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 (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. This 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 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 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 low-set 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 marvelous 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 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 www.petnet.com.au entertaining antics and quirky ways, Cornish and Devon Rex are obsessively affectionate to all 1800 631 784 those lucky enough to share their life with them. Owning these highly individualistic breeds is [email protected] indeed a colourful and captivating experience.