One of the rare breeds of cats is the Ural Rex. These are native kittens with curly hair. Moreover, the breed is natural and was not bred artificially. And although it belongs specifically to the Rex breed, the hair of such individuals curls a little differently.
History of the Ural Rex breed
The Ural Rex is a rare breed of naturally occurring curly-haired cat. Despite the fact that these cats are classified as Rex cats because of their curly hair, they are still very different from other cats with wavy hair.
The Ural Rex is a native breed
The homeland of Rex cats is the Urals. The first mentions of Russian curly cats were found back in the forties of the last century. It is believed that the founder of the breed is the cat Vaska (black bicolor) from the city of Zarechny, Sverdlovsk region. He was born in 1988 and laid the foundation for the Ural Rex breed known to everyone today. Russian rexes were first presented in 1992 at a cat exhibition held in Yekaterinburg.
Breeders tried to improve the breed by crossing Uralians with Bohemian Rexes and Cornishes. However, the experimental kittens were born with straight hair. So it became clear that all “curl” genes are different.
In 1994, some felinological organizations adopted a preliminary standard. However, official recognition by the international WCF system for the Ural Rex came only in 2006. In 2012, the standard was revised, and now the breed is recognized by the Russian felinological system of MFA. But despite the fact that many breeders, including foreign ones, are trying to develop these rexes (there are large official nurseries in Dortmund and Dresden in Germany), the Ural rexes are still considered rare cats.
Color
You can find various photos of the Ural Rex cat with any combination of colors. But there are recognized standards that stipulate the following rules:
- The uniform coat color of this breed is available in white, red, blue, cream, black, gold and silver;
- Any combination with white is allowed, mainly bicolor, tortie with blue or black, tortoiseshell, van, tabby or harlequin.
However, there are a number of restrictions, for example, it is unacceptable for the Ural to have a chocolate shade, cinnamon color, ticking or Burmese color.
Ural rex black
Description of the breed
Ural rexes are medium-sized cats. But Ural cats are somewhat larger than ordinary domestic cats. Males are larger than females; they can weigh more than 6 kg. Smaller cats - up to 4 kg.
Ural Rex cats can weigh more than 6 kg
Appearance
Russian rexes have an unusual body shape. The body of these cats is short, but slender and at the same time muscular. The head is wedge-shaped, the forehead is flat and wide, the profile is slightly curved. The Rex's cheekbones are convex, its muzzle is plump, and its chin is strong and powerful.
The high-set triangular ears have rounded tips. The eyes of the Urals are large, slightly slanted, but oval in shape. Eye color usually matches the base color. Curly-haired cats have medium-length and slender limbs, and their paws are oval and neat. The cat's tail is of normal length.
The eyes of the Ural Rex are oval, the color matches the main color
Surprisingly, the tail is not widened at the base, and its tip is rounded.
The curly fur of the Uralians is short, but silky and soft, at the same time thick and curly. There are waves all over the body and on the tail. The peculiarity of the Ural curl is that the curls on the coat of these cats are very elastic. Some cats have a small mane. Curly-haired cats can have any color (all solid colors, bicolor, tortoiseshell, tabby, color-point and their combinations).
Photo gallery: Ural Rex of different colors
Ural rexes with a red color are most common
Any Rex color can be monochromatic: white, beige, blue, black, etc.
The tabby pattern on the Rex's coat is considered the most natural
white and black Ural rexes are less common than others
The tortoiseshell color of the Ural Rex can be combined with solid spots or stripes
Black color may turn brown with age
Personality of a curly cat
Ural rexes are pleasant to talk to due to their gentle nature. They are affectionate and sociable, and besides, these cats subtly sense the mood of the owner. If such a cat understands that its owner is “out of sorts,” then the pet will do everything possible to correct it. Rexes become very attached to their people and try their best not to upset or offend a person. The more the owner loves and caresses his curly pet, the more the cat will reciprocate.
Unlike most human-dependent cats, the Ural Rex is distinguished by its patience and peaceful character. He can be in the company of small children and other animals for a long time.
These are wise cats that can be called playful and active. But if the owner wants peace, the rex will not impose his desire to play on him. Of course, a curly cat loves to be next to its owner, lie on his bed, and fall asleep in his arms. These cats love to be petted; they have a hard time withstanding loneliness. Left alone, this cat can suffer.
Owners of Ural Rex cats quickly get used to the cats’ affectionate nature.
Usually the Ural Rex becomes a full-fledged member of the family. The cat devotes his entire life to his person. A loving pet will not wake up its owner in the morning because of the desire to eat; it will patiently protect its owner’s sleep and wait for his awakening. My cat cannot boast of such qualities. She comes to my bed and starts waking me up with her purring exactly at the moment when the alarm clock starts ringing.
Video: red Ural rexes
Character
When talking about the Ural Rex breed, character is put almost in first place, because in combination with its extraordinary appearance, it turns out that this is a real velvet angel. He is moderately playful, cheerful and inquisitive. His friendliness can be the envy of any breed, because every mustachioed Ural resident will find a common language with anyone, be it a member of a human family, a child, a guest, a judge at an exhibition, another cat, a rabbit or a dog.
The Ural Rex is a breed of loyal, obedient and affectionate cats
The Ural Rex cat is very attached to its owner. He will make you happy if he notices sadness in your eyes, “heal” you when he feels your pain, or will happily join you in the game, if you are in the right mood. Human attention and love are important to him, so he should not be left alone for a long time.
If you are planning to get a show-class Ural Rex and are going to take part in exhibition events, then this is an excellent option, because they are diligent, calm and easily endure all the difficulties of such competitions.
Purchasing a kitten
Buying a Ural Rex kitten in Russia is quite simple. But, like other representatives of rex breeds, Uralians are relatively expensive. The exact cost of a kitten depends on the age, gender, appearance and class of the animal. A kitten for the “soul” (pet class) will cost over 15,000 rubles. A cat for future breeding (breeding class) will cost up to 50 thousand rubles, and for a future champion and title holder you will have to pay more than 50 thousand rubles.
To buy a good Ural kitten, you need to contact only specialized nurseries. The best cattery is an organization that breeds only one breed (even if the entire cattery consists of just one cat). If cats of several breeds are bred in one place, then most likely the goal of these people is to sell kittens that are similar to purebred ones.
The price of a kitten depends on several criteria: class, age, gender
How to choose a good kitten
When choosing a kitten in a nursery, you need to be guided by several criteria:
- appearance (the animal must be neat and well-groomed, without visible wounds, scratches, discharge from the eyes or nose);
- absence of skin parasites (you can part the fur with your fingers; there should be no fleas or their excrement on the skin and fur);
- the kitten’s behavior (the baby should be cheerful, moderately active and friendly);
- availability of documents (the animal must have a veterinary passport indicating all vaccinations: against calcivirosis, panleukemia, etc., as well as a pedigree);
- breed characteristics.
It is believed that all little kittens are alike, but you must be sure that you choose a real Rex. Even the smallest Uralian should show signs of the breed . These kittens are born already curly, however, the curly hair forms into even waves by six months. At the same time, the guard hairs remain soft to the touch (as if thinned). The fur of kittens has a grayish, gray tint. Later, the rex's fur will oxidize and take on a golden hue (especially in black and red rexes).
The Rex kitten has a well-defined cranial part of the head, the eyes are bulging and widely set, and the nose is wide. The kitten's muzzle is an inverted triangle; the high cheekbones are especially visible. Otherwise, the body of the little Uralian differs little from the constitution of representatives of other breeds.
Video: little Ural kittens
Suitable age to purchase
Many people want to adopt a very young kitten, but few dare to tear the baby away from the mother cat. Next to its mother, the kitten feels protected. The cat feeds it, and with colostrum the kitten receives primary immunity. A baby who is separated from a cat too early may be mentally vulnerable, ill, and have behavioral problems. Such animals can damage furniture, walk past the litter box, and generally disobey their owner.
The kitten tries to imitate its mother in everything, which is why it is so important to let the kitten learn all the skills from the cat. This is necessary so that the animal begins to eat properly, go to the litter box, and communicate with its relatives. Only by two months does the kitten begin to sense moderation in play, controlling the force of its bites and not scratching its comrades.
At about 2 months, the primary immunity received by the kitten from its mother begins to decline. At this time, they begin to prepare the baby for the first vaccination. Kittens are not vaccinated until they are 3 months old, and if they are brought into a new home without immunity, the baby runs the risk of getting sick. In unusual conditions, the animal’s body can be attacked by viruses and infections. There was a case in my family when we had to take in a very small kitten who was left without a mother. He fell ill, suddenly began to feel unwell and took ill. Of course, we immediately called the vet, but the cat died anyway. The veterinarian said the cause of death was distemper.
You cannot separate a kitten from its mother until it is 3 months old.
Choosing a kitten
The kitten must be purchased from a trusted nursery or from breeders with a good reputation. If necessary, contact one of the clubs - they can recommend a suitable seller.
When visiting in person, make sure the kittens are healthy and active. They should have clear, clean eyes, healthy skin and coat.
When purchasing a show-class animal, keep in mind that the appearance of the Ural Rex is finally formed only at 1.5–2 years, and at 3 months even the best expert can only make a preliminary assessment.
The breeder must provide:
- kitten's pedigree,
- vaccination certificate,
- contract of sale.
Responsible breeders also provide information support and advise new owners on all issues that arise.
Due to the peculiarities of their fur, Ural Rex cats provoke allergies to a much lesser extent than most other breeds. However, they cannot be called completely hypoallergenic, and such statements from the breeder are deceit, which should alert you when choosing a seller.
If for some reason you are not sure that this is a Ural Rex, pay attention to the following signs:
- The Cornish Rex has a graceful and slender body of the Oriental type. The Ural team has a denser and more athletic body.
- Devon Rexes differ in the size of their ears. Among the “Uralians” they are medium, but among the Devons, according to the CFA description, they are “strikingly large”, very wide at the base. In addition, the “Uralians” have almond-shaped eyes, and the Devons have oval eyes.
- The difference with the German Rex lies in the shape of the head - the “Germans” have it almost round, the “Urals” it is triangular.
- Selkirk Rexes are easily distinguished by their slightly flattened muzzle, which indicates their relationship with Persian cats.
Pet-class kittens with flaws that are not dangerous to health will cost 15–35 thousand rubles. Breed class is estimated at 25–45 thousand rubles. Finally, a show-class animal, potentially capable of winning titles, will cost 35–50 thousand rubles.
Contents of the Ural Rex
Ural rexes are unpretentious in their maintenance, but they will be grateful for your care.
The Ural Rex requires the same care as most other cats.
These cats love houses very much, so the owner of a curly-haired pet should think about this in advance. The house should be cozy and comfortable. Unlike most other cats, the Ural does not need an observation deck, but a kind of nest. Therefore, the main requirement for a sleeping place is comfort. The cat will also need the following things:
- scratching post and nail clipper;
A scratching post with secluded houses is ideal for the Ural Rex
- 2 bowls for food and 1 for water;
- toys (preferably more);
- cotton swabs and cotton pads;
- toothbrush and special toothpaste for cats;
- combs, massage mitten;
- tray and filler.
Nutrition
The Ural cat is also unpretentious in nutrition, but the owner must remember the basic rules for feeding purebred cats. Rexes are usually fed store-bought dry food or natural food. Industrial food is already properly balanced, but in the case of homemade food, the cat owner will have to monitor the balance. Homemade food is not the same as food from the master's table; you need to prepare it separately for your cat.
In fact, these cats have a great appetite, but they are not prone to overeating. The main thing is that the food consists of at least 1/3 of protein products and another 1/3 of cereals, the rest is vegetables and fruits. In this case, the cat will receive all the necessary trace elements and minerals.
Composition of natural food
Rex's menu should be varied. When preparing food, you need to use only fresh and healthy products:
- meat (beef, chicken, offal) boiled or raw after freezing;
- vegetables and fruits in any form;
- cereals and cereals (any except corn and legumes);
- fermented milk products (any low-fat, non-acidic);
- eggs (chicken or quail - yolks only);
- fish (only sea, boiled) - in small quantities once a week.
In order for the Ural cat to remain beautiful and healthy, food for it must be prepared only from good products
A single serving should fit into a medium food bowl. Rex may ask for more, but it's not because he's hungry. If the owner thinks that the cat is not getting enough to eat, then he can grow a “supplement” in the form of cat grass. It is inexpensive and healthy, since the grass contains a lot of fiber, it cleanses the digestive tract of ingested hair. In addition, most cats love this grass. I grow this kind of grass right on the windowsill. My cat knows where the pot with these greens is, and eats it when she sees fit.
The following should be excluded from the animal’s diet:
- everything spicy, fried, salted and seasoned - such foods are harmful to cats, so it is better not to give food from your table to your cat at all;
- everything is sweet, as sugar can accumulate in the blood, causing diabetes, and sweets are bad for your teeth.
Some give cats butter to make their fur shine better, but this is also better not to do. Butter contains a lot of fat, which can cause serious digestive problems. It is better to buy special vitamins for cats, for example, with fish oil.
How many times a day should you feed your pet?
Once you bring home your little rex, you can feed him according to the schedule he was used to in the nursery. Typically, three-month-old kittens are fed 5 times a day. From six months you need to switch to four meals a day. By 9 months, the number of feedings should be reduced to 3 times a day, and the pet should be switched to “adult” mode by the age of one year. From 12 months, cats should eat 2 times a day. The exception is sick or pregnant cats: weakened animals usually eat less, and pregnant ones - more. But in any case, there is no need to overfeed the animal; it is better to increase the number of feedings and make smaller portions.
Regardless of a cat’s personal preferences, it is not recommended to overfeed it.
Rex grooming
In fact, curly-haired Ural cats do not require any special care. The owner of the rex just needs to follow the general rules:
- wipe the animal’s eyes every day (if necessary);
- Clean your pet's ears once a week;
- regularly examine and brush your cat’s teeth (for example, once a month);
- trim the claws (transparent tip of the claw) once every 2 weeks;
- comb and bathe your pet.
Russian curly cats were not spoiled by human attention, so nature taught them to take care of their appearance on their own. This cat can handle most tasks on its own. The owner only needs to monitor this process and help if necessary.
If the owner of a Rex considers it necessary to help the pet, but the cat is not giving in, you can always contact a veterinary clinic. For example, if a cat’s ears are very dirty, but she does not allow her owner to approach them. Perhaps the animal is experiencing some discomfort or pain. And the veterinarian will help you quickly and painlessly carry out the hygiene procedure. In addition, the specialist will recommend treatment, if necessary. Donut (my sister’s cat) won’t let you brush his teeth because he’s terrified of a toothbrush. He is taken to the vet every few months. For some reason, in the clinic, Donut becomes quiet and calm, opens his mouth easily and does not try to escape.
Ural rexes take care of their appearance themselves, but the owner must help the pet if necessary
Brushing and bathing
The peculiarity of curly hair is that when it sheds, the hairs cannot fall out on their own; they get stuck in the curls. Because of this, there is practically no Rex hair in the apartment, except perhaps on the cat's pillow. Therefore, some people consider Uralians to be hypoallergenic, despite their thick hair. However, you still need to comb your cat, because otherwise she will have to lick the fallen fur, and all these hairs will end up in the animal’s stomach. Typically, Rexes are brushed once a week, and during the molting period - 3 times a week.
To add shine to the fur, rub it with a suede or flannel cloth along the hair growth so as not to hurt the cat. I smooth my cat with a massage mitten. The animal likes this procedure, the fur becomes smooth and shiny, and excess hairs stick to the silicone teeth of the mitten.
But bathing rexes is not recommended. The fact is that these cats have very delicate skin, which can become dry due to detergents. In general, the Rex will not get very dirty; it is a clean cat. Many rexes are happy to go into the water, without fear of getting their paws wet. Before the exhibition, the Rex can be bathed, but this must be done carefully, using only gentle products intended for cats.
It is best to carry out water treatments a couple of weeks before the event, otherwise the coat will not have time to return to its normal appearance and will appear dull and too “fluffy”.
Video: Ural Rex Denny plays in the bath
Defects of the Ural breed
Ural cats have excellent health; no specific diseases have been found in them. But any cat can get sick with ordinary cat disease, so you need to remember to prevent worms and fleas. You also need to remember about vaccination. The owner of a Ural cat must protect his pet from various risks, for example, drafts, cold or too frequent bathing. A properly cared for Ural cat will live up to 15 years.
The owner of the Rex may forget about some vaccinations, so you need to get into the habit of regular visits to the veterinarian. You can ask your veterinarian to schedule your vaccinations. The resulting memo should be stored, for example, in the cat’s first aid kit, as I did. You can also ask your veterinarian to remind you about preventive examinations.
Curly-haired Ural cats do not have congenital pathologies, so only a deviation from the standard can be called a defect in appearance:
- hair too straight;
- large or too small ears;
- wide base of the tail;
- long and thin or short and thick body;
- short legs, etc.
The same defects that are unacceptable for other cats can lead to disqualification at exhibitions and shows:
- incorrect number of toes;
- malocclusion;
- tail defects;
- deformation of the skull bones;
- blindness, etc.
Video: Ural rex at an exhibition in Voronezh
Owner reviews
This breed is not yet very common, but in the Urals it can be found everywhere. Fortunately, it began to appear more and more often in other regions of Russia. Let's read reviews about the Ural Rex and find out what real owners say about them:
- Olga first met funny curly-haired cats at an exhibition, and from the very first minute she realized that she wanted to get one for herself. After the overly active Abyssinian, the Uralian seemed to her like a quiet angel. She notes that her pet’s character is incredibly loyal, affectionate, unobtrusive and not at all harmful.
- Elena has as many as 6 representatives of this breed, and despite this, she considers them the best animals. They always surround her with their care, attention and affection.
You can always add your comments to the owners’ reviews; we will be very interested to read about your impressions and friendship with such a curly-haired miracle.
Ural Rex with red coat color
Handsome black man with white paws and collar
Breeding
The peculiarity of breeding the Ural breed is that the curly gene may not “work” correctly. Breeders do not cross Ural Rex cats with other Rex cats, but only carry out intrabreed matings. Accordingly, the only pressing problem in rex breeding is finding a partner. Since this unusual breed is considered rare, finding an animal of the opposite sex will not be easy. Ideally, when purchasing your Rex, you agreed with the owner of the nursery about future matings. But even in this case, you need to take the choice of your pet's future partner seriously.
In fact, it is very important to understand why you need kittens. If you just want the same beautiful Rex as your cat, then you can find a healthy Ural and organize mating. But if we are talking about professional breeding, then you need to be very careful: Ural Rex breeders are very sensitive and jealous of the purity of the breed.
Quality traits and beautiful colors are valued in kittens, and some cattery owners neglect breeding rules and cross Rex cats with other cats. In order not to find yourself “between two fires”, you can do this:
- Contact the same cattery where you got your cat (the breeder will be glad that good genes will remain within the walls of the same breeding line).
- Contact another nursery and find an ideal mating partner there.
- Contact independent experts (for example, WCF) and ask for their support.
Criteria for choosing a partner
The future father of the offspring must meet the following criteria:
- the cat must be healthy (there should be no signs of any diseases or fleas on the body);
- the animal must be untied (let the future partner have at least a little mating experience);
- the cat must be purebred (it must have a pedigree);
- The external signs of the cat's breed should suit you.
If the breeder has several candidates for partners for your little cat, then choose the one that is most similar to your cat. Some owners of purebred cats choose beautiful cats for mating, but, for example, with fur of a different color. As a result, kittens with an incomprehensible type of color are born. Better yet, listen to the advice of the cat owner. If the breeder has already had experience in breeding, then he will have at least some idea of how genes “superpose” on each other.
Experienced breeders correct the phenotype of the line when mating their animals. For example, if a cat has too short hair, then the breeder agrees to breed him only with a cat that has longer hair. From the resulting litter, the cat's owner will take one cub, so the nursery's piggy bank will be replenished with fresh genes.
Ural rexes can only be crossed within the breed
At what age should you give your pet for the first mating?
Puberty of the Ural Rex occurs early (at 8–9 months). However, at this age the animal is still considered a kitten, even the cat’s body still looks small, so it is usually customary to skip the first few heats. Closer to the year, when the cat has grown a little more, you can think about mating. Ideally, the first mating occurs within a year and a half.
Cats can be bred at the age of up to a year, because they do not need to bear offspring, which means the consequences of mating will be different. The process of first mating takes place within 4–5 days. In this case, the cat is usually taken to the cat, and not vice versa. If passions have subsided, the cat calmly allows the cat to approach her, which means the mating was a success.
Several months should pass between matings, as the cat should have the opportunity to regain its strength. Breeders breed their Ural cats once a year, less often - 3 times every 2 years. If your cat gives birth too often, she will become tired, weak and sick. True, the most beautiful cats with good genes are bred a little more often, but breeders look after such mothers especially carefully. I heard a story about breeders whose cat gives birth once every six months. The owners carry their cat in their arms like a princess, feed her only the most expensive food and respond to every “sneeze” by calling the veterinarian.
The recommended birth frequency for Ural cats is once a year.
What is the price
Despite the fact that the Ural Rex is a domestic breed, the cost of kittens is quite high, which is explained by their rarity. You can always buy someone on the market, but in this case do not count on purebredness and thoroughbred. The actual price will range from 15 to 50 thousand rubles, depending on the animal’s belonging to a certain class.
The Ural Rex breed is quite rare, so it is relatively expensive
Castration and sterilization
Often, owners of domestic cats do not think about castration/sterilization until the moment the pet begins to bother them with heart-rending screams or a smell in the apartment. And this is how the animal makes it clear that the time for mating has come. Some people who are tired of listening to nightly “concerts” think about hormonal pills. Such temporary avoidance of problems will sooner or later lead to various diseases. It is not uncommon for an unsterilized cat of reproductive age to develop cancer.
After the operation, the animal becomes calmer, nervousness and aggressiveness go away forever. It is believed that cats become lazy and put on weight after castration, but this is more of a myth than a reality. The animal's further behavior and health depend entirely on how the owner takes care of his pet.
The optimal age for surgery is considered to be from 9 months to the first heat. Recently, early sterilizations have become popular, but most people feel sorry for their cats and decide to undergo surgery when the cat is at least 1 year old. I sterilize my cats before they are 1 year old. Our veterinarian believes that the first heat is a sign that the owner needs to decide something: to operate on the cat or let her give birth. Although there are cases where a cat was successfully sterilized at the age of 15, such operations are usually performed for medical reasons.
If the cat is not intended for breeding, then it is recommended to sterilize it
Caring for your pet after surgery
The operation to limit reproductive function takes only 15–20 minutes, but the postoperative period can last a whole week. When a cat comes out of anesthesia, it tries to get up and go somewhere, but the animal’s orientation in space is disrupted, so the animal may fall. It is better not to let your cat run or jump. You can surround her with the things and amenities she needs. You can place a heating pad or a bottle of warm water next to the cat's bed. The first day after the operation, the cat will not be able to eat, but will try to drink, so it is also better to place a bowl of water next to the bed.
The animal will try to lick its stitches, so a blanket is usually put on the cat, and a post-operative collar is usually put on the cat. After a few days, the operation site will stop hurting, but the seam will begin to itch (if stitches were used). Usually at this time the cat tries to take off the blanket; it is better not to allow this.
To prevent the cat from licking the seam, put a collar on it
Some animals may require vitamins and these will be prescribed by your veterinarian. You can also ask him for recommendations on the animal’s diet. After such operations, veterinarians usually recommend a diet with low nutritional value.
Table: pros and cons of the Ural Rex breed
| Characteristic signs | pros | Minuses |
| Appearance of a cat | Ural rexes have a European type of appearance, curly hair, large eyes and small ears. | Some unscrupulous breeders cross their Ural cats with Thai, Siamese and Devon cats to enhance certain traits |
| Character | Rexes have an affectionate and playful character and love to play with children and animals. | A Ural resident may feel sad if the owner is away from home for a long time |
| Purchasing a kitten | In Russia there are several professional nurseries involved in breeding the breed, so you can easily find a good kitten with a pedigree | The Ural Rex breed is rare even for Russia, so the price of a kitten can exceed 50 thousand rubles |
| Content | Rexes are easy to care for, do not require a special diet, they do not need to be bathed and they hardly shed. | The life expectancy of the Ural rex does not exceed 15 years |
| Breeding | In breeding, Ural rexes differ little from other domestic cats | Only intrabreed matings are allowed |
Features of care
The fur of representatives of the breed is similar in structure to the undercoat. Thanks to this, the pet does not shed much. It practically does not need to be combed - just wipe the fur coat with a suede napkin to give the fur shine.
It’s better not to bathe a Uralian. This is due to the characteristics of the skin, which is susceptible to drying out.
A comb is useful only when caring for Ural Rex kittens. Their coat must completely shed in order for a new one to grow. Often shedding is delayed because the hairs do not fall out naturally. Therefore, it is necessary to free cats from old fur by plucking gray hairs and combing it thoroughly.
