General Information:

Height/Length: Medium
Weight: 10 -14 lbs.
Life Span: 12-15 years
Coloring: Variety/Common colors.
Area of Origin: United States
Similar Breeds: Cornish Rex, Devon Rex

Breed History and Origins:

The Oregon Rex breed has a controversial beginning. In 1944, the first litter of Oregon Rex-like cats was produced but there currently is no historical evidence to support this claim. So the first documented case of the Oregon Rex cat dates in 1955 in the state of Oregon, USA. The “first” Oregon Rex was born with a curly coat when all its other siblings, and mother as well, had straight fur. From this kitten the breed was developed.

The Oregon Rex breed was further developed in the 20^th century within the United States. These cats were developed as a result of a recessive genetic mutation that produced a curly coat, a variation that is not seen in other Rex breeds, making them genetically different from each other.

At the same time, the first Cornish Rex cats were imported to the U.S. from Great Britain, and were soon interbred with the rising Oregon Rex breed. Breeders from Oregon established a purebred Oregon Rex which quickly became one of America’s most popular Rex breeds. In the course of breeding, however, all types of Rex cats were interbred with each other, and the Oregon Rex ceased to exist as a stand-alone breed. The last purebred Oregon Rex cat is reported to have died in 1972.

Size and Physical Characteristics:

The Oregon Rex was known to have an elongated body and a tiny build. Their tail was long, slim and peaked. They had long, graceful legs that were slim with tiny rounded paws. The Oregon Rex’s head was wedge-shaped with a long bridge. Their ears were large with smoothly rounded edges and were set high on top of the head. The eyes of these cats were medium-sized with an oval shape, set wide apart and complementing with their coat color. Their face was angular, with high cheekbones, noticeable whisker pads and a firm jaw.

Their prominent feature was their curly coat that was described as silky, short and tight. It had little to no guard hair on its coat and the kemp was shorter compared to the German Rex’s or Cornish Rex’s, and was fully developed with a subapical swelling. Their kemp hairs were longer than their undercoat. Oregon Rex cats could be found in all color and pattern varieties.

Personality and Temperament:

Describing the personality and temper of an Oregon Rex cat proposes a challenge since the bred no longer exists anymore. Modern-day behavioral traits remain obscure to us but general information is available.

The Oregon Rex cats had a generally affectionate nature and were always willing to cuddle and play with their owners and other loved ones. This breed combined the characteristics of all the other Rex breeds that were mixed into it. They were often described as extrovert cats.

These jovial cats were also very much known for their social skills and playfulness. Very much like its cousin breeds, the Cornish and Devon Rexes, the Oregon Rexes also demanded attention, love and care. They never appreciated being left alone for long hours and would follow their family members room to room.

Records also show us that the Oregon Rex cats had quite a temper, being often described as obstinate and headstrong. They liked to get what they wanted when they wanted it, comprising a dominant nature which made them a little hard to handle. They had a strong tendency to be needy, and although they were funny at times, they could be disruptive and arrogant towards their owners. This made the breed not a good choice for first time owners.

Despite their fickle character, the Oregon Rex was good with children, and would love to spend time playing with them. They were generally energetic and would often tolerate children’s’ inexperienced behavior with cats. Oregon Rexes would also enjoy the company of other dogs and would love meeting new people, trying to grab their attention as best they could.

Characteristics unique to the breed:

The Oregon Rex cats were a breed that wasn’t destined to exist independently for long after its initial development. Despite the fact that they were playful, friendly, very intelligent and active, they also had a “my way or the highway” disposition. They would be easily offended if they wouldn’t receive the attention they demanded, so in all reality, they weren’t the best suited cat for just anybody. Any owners of Oregon Rex cats had to respect and really know their cats to be able to provide a good and loving environment for them.

Health and Wellness:

For the Oregon Rex there are no breed-specific or genetic health conditions that had been documented. This is mainly due to the fact that they were so rare even before they went extinct. They were known to live a healthy life-span of 12-15 years. Due to their curly hair and genetics that produced it, many claimed that the Oregon Rex was a hypoallergenic breed, along with other Rex breeds as well.

Annual exams, vaccinations, heartworm prevention and flea and tick preventions are recommended. Initially make sure to deworm your cat and run basic blood tests as early diagnosis is always the best. Keep in mind that a good diet and regular exercise is always the best prevention.

Being a pet, it is somewhat common for them to suffer some types of eye problems, diarrhea and fleas. Be sure to consult a veterinarian of your choice for routine care and medical advice for your cat.

Interesting Facts about the breed:

• The last purebred Oregon Rex cat is reported to have died in 1972.
• They tended to be needy and not as docile as other cats, being often called obstinate.
• Training these cats would be a challenge due to their independent and whimsical behavior.