Rex cat Small size 2.5-4.5 kg
German Rex
A gentle, playful curly-coated cat with an even temper - easygoing and low-shedding, a good fit for calm households.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Small
Size
2.5-4.5 kg, 20-25 cm at the shoulder
Moderate
Activity
Playful in bursts, then settles
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Tolerates some time on its own
Moderate
Handling
Cooperative with a little patience
Low
Coat care
Fine wavy coat; gentle low-shedding care
Good
Fit with kids
Fine with considerate kids
Good
Other pets
Usually fine with cats and calm dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Obesity, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
The German Rex typically weighs 2.5-4.5 kg, stands 20-25 cm, and lives 12-16 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want an affectionate, easygoing cat for a calm home,
you like a curly-coated, low-shedding cat,
there are considerate kids or other pets to keep it company,
you can commit to indoor life and regular vet care.
Do not consider this breed if…
you want a highly active, athletic, endlessly busy cat,
the home is empty for very long stretches most days,
you plan on free outdoor access for a small, fine-coated cat,
you will not budget for heart screening in the line you buy from.
A typical day with a German Rex
- 7:00 · MorningWarm greeting and a short breakfast-time play
- 9:00 · MidmorningSunny-spot nap; this cat seeks warmth
- 13:00 · NoonQuiet rest, some window-watching
- 17:00 · AfternoonBurst of wand-toy or chase play
- 19:30 · EveningLap time and gentle affection
- 22:00 · NightSettles to sleep near its people
Family and environment
Kids Good
Patient with considerate children; teach gentle handling.
Other cats Good
Sociable; usually enjoys a feline companion.
Dogs Good
Fine with calm, cat-friendly dogs.
Apartment Ideal
Indoor-only apartment life suits this small breed well.
Seniors Great fit
Affectionate and low-shedding, easy company for a quiet home.
First cat Great fit
Easygoing and forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Busy household Conditional
Long empty days go better with a second pet for company.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Moderate
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Obesity Indoor cats gain weight easily; watch portions
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Most common feline heart disease; echo screening helps
Dental Disease Plaque and gum disease; routine dental care helps
Allergies and skin issues Skin sensitivity; fine or bare coats need care
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Another fine curly-coated rex breed
Cornish Rex
A playful, warm-seeking cat with a soft wavy coat and low shedding - very people-focused and not fond of being left alone.
View profile →
Playful, affectionate curly-coated cat
Devon Rex
A mischievous, people-obsessed pixie of a cat with a soft wavy coat - endlessly playful but really dislikes being left alone.
View profile →
Easygoing, adaptable companion cat
European Shorthair
A hardy, balanced all-rounder that adapts easily and needs little grooming - a sensible, low-drama first cat.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a German Rex cost?
The German Rex is rare, especially outside Europe, so US availability is very limited and you may face a waitlist or need to import a kitten, with travel adding to the cost; a realistic all-in figure can reach the low thousands of dollars. The bigger number is lifetime care: food, litter, routine vet visits, and any health needs for a cat living well into its teens add up to several thousand dollars over its life, so plan for ongoing costs, not just the purchase.
Does a German Rex shed a lot?
Not much. Its short, fine, wavy coat sheds relatively little and needs only gentle, occasional grooming; over-brushing can damage the delicate hair. It is a tidy, low-shedding cat, though no cat is truly hypoallergenic.
Is a German Rex good with children and other pets?
Yes. It is gentle, sociable, and even-tempered, and it generally does well with considerate children, other cats, and calm dogs. Early, positive introductions help it settle into a multi-pet home.
Is a German Rex a healthy breed?
It is generally hardy but, like many cats, can be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and to obesity if overfed. Buying from a breeder who screens for heart disease and keeping the cat at a healthy weight are the best ways to protect its health.