Ural Rex

Breed Description

Renowned cat breeders in Russia have gifted fans of “domestic predators” a new breed called the “Ural Rex.” This unique and distinctive breed of cat began its history in Russia in the late 20th century. It first emerged as a result of a natural mutation among the indigenous cats of the Ural region. The exact cause of the mutation is still unknown, but there is evidence that the wavy fur of cats was first noted in the USSR, in the Sverdlovsk region, in the early 1940s. However, active selective breeding only began in 1988 when cat breeders turned their attention to this unusual fur structure and initiated a targeted, controlled selection. The Ural Rex was recognized in Russia in the 1990s. According to existing documentation, the breed initially incorporated the blood of Cornish Rex cats. It was later discovered that the Ural variant has a different gene responsible for its curly coat compared to German Rexes and Cornish Rexes. Subsequently, serious inbreeding was conducted, and in 2003 a decision was made to revise the breed’s standard requirements. In 2006, this was recognized by international feline organizations like FIFe (FГ©dГ©ration In

Appearance

The Ural Rex is a medium-sized cat with a harmonious build and muscular figure. Adult males typically weigh around 5 kg, while females are slightly lighter at about 3.5 kg and stand up to 30 cm at the shoulder.

The first thing that draws attention is its coat, which has an unusual wavy texture. This coat not only distinguishes the Ural Rex from other breeds but also makes it pleasant to touch. Both cat breeders and everyday people consider the fur of these cats a natural antidepressant. While similar to Cornish Rexes, it feels different to the touch.

The Ural Rex’s coat can be either short or medium length but remains soft and silky regardless. The waves in the fur are even and distinct, creating a characteristic relief. The breed comes in a wide variety of colors, making each individual unique.

The physique of the Ural Rex is proportional, with well-developed musculature. It appears toned and agile, highlighting its active nature. Its legs are of medium length and strong, allowing the cat to be nimble and quick. The tail is an important feature of the Ural Rex’s appearance, long and covered in wavy fur.

On cat breeders’ websites, one can find numerous catteries with photos and prices, showing how the kittens’ appearance develops as they grow. Breeders carefully monitor compliance with breed standards to preserve the unique traits of the Ural Rex.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Of medium size, wedge-shaped, with smooth lines. Not massive; on the contrary, it harmoniously blends with the overall body proportions and emphasizes the elegance of the breed. The forehead is slightly rounded, with a smooth transition to the nose and no sharp angles.

Морда

It is clearly defined, with slightly prominent cheekbones. The chin is strong yet not overly massive, giving the cat an expressive and confident expression. The fur is of medium length, proportional to the overall size of the head, and covered with slightly shorter fur.

Уши

Medium-sized, widely set on a simplified top, slightly rounded at the ends. They are well-fringed with fur, creating an additional decorative effect. They are an important detail of appearance, emphasizing the elegance of this breed.

Глаза

Famous cat breeders believe that this is one of the most expressive traits of the Ural Rex's exterior. The eyes are large, almond-shaped, and widely spaced. The color of the cornea can vary, but it always harmonizes with the coat color. The gaze gives the cat a soft and friendly expression.

Зубы

Strong, with a correct bite, scissors-shaped. The jaws are well-developed, ensuring good dental health. It is important to maintain oral hygiene to avoid dental problems. The canines are positioned at a right angle to the jaws and are very sharp.

Корпус

The average size of the body covered with wavy fur conceals a muscular physique with pronounced flanks. The back line is straight, and the ribcage is wide, but not barrel-shaped, and quite deep. The body structure is proportional and harmoniously combines strength and grace.

Конечности

Лапы уральского рекса средней длины, стройные и мускулистые. Передние конечности прямые, тонкой кости, а задние лапы с мощными бёдрами, одинаково хорошо развиты, что придаёт кошке ловкость и устойчивость. Подушечки лап округлые, пальцы крепкие, когти очень острые, нуждаются в регулярной стрижке – это позволяет кошке быть активной и грациозной одновременно.

Хвост

The tail of the Ural Rex is long, tapering to the tip, and covered in wavy fur, giving it a "fluffed" appearance. It serves as an indicator of mood and an important stabilizer during sudden maneuvers while jumping and moving, and it is the finishing touch to its elegant appearance.

Шерсть

The main highlight, a sort of decoration of the breed. Quite dense, with pronounced waves that create a unique appearance. The waviness of the fur is genetically inherited and is a distinctive feature that makes the Ural Rex one of a kind.

Окрас

It can be very diverse - from solid colors to mixed patterns. This gives each representative of the breed its own uniqueness. Rare and unusual colorations, often found on the price lists of cat breeders, are particularly popular. Chocolate and cinnamon are banned in any combination and intensity.

Character

According to many cat owners, the Ural Rex indeed has a distinct personality compared to similar breeds. Cat breeders believe that the Ural variety of Rex is noticeably gentler and more sociable. This breed is known for its attachment to people, becoming a true friend and companion to its owners. The Ural Rex easily gets along with children and other pets, making it an ideal choice for families. It is important to properly socialize a kitten and correctly introduce it to a new home, especially if there are other pets already living there.

Curly Ural Rexes are highly intelligent. They are true intellectuals and very curious. From the first weeks of life, they enjoy actively participating in household activities, following their owner everywhere. Rexes love to play, but they are not pushy and understand when their owner is busy. To help a kitten spend quiet time waiting for attention, it is essential to provide several toys. Experienced breeders recommend using interactive toys for cats.

One characteristic feature of the Ural Rex is its calm demeanor. Despite its activity and playfulness, this cat is rarely aggressive or overly hyper. It prefers comfort and coziness, values attention and affection, and is ready to reciprocate with loyalty. As kitten nurseries advise, it’s better to get them in pairs, allowing the owner some alone time without worrying about their Rex feeling lonely.

Due to its balanced personality, the Ural Rex is well-suited for apartment living. It does not require a lot of space and easily adapts to various household demands. However, like any pet, it needs regular attention, affection, and care from its owners.

On our website, we present nurseries of kittens that are run at a professional level. They offer kittens that are already socialized and ready to live in a new family. In most cases, they are already litter-trained and their temperament is well-adjusted. The Ural Rex is ideal if you are looking for a cat with a gentle character that will harmoniously fit into your home and become part of the family. Undoubtedly, the Ural Rex is the kind of pet that can brighten up your home.

Care and Maintenance

Care and maintenance of the Ural Rex do not require significant effort, but there are several important points to consider. These cats are known for their good health; however, regular grooming of their coat and general well-being is still essential.

Grooming: The curly coat of the Ural Rex requires special attention. Although it does not shed as intensively as other breeds, regular brushing is necessary to keep it in good condition. Use a soft brush to avoid damaging the hair structure and to prevent the formation of mats. Conduct this procedure in a calm environment, starting from the first weeks of the kitten’s life. Over time, it will become a spa ritual for your pet and significantly strengthen your emotional bond.

Hygiene: The Ural Rex needs regular cleaning of its ears and eyes, especially if the cat lives in an urban environment with more dust and pollution. It is also advisable to periodically check the teeth and gums to prevent potential dental issues. Use special dental care products for cats to maintain their health. Care for your pet’s claws is important as well. Placing scratching posts around the home in accessible locations will help preserve your furniture and allow your cat to stretch comfortably. However, a grinder will shorten the claws to a safe length, as overgrown claws can cause pain during the animal’s movement.

Nutrition: Surprisingly, the Ural Rex is not picky about food. There are no special dietary requirements, but it is important to monitor the quality and balance of their diet. Many catteries and breeders feed their curly Rexes super-premium dry food. Incorporate holistic options that contain all necessary vitamins and minerals into their menu. There is a wide range of such feeds available, taking into account various parameters and allowing for individual selection. For example, many manufacturers consider factors such as age, digestive health, neutering or spaying, weight loss, and maintenance (light formulas), as well as the individual’s age and weight. If you prefer natural feeding, avoid all spicy, salty, sweet, and smoked foods, river fish, and fats. Opt for lean beef and turkey, while avoiding legumes. To prevent health issues and allergic reactions in your kitten, consult with a veterinarian to create an appropriate diet plan.

Physical Activity: It is important to recognize that despite their love for comfort, the Ural Rex is a very active cat that requires frequent play and regular physical activity. Provide them with access to play complexes and toys to keep them in good shape and satisfy their need for movement. For pets that do not get enough play, you can purchase a cat wheel, allowing your curly-haired friend to burn off excess calories during daily runs, strengthen their muscles, and stay fit. Additionally, less active owners can use a laser pointer, which is loved not only by kittens but also by adult cats.

Health Care: Caring for the Ural Rex requires regular visits to the veterinarian and preventive check-ups. Catteries and breeders recommend vaccinations and parasite treatments according to an established schedule. The breeder website Zounika offers a dedicated page where you can find care recommendations and owner reviews.

Training and Education

The Ural Rex is a smart and quick-learning cat that easily acquires new skills and behavior rules. Raising and training this breed rarely presents challenges, especially when starting the process at an early age.

Socialization: The first step in training an Ural Rex is socialization. From the first days in your home, it’s important to instill the basic rules of behavior in the kitten. This breed adapts easily to new environments and quickly learns established norms. Allow it to acclimate in its new home, feed it at the same time each day, and keep noise to a minimum to avoid startling the little one. If guests come over, give the kitten time to decide when to approach them and introduce itself. Do not feed it from the table.

Commands and Tricks: The Ural Rex can learn simple commands, such as “Come here!” Use positive reinforcement-treats and affection-to encourage correct behavior. This cat is happy to follow commands and enjoys showcasing its skills. However, do not overfeed your student to keep its weight in check.

Litter Box and Scratching Post: Training the Ural Rex to use a litter box and scratching post is easy and requires little effort. These cats are clean and instinctively understand where to relieve themselves and sharpen their claws. However, if issues arise, it’s important to promptly correct the behavior and show the proper place for these actions. Usually, the catteries and breeders listed on our site offer kittens that are already accustomed to these nuances. You can find catteries on the map on our website.

Behavior Correction: It’s important to remember that this is a very sensitive cat. Negative reinforcement can lead to stress and mistrust. Always use a gentle and respectful approach when correcting behavior. If the kitten displays undesirable actions, try to identify and address the cause without resorting to punishment.

The Ural Rex is an ideal breed for those looking for an easily trainable and obedient pet. Regular attention to training and education will help foster harmonious relationships with the cat and ensure its comfortable existence in your home.

How to Choose a Kitten

Choosing a kitten of the Ural Rex breed is a responsible step that requires thorough analysis and careful consideration. It is important to take several factors into account to make the right choice.

Breeder and Cattery Research

First and foremost, you need to find catteries that breed Ural Rex cats. Carefully examine the reputation of the cattery where you plan to acquire your kitten. Read reviews, learn how responsibly the breeder handles breeding, and how well the cats are cared for. Catteries that sell kittens usually offer healthy and socialized pets. Typically, these kittens will have received all necessary vaccinations for their age and are ready to move to a new home.

Kitten Inspection

When selecting a kitten, assess its appearance against breed standards and observe its behavior. A healthy kitten is typically active, curious, and has clean, shiny fur. Ensure that the kitten has undergone a veterinary examination and has vaccination records in its passport.

Kitten’s CharacterThe Ural Rex is known for its friendly nature, although each kitten can have its own unique personality. Choose one that appeals to you based on its behavior-active but not aggressive, affectionate but not overly demanding.Documents and AncestryCheck the kitten’s documents-pedigree, veterinary passport, vaccination certificates. This ensures that the kitten is healthy and meets breed characteristics.Catteries in your region will offer various options, but only by choosing carefully will you find the perfect pet for your family.

Health and Illnesses

The Ural Rex is a breed that is known for its robust health and good genetics. However, like any other breed, it has its own specific traits that should be taken into account.

Genetic Diseases.

The Ural Rex is not prone to specific genetic diseases, but regular veterinary check-ups are necessary. This will help to identify and prevent potential issues in a timely manner.

Vaccination.

Vaccination is an important aspect of maintaining the health of the Ural Rex. Keep track of the vaccination schedule and do not skip veterinary visits. This will help to avoid common infectious diseases.

Parasites.Treatment for external and internal parasites should be done regularly. Use special products recommended by your veterinarian to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and worms.General Care.Regular inspections of the ears, eyes, and teeth, as well as monitoring the condition of the skin and fur, will help maintain your pet’s health at a high level. If you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior or appearance, do not delay in visiting the veterinarian.The health of the Ural Rex depends on your attention and care. By following care recommendations and regularly visiting the veterinarian, you can ensure a long and happy life for your pet.