Ural Rex The Curly-Coated Russian Feline Gem

If you’re a cat lover searching for a rare, affectionate, and strikingly beautiful breed, the Ural Rex might be your perfect match. Known for its soft, wavy coat and charming personality, this Russian-born feline is a hidden treasure in the world of cat breeds.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Ural Rex—its history, appearance, temperament, care needs, and why it’s becoming a favorite among cat enthusiasts.

What Is a Ural Rex?

The Ural Rex is a naturally occurring curly-coated cat breed originating from the Ural Mountains in Russia. Unlike other Rex breeds (like the Cornish or Devon Rex), the Ural Rex has a distinct genetic mutation that gives it a unique, plush, wavy coat.

Quick Facts About the Ural Rex

✅ Origin: Russia (Ural Mountains)
✅ Coat Type: Soft, wavy curls
✅ Size: Medium
✅ Weight: 8–12 lbs (3.5–5.5 kg)
✅ Lifespan: 12–15 years
✅ Temperament: Affectionate, playful, intelligent

History of the Ural Rex

The Ural Rex’s history dates back to the mid-20th century, with the first documented curly-coated cats appearing in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Unlike other Rex breeds developed through selective breeding, the Ural Rex emerged naturally.

Key Historical Milestones:

• 1940s–1960s: First sightings of curly-coated cats in the Urals.
• 1990s: Official breeding programs began to preserve the breed.
• 2006: Recognized by the World Cat Federation (WCF).
• Present: Still rare outside Russia but gaining global interest.

Physical Characteristics of the Ural Rex

What makes the Ural Rex stand out? It’s soft, undulating curls, expressive eyes, and elegant body structure.

1. Coat & Colors

• Texture:Silky, dense waves (unlike the Devon Rex’s loose curls).
• Patterns:Solid, tabby, bicolor, and more.
• Colors:Black, blue, red, cream, silver, and tortoiseshell.

2. Body Structure

• Build:Medium-sized, muscular, and well-proportioned.
• Eyes:Large, almond-shaped, in shades of green, gold, or blue.
• Ears:Medium-sized, slightly rounded at the tips.
• Tail:Tapered with a gentle curl.

Ural Rex Personality & Temperament

This breed isn’t just about looks—it’s also known for its sweet, sociable nature.

Key Personality Traits:

✔ Affectionate – Loves cuddles and human companionship.
✔ Playful – Enjoys interactive toys and games.
✔ Intelligent – Quick learner, can be trained to fetch or walk on a leash.
✔ Gentle – Great with children and other pets.

Unlike some high-energy breeds, the Ural Rex strikes a perfect balance between playful and relaxed.

Caring for a Ural Rex

Despite its unique coat, the Ural Rex is relatively low-maintenance.

1. Grooming Needs

• Brushing:Once or twice a week to prevent tangles.
• Bathing:Occasionally, if needed (their coat doesn’t get oily easily).
• Ears & Nails:Regular checks and cleaning.

2. Diet & Health

• Food:High-quality protein-rich cat food.
• Common Health Issues: Generally healthy, but watch for:
  • Skin sensitivities (due to curly fur).
  • Dental issues (regular brushing recommended).

3. Exercise & Enrichment

• Interactive toys(feather wands, puzzle feeders).
• Climbing structures(cat trees, shelves).
• Playtime bonding(they thrive on attention).

Why Choose a Ural Rex?

If you’re looking for a rare, loving, and low-shedding cat, the Ural Rex is an excellent choice.

Pros of Owning a Ural Rex:

🌟 Hypoallergenic(ish) – Less shedding than many breeds.
🌟 Adaptable – Does well in apartments and homes.
🌟 Family-Friendly – Gentle with kids and pets.

Cons to Consider:

⚠ Rarity – Can be hard to find outside Russia.
⚠ Moderate Grooming – Needs occasional coat care.

Where to Find a Ural Rex Kitten

Since this breed is still rare, you may need to:

• Contact specialized breeders in Russia or Europe.
• Check WCF-registered catteries.
• Join Ural Rex enthusiast groups for adoption leads.

Always ensure ethical breeding practices before purchasing.

Is the Ural Rex Right for You?

The Ural Rex is a captivating blend of beauty, brains, and affection. If you’re seeking a unique feline companion with a velvety coat and a heart full of love, this Russian gem might be your ideal pet.

Have you ever met a Ural Rex? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🐾

 Profile 

The Ural Rex cat breed is a naturally occurring mutation that appeared in cats in Russia. It is known that in their homeland, in the city of Yekaterinburg and other regions of the Urals, they existed for quite a long time, until breeders engaged in their purposeful breeding.

The ancestor of the breed is the black cat Vasily, black, who was crossed with a cat named Moore (emphasis on the letter y), white. Vasily was born in 1988, and the couple made their first litter in 1994. In the future, breeders continued to work, and also engaged in research and mated kittens of
the Ural rex with the Bohemian rex and the Cornish rex – this led to the appearance of kittens with a straight texture of the coat. So, the myth that the mutation of the Ural rex is directly related to the Cornish rex remains only a myth, and nothing more.

In 1997, a breeding program was also established in Moscow. In addition to the population descended from the cat Vasily, born in the town
of Zarechny (Sverdlovsk region), other individuals with the same spontaneous mutation found in the Urals are mentioned. The breed is recognized in the felinological organizations WCF, FARUS, and IPA.

Characteristics 

Adaptability                                       09/10

Attachment to the family             09/10

Gaming activity                                08/10

intelligence                                        09/10

General health                                 10/10

Wool fallout                                      04/10

Friendliness to children                 10/10

Friendly to dogs                               09/10

Love of meows                                 03/10

Breed Information  | Do Selkirk Rex cats shed a lot?

What is the description of the Ural Rex?

The Ural Rex breed is a kind, understanding, and very affectionate cat. They especially treat children as their own, there, and as humans. The softness of character and friendly attitude to each family member will make the pet a favorite companion and companion for many years.
And if you live in a private house, remember – the Ural rex is a real storm of mice.

These are cats of medium and large size, with a developed chest and a muscular physique. The legs are strong, long, the tail is of medium length, the ears are also medium, and the muzzle is wedge-shaped. The Ural rex can live up to 20 years, with proper care and quality nutrition.

What is the personality?

Are our Cornish Rex cats friendly?

The cat of the Ural Rex breed is distinguished by a soft character, obedience, and great friendliness. They have a very balanced psyche, they are balanced and calm. However, this does not mean that the Ural rex has a retarded reaction, is slow, or is simply phlegmatic – just the
opposite.

Are Selkirk Rex lap cats?

These cats love different types of activity, love games and entertainment, and love to spend time with people and other pets. They are very inquisitive and intelligent, also have good hunting instincts, and are good at navigating the terrain. These skills were deposited genetically, as these cats lived on the street for decades, hunting rodents, birds, arranging a cat’s life, relying only on their strength and intelligence.

A balanced character and affectionate attitude towards their family members, as well as a love of games, make them an excellent choice for
a child. Separation from your family is very difficult, especially if you leave your pet for a long time. A cat can survive being left for a few hours, but a few days or even months without loved ones will be a severe trauma for her.

If you are a lonely owner and go to work, it is better either to get another cat or to opt for other breeds. The cat of the Ural Rex breed always treats its offspring with great care and trepidation. She rarely shows aggression towards people and other animals, and rarely gives a voice. He treats strangers calmly.

What are the common diseases?

These are healthy cats that do not have any genetic problems or tendencies to certain diseases.

How to take care?

The Ural rex can have short or long hair with an undercoat. In both the first and second cases, cats need to be combed once or twice a week, as well as have their claws trimmed every 10 days. Bathe these pets about once every 2 months, clean their ears once a week, and their eyes every day.