German Rex
Affectionate, playful, and curious, this breed thrives on companionship and interaction. Their soft, wavy coat and lively personality make them delightful household friends.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
23–25 cm (male)
20–23 cm (female)
WEIGHT
3–5 kg (male)
2.5–4 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
9–14 years
German Rex: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
Species
Felis catus
Diet
Carnivore
"A German Rex isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding German Rex's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
German Rex cats are affectionate, friendly, and social, often forming close bonds with their families and enjoying interactive attention. They generally adapt well to household routines and environments.
Key Personality Traits
Enjoys companionship and interaction with people
Quick learner, responds well to stimuli
Generally active and enjoys movement
Loves games and interactive toys
Adjusts well to changes in environment

Strengths
- Affectionate with family members
- Intelligent and quick to learn tricks
- Playful and enjoys interactive toys
- Generally healthy with few breed-specific issues
- Low-shedding curly coat requires minimal grooming
Challenges
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- May demand frequent attention and stimulation
- Sensitive to cold due to thin coat
- Can develop dental issues without care
- Not hypoallergenic despite low shedding

Protect your German Rex
German Rex can develop patellar luxation and dental issues. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
German Rexs are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and learns quickly, responding well to positive reinforcement. German Rex cats are receptive to basic training and enjoy engaging in mentally stimulating activities and puzzle toys.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
20–30 minutes interactive play
recommended per day
German Rex cats have moderate energy levels, requiring regular play sessions and interaction to stay happy and healthy. They benefit from both physical exercise and mental enrichment throughout the day.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
German Rexs are versatile cats that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a German Rex would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Adaptable personality and manageable care needs suit inexperienced owners well
Apartment Living
Quiet and playful nature fits well in smaller living spaces
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys play and interaction, matching active environments
Kids
Tolerant and gentle with respectful children
Multiple Pets
Usually sociable with other friendly pets
Being Left Alone
Needs frequent human interaction and may get stressed when left alone
Breed comparisons
Wondering how German Rexs compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about German Rex
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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