Felis catus
Urals Rex
Featured photourals-rex.jpgThe Urals Rex is a curly-coated cat breed developed in the Ural Mountains region of Russia, registered with the World Cat Federation (WCF). The Urals Rex carries a distinct curly-coat mutation separate from the Cornish, Devon, Selkirk, and other Rex breeds. First documented in the mid-20th century in Yekaterinburg (formerly Sverdlovsk), the breed has a wavy to tightly curled coat and a moderate, semi-foreign body type. WCF recognized the breed in the 1990s.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- Russia
- Origin period
- First documented mid-20th century, Yekaterinburg; WCF recognition 1990s
- Coat type
- Curly
- Coat colors
- All colors and patterns accepted except colorpoint
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 15-20 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
The Urals Rex was first noted in Yekaterinburg (then Sverdlovsk) in the Ural Mountains region of Russia, where curly-coated domestic cats appeared as a naturally occurring mutation. The curly coat gene is distinct from all other known Rex mutations; Russian geneticists confirmed it as a separate locus. Structured breeding programs were developed in the 1980s and 1990s, and WCF registered the breed. The breed remains primarily concentrated in the Urals and broader Russian region, with limited international distribution.
Coat Genetics
The Urals Rex curly coat is produced by a mutation genetically distinct from the Cornish Rex (which lacks guard hairs), the Devon Rex (which has a different hair-shaft modification), the Selkirk Rex (KRT71 variant), and the LaPerm (a separate dominant mutation). The Urals Rex has a medium-density coat with a visible wave or curl pattern; the curl extends throughout the body, including the belly. The whiskers are also typically curled or wavy. Genetic testing confirms the mutation's distinctiveness, making the Urals Rex one of several independently discovered Rex mutations in the global cat population.
Appearance
The Urals Rex is a medium-sized cat of semi-foreign, moderate type. The head is a moderate wedge with a rounded muzzle; the ears are medium-large; the eyes are large and oval. The body is moderately muscular and well-proportioned. The coat is medium-length, wavy to tightly curled, with a visible wave pattern from the base to the tip of the hair. The whiskers are typically wavy or curled. The coat does not have the very short, close-lying quality of the Devon or Cornish Rex; it is slightly longer and more visible, producing a soft, wavy texture. All colors and patterns are accepted except colorpoint.
Sources & further reading (2)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-07
- registry-breed-profile — accessed 2026-05-07
Frequently asked questions
Is the Urals Rex the same as the Cornish Rex?
No. The Urals Rex carries a curly-coat mutation genetically distinct from the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Selkirk Rex, and LaPerm. All five breeds have curly or wavy coats, but the mutations affect different genes and produce different coat structures. The Urals Rex has a different mutation that arose independently in the Ural Mountains region of Russia.
When did WCF recognize the Urals Rex?
WCF (World Cat Federation) registered the Urals Rex in the 1990s. CFA, TICA, GCCF, and FIFe do not maintain Urals Rex registrations. The breed's international profile remains limited compared to the more widely recognized Rex breeds.
What is the Urals Rex's coat like?
The Urals Rex has a medium-length coat with a visible wave or curl pattern that extends throughout the body, including the belly, tail, and cheeks. The curl is different from the very tight, close-lying Cornish Rex curl; it is looser and produces a more obviously wavy texture. The whiskers are typically curled or kinked. The coat has a soft, plush feel.
