Bohemian Rex

Breed Description

The Bohemian Rex is a rare and unique breed of cat in our country, originating in the Czech Republic in the mid-20th century. Its development is closely linked to extensive and purposeful experiments in crossbreeding different cat species to achieve specific physical and behavioral traits. Initially, the breed was created to meet the needs of cat lovers who wanted a pet with an unusual appearance and a gentle character.

The first examples of the Bohemian Rex emerged thanks to the work of Czech breeders who crossbred Persian cats with ordinary domestic cats. The main goal was to obtain a long-haired cat with curly fur that combined the best qualities of both breeds. The founders aimed to create an animal that would attract attention with its uniqueness while possessing robust health and stable temperament. During the breeding process, Persian and exotic short-haired cats were used, resulting in Bohemian Rexes having not only curly fur but also harmonious body structure and a friendly nature.

The first officially registered representatives of the breed were cats born in the 1980s. Since then, the Bohemian Rex has gradually gained popularity both in the Czech Republic and beyond. However, due to its relative rarity and narrow geographic distribution, the breed is still not widespread and remains primarily the treasure of enthusiasts and collectors. Despite this, interest in the Bohemian Rex is growing each year, with more people seeking to purchase one from a breeder to enjoy the company of this unusual pet.

The price of a Bohemian Rex depends on a number of factors. Key roles are played by the achievements of the parents at exhibitions, their health, as well as the kitten’s health and its conformity to breed standards. But the matter doesn’t end there. Depending on the class of the kitten (pet, breed, show), its price may be higher or lower. For instance, the price list for Bohemian Rexes in Russia starts from 60,000 rubles. The cost for show-class kittens can exceed 100,000 rubles. However, for those breeders who want a pet for themselves and do not plan to participate in breeding “wrinkled Angoras,” there are also offers at lower prices.

Appearance

The Bohemian Rex is a Czech breed of cat that immediately catches the eye of those around with its appearance. The main feature of these cats is their wavy and dense fur, which gives them a resemblance to little sheep or fluffy clouds. The fur of the Bohemian Rex can vary in length – from short to medium – but is always soft, silky, and incredibly thick. It forms dense curls throughout the body, including the tail and paws, giving the cat a unique and exotic look.

The breed is of medium size with a strong build. An adult cat usually weighs between 3 to 5 kilograms, making them compact yet muscular and trim. The body of the Bohemian Rex has harmonious proportions, emphasizing their grace and elegance. Despite their small size, these cats possess strong muscles, allowing them to remain active and agile throughout their lives.

In addition to their wavy fur, the Bohemian Rex draws attention with its expressive face. These cats have large, round, widely spaced eyes, giving them a friendly and slightly naive expression. Their ears are medium-sized, slightly rounded at the tips, and are typically covered with fluffy curls, just like the rest of their body. The breed also features short, powerful legs, which help the cats be excellent hunters and explorers.

Отличительные черты

Голова

It gives the animal a soft and friendly expression, rounded. The forehead smoothly transitions into a straight bridge of medium length. An important feature is the wide and massive jaw, which emphasizes the strong build of this breed in general.

Морда

Somewhat shortened, with well-defined cheekbones and a soft contour. The nose is short, wide, with a slight curve. The chin is well-developed, giving the face symmetry and completeness. It is important to note that the muzzle should not be too flat, like that of Persian cats, but should maintain a moderate length to avoid breathing issues.

Уши

Medium-sized, broad at the base and gently rounded at the tips. They are set quite wide apart and emphasize the roundness of the head. The tips of the ears often have a small tuft of fur, adding an exotic touch. They are very mobile and always react to various noises around them.

Глаза

One of the most expressive features of the breed. Large, round, and slightly slanted, they give a charming and gentle appearance. The color of the cornea can vary from yellow to green, with some individuals having a rich blue hue. Set widely apart, they create an impression of an open and trusting gaze.

Зубы

The jaws are even, well-developed, and have a proper alignment. The bite should be either straight or scissor-like. This is an important aspect, as the development of the jaws and teeth contributes to overall health. Buyers who decide to purchase a cat from a breeder can be assured of the kittens' dental health if they have been properly bred.

Корпус

Compact yet muscular and strong. The ribcage is well-developed, providing the animal with sufficient vitality and endurance. Slightly elongated with smooth contours, which gives the cat grace and elegance.

Конечности

Proportional to the body, of medium length, with well-developed muscles. The front limbs are somewhat shorter than the hind limbs, which provides maneuverability and agility. The paws end with round, compact pads that offer stability while walking and jumping. The claws are sharp and curved, helping to grip prey and making it easy to climb and defend.

Хвост

Of medium length, densely covered with wavy fur. It gently tapers towards the end and harmoniously complements the other proportions of the body. It plays an important role in maintaining balance during movement and jumps, serving as an additional element of expressiveness, highlighting the cat's emotional state.

Шерсть

The main virtue, the hallmark of the breed. Thick, soft, and curly, resembling a karakul. The curls can be more pronounced or slightly wavy, but they always remain a distinguishing feature of the breed. Due to this characteristic, regular grooming is required to prevent the formation of mats.

Окрас

They can be very diverse: from solid colors to spotted and marble patterns. Among the solid colors, black, white, blue, and cream are especially popular. There are also individuals with colored spots or stripes, which adds variety and makes the breed even more interesting.

Character

The Bohemian Rex possesses a balanced, good-natured, and friendly character. These cats are known not only for their extraordinary appearance but also for their strong attachment to their owners and their affectionate interactions with people. They exhibit a high level of intelligence, making them easy to train and adaptable to various living conditions. Bohemian Rexes generally get along well with other animals in the household, whether they are cats or dogs, and they do not show aggression. They are well-suited for families with children, as they are patient and enjoy attention. The only thing to watch out for during playtime with children is scratches from their sharp claws. For this reason, cat breeders recommend paying special attention to the condition of their pets’ claws.

These cats love to be at the center of attention and actively participate in their family’s life. They happily play with both children and adults, showing curiosity and interest in everything new. The Bohemian Rex is not prone to excessive activity or hyperactivity, yet they are not lazy either. They quickly find a balance between play and rest, making them ideal companions for people who lead a calm lifestyle.

An important trait of their character is their ability to adapt to new environments. They do not experience stress when moving to a new home or when their usual surroundings change. This is particularly important for those who move frequently or enjoy traveling. The Bohemian Rex quickly acclimates to new conditions and eagerly explores new spaces. As noted by owners and breeders of Bohemian Rex kittens, their

Care and Maintenance

Taking care of a Bohemian Rex requires a certain amount of effort, particularly when it comes to its unique fur. Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and keep the coat in good condition. It is recommended to use soft brushes or special combs designed for curly hair. A thorough brushing should be done once a week, paying special attention to the areas behind the ears, on the belly, and under the tail. During the heavy shedding period, the frequency of brushing should increase 2 to 3 times-this can vary individually. Neglecting this can result in the elegant cat losing its appearance and furniture being covered in loose fur.

Bathing a Bohemian Rex doesn’t need to be done frequently; it’s sufficient to do it every few months or when necessary if the cat gets dirty. Use specialized shampoos for long-haired cats to preserve its texture and avoid drying out. Human detergents can be harmful if ingested through licking. After bathing, the cat should be thoroughly dried to prevent colds, and to avoid matting, the fur should be brushed well after drying. Using a hairdryer can be justified, but it’s important not to over-dry the fur or damage its structure. Before using the hairdryer for the first time, it’s best to familiarize the pet with the device to prevent fear.

Particular attention should be paid to the care of the ears, eyes, and teeth of the Bohemian Rex. The ears should be regularly checked and cleaned of accumulated wax and dirt. Cotton swabs or special wipes are suitable for this, but swabs can damage the inside of the ear if used carelessly, so it’s better to use cotton pads. Eyes should only be wiped with a soft cloth or a cotton pad moistened in boiled water or a special eye care lotion.

The teeth of the Bohemian Rex require regular inspection and cleaning. Use toothbrushes and toothpaste specifically designed for cats. Preventive visits to the veterinarian can help avoid dental and gum issues and identify and address potential diseases in a timely manner.

The owner should provide a healthy diet for the Bohemian Rex. The diet should be balanced, including all necessary vitamins and minerals appropriate to the pet’s age. Feed the cat quality premium dry food or wet food that supplies all necessary nutrients. Don’t forget about fresh water, which should always be available.

The Bohemian Rex is an active cat, so it needs plenty of space for play and movement. Various play complexes, houses, and scratching posts are well-suited for helping the cat stay active and fulfill its instincts. Keep in mind that these cats love to climb and jump, so it is important for them to access vertical spaces. The Rex needs wall pathways and, for exercise, a running wheel. Additionally, provide various toys, scratching posts, and play complexes to help maintain physical fitness and avoid boredom in your absence. Games with balls, laser pointers, and interactive

Training and Education

The Bohemian Rex is an intelligent and curious cat that is easily trainable. Thanks to its high intelligence and friendly nature, it enjoys learning new commands and tricks. It’s best to start training at a young age when the kitten is still open to new experiences and quickly absorbs information. However, the very first thing it should learn is its name and cat etiquette. These cats can also learn to use a litter box without any problems. It’s important to choose a comfortable and appropriately sized litter box and ensure that it is accessible at all times. If the kitten makes mistakes, do not scold it; instead, show it the correct place and reward it for successful actions.

One of the key aspects of training a Bohemian Rex is socialization. These amazing creatures easily adapt to new people and animals, making them ideal for families with children or other pets. It’s important to teach the kitten household behavior rules from an early age: training it to use a scratching post, not to climb on tables, and not to damage furniture.

Training a Bohemian Rex can include teaching simple commands. Use positive reinforcement in the form of treats and praise to encourage the cat to complete tasks. It’s not advisable to punish the animal for mistakes-it’s better to redirect its attention to the correct behavior. With certain conditions and the owner’s effort, it is possible to teach the pet much more complex tricks than just

How to Choose a Kitten

Choosing a kitten is an important step that requires careful consideration. However, buying a Bohemian Rex kitten is an even more complex task. The first thing to pay attention to is the breeder’s reputation and professionalism, as well as the conditions in which the cats are kept. It is highly recommended to purchase a cat from a reputable breeder who cares about the health and well-being of their pets. Catteries, kittens, and their prices can vary depending on the quality of care, pedigree, and color of the kitten.

When choosing, focus on its appearance and behavior. A healthy kitten should be active, curious, and playful. Its coat should be clean, free of mats or bald spots. The eyes and ears should be clean, without discharge. It is also important to check the condition of the teeth and claws.

Observe how the kitten reacts to people. It should show interest and not be afraid of touch. If the kitten is overly timid or, conversely, aggressive, this may indicate socialization issues.

Be sure to ask the breeder for information about vaccinations and parasite treatments. A healthy kitten should have all necessary vaccinations and be treated for fleas and worms.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the kitten’s parents, their health, and personality traits. If possible, ask to see them to assess their behavior and appearance. It is important to consider that the personality of the parents can be passed on to the offspring.

Cattery prices can depend on various factors, including the rarity of the breed, the quality of care, and the living conditions. It is advisable to choose a cattery in advance that meets your expectations and possibilities. On Zoonik, you will find verified listings with documentation.

Health and Diseases

Overall, the Bohemian Rex is known for its robust health. However, this breed does have a predisposition to certain health issues, including dental and gum problems. These often arise from insufficient care, making proper tooth brushing essential.

The Bohemian Rex may also face skin issues, particularly if its coat is not well maintained. This can manifest as dermatitis or fungal infections. Reputable breeders recommend grooming the coat and ensuring the cat receives adequate vitamins and minerals.

There is a predisposition to obesity, especially if the cat does not get enough physical activity. Frequent play and weight management through a proper diet help maintain a healthy weight.

Regular veterinary visits for preventive check-ups and vaccinations are crucial for timely detection and prevention of various ailments. If any symptoms or changes in behavior arise, it is important to consult a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

In general, with proper care and maintenance, a Bohemian Rex can bring you joy with its health and activity for many years. Thinking about it? There is a wide range of listings on the Zoonica map by city.