Californian Rex
A filiform cat with a long and wavy coat? Yes, it's possible! These cats are the mid-length fur version of the Cornish Rex. The Californian Rex is captivating and exceptional, and intrigues with a special uniqueness and rarity. They are loved for the softness of their coat and the diversity of their colours, and their little wavelets are reminiscent of the hairstyles that were all the rage in the roaring twenties!
Key facts about the Californian Rex
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Origins and history
The Californian Rex was first developed in the US in the 60s, as a long-haired variant of their Cornish Rex cousin. A number of feline associations didn’t recognise the Californian as a breed in their own right, but rather as a distinct variety of the same breed. These cats remain rare and little-known to this day.
Physical characteristics of the Californian Rex
Adult size
Female : Approximately 12 in
Male : Approximately 12 in
The Californian Rex reaches adult size at about 1 year old.
Weight
Female : Between 7 and 11 lb
Male : Between 7 and 11 lb
Coat colour
Black / seal, blue / slate grey, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, red, white,
All colours are accepted.
Type of coat
Mid-length
Eye colour
Blue, aquamarine, golden yellow, green, odd / dichroic
Description
The Californian Rex is slender and slinky, just like their Cornish cousin, although their mid-length fur gives them a rounder and weightier appearance. This fur, free of jar hair, is particularly silky and pleasant to the touch. The coats of this breed are fascinating, coming in all sorts of different patterns and colours. Everything about this cat is svelte, from their vaulted back to their tail, and their legs to their ears and nose. Even their whiskers are long, which sets them apart from their short-haired counterpart, whose whiskers are often shortened.
Good to know
Just like the Cornish Rex, the Californian Rex only gets their wavelets around the age of 5 to 6 months.
Temperament
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Affectionate
Reputed for their cuddliness, these cats often seek human company, in order to press up against them and keep themselves warm. Despite their mid-length fur, they love the warmth of human contact.
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Playful
Their willowy physique makes them good at running, and daily interactive play sessions help to keep them in shape.
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Calm
This kitty is very capable of being calm once their needs for exercise have been met. They will greatly appreciate being given the option to perch up high and observe their surroundings.
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Intelligent
Curious and creative, the Californian Rex will impress with their intelligence. Teaching them a few tricks, like offering their paw or fetching their toy, is an excellent way to stimulate them intellectually while building a flourishing relationship with them.
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Fearful / wary of strangers
There are plenty of variations between individuals of the same breed, which can be explained by genetic factors or their life experiences.
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Independent
Many cats of this breed have well-developed social skills and seek the company of humans and other domestic animals. However, this trait varies a lot from one cat to the next, depending on their life history.
Behaviour of the Californian Rex
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Chatty
The Californian Rex can prove to be talkative, particularly if you show them some attention while they vocalise!
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Need for exercise / Sporty
These felines have a moderate need for exercise, which can be met with individual and interactive play sessions. It’s important to vary their toys to keep them interested.
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Tendency to run away
Since they have no jar fur, California Rexes are less resistant to changes in temperature than other breeds. On that basis, they’re unlikely to stray from the heat of their home… and their family!
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Greedy / Gluttony
Feeding your Californian Rex with interactive bowls will help to satisfy their need for stimulation and manage their appetite.
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Is the Californian Rex right for you?
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Californian Rex and cats
Cats of this breed usually get along well with other felines. To foster a good relationship between cats sharing a house, you should take the time to present them to one another progressively and offer them an environment that is rich in resources.
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Californian Rex and dogs
A dog-and-cat relationship can become a lovely exchange of playful complicity, as long as the animals are presented to each other gradually, with patience and understanding. A living space that includes high-up hiding places will allow the cat to escape any unwanted interactions.
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Californian Rex and children
Supervising encounters with little ones is an excellent way of teaching them a respectful approach to the cat whilst ensuring a good relationship between the two. Children with a good understanding of the Californian Rex’s body language will most likely find them a wonderful friend to share games with.
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Californian Rex and the elderly
It goes without saying that anyone adopting a cat must be prepared to meet the varied needs of the animal they are responsible for. That said, the Californian Rex could be well suited to a person who lives a calmer life.
Price
We do not have enough data to set an average price for a Californian Rex, but the price often varies depending on the lineage, breeding, age or even the sex. Given the rarity of this breed, there is no definitive data on an upper price limit.
For your monthly budget, you will need around £35 per month to meet their needs, by offering them a quality diet and ensuring to keep them in good health.
Grooming
The maintenance of this breed is simple, and is usually limited to a weekly brushing. It is also advisable to regularly clean their ears and their eyes to prevent the accumulation of secretions.
Shedding
Although their fur is mid-length, they lose little hair, like their cousin the Cornish Rex. Also, the absence of guard hairs and the texture of their fur gives their coat a characteristic softness.
Nutrition of the Californian Rex
It is imperative to provide them with a good quality of food that is adapted to their activity level, their age and their medical state. Veterinary recommendations will allow you to set out your cat’s nutritional needs and keep them in good health.
Health of the Californian Rex
Life expectancy
Their life expectancy is on average 12 to 15 years.
Strong / robust
Despite their mid-length hair, the general characteristics of their fur make these cats sensitive to cold temperatures. So it’s important to be careful to always keep them warm.
Tendency to put on weight
Like other Rexes, they have no particular propensity to being overweight. In any case, it’s recommended to ensure their needs for physical exercise are met on a daily basis to prevent them from harbouring any excess weight.
Common illnesses
The Californian Rex can suffer from the same diseases as other domestic cats, like those associated with oral health. But it’s also important to look out for the development of the following conditions:
- Progressive retinal atrophy is a disease that can cause gradual blindness. A genetic screening test is possible.
- Hypertrophic myocardiopathy is a disease that can affect a number of breeds, as well as non-pedigree cats. In time, it can lead to heart failure. A screening test can be done with an echocardiogram, which usually takes place annually. Cats suffering from this disease can receive treatment to alleviate their symptoms.
Reproduction
Pairings are authorised between the Californian Rex and the Cornish Rex.
Litters tend to comprise about 3 kittens.