The Oregon Rex is a very rare cat breed; you could even call it extinct. It arose from a genetic mutation. Oregon Rex cats first appeared in the US in the 1940s, but by the mid-1970s there were practically no purebred cats left.
History
As the name suggests, this rare breed comes from the state of Oregon. The first curly-coated kitten was born in 1944 to a straight-coated mother. The rest of the litter was ordinary, which is why he stood out. Still, the first official mention of the Oregon Rex dates to 1955.
That was right around the time Cornish Rex and Devon Rex cats were brought to the US from Great Britain and began to be bred with the Oregon cats. Other rex cats were also involved in developing the new breed. As a result, the Oregon Rex got lost in a big mix of breeds that look alike but differ genetically, especially since its gene turned out to be recessive. As far as is known, the last purebred Oregon Rex died in 1972.
Oregon Rex Breed Description
Oregon Rex cats are medium-sized and weigh about 9–13 lb. There’s no registered official breed standard, but here’s a description of these cats and the main traits that set them apart from other rexes:
- Head: wedge-shaped, medium-sized, with high cheekbones and prominent whisker pads; the whiskers themselves are short or curly;
- Ears: large with rounded tips, set high, wide at the base, with barely noticeable tufts;
- Eyes: oval, medium-sized, set wide apart. Color varies and depends on the coat color;
- Body: neat and elongated, similar to the American Shorthair;
- Legs: long, with small rounded paws;
- Tail: thin and long to match the elongated body, tapering toward the tip;
- Coat: curly and silky, shorter than that of the German Rex or Cornish Rex. Because the hair is less flexible, the guard hairs are longer than the undercoat. The coat is sparser on the bristle hairs.
Personality
These are affectionate, demanding and playful cats. They love meeting new people but are slow to adjust to new surroundings. To its owner, the Oregon Rex is a true companion that follows them everywhere.
These cats also get along well with kids and put up with clumsy handling. The Oregon Rex doesn’t mind a dog’s company either. The main thing for this cat is to be loved. It enjoys snuggling with its owner in bed. At the same time, these cats are very energetic and love to run and play. They’re also known for their intelligence and resourcefulness.
Care and Health
The Oregon Rex is generally considered a healthy breed. Life expectancy is 12–15 years. Like any cat, they can get diarrhea, vomiting or worms, but all of this can be prevented with proper care and nutrition.
Since these are quite active cats, they need calorie-dense food to replenish their energy. And although the breed isn’t prone to obesity, you should still keep an eye on the balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates in your pet’s diet. As always, a complete, balanced commercial food is the ideal option. These cats won’t turn down “live vitamins” in the form of cat grass or oat grass either.
The Oregon Rex doesn’t shed much, but it’s still not the best choice for people with allergies. Brush your cat weekly to remove dead hair, massage the skin and stimulate circulation. This gives the coat a healthy shine. Clean the ears, teeth and eyes as needed.
Colors
The Oregon Rex can come in many colors and patterns. Common ones include tortie, red, white points on the face and paws, and solid colors. There are also tabby Oregon Rex cats, with a clear “M” marking on the forehead.
Here’s what the Oregon Rex looks like:
How Much Does an Oregon Rex Kitten Cost?
How much would an Oregon Rex kitten set you back? First, it’s worth repeating that, officially, there are no purebred Oregon Rex cats left today. Any kitten offered under this name is a mix of different rex breeds, such as Oregon, Devon and Cornish.
No US registry (CFA or TICA) registers the Oregon Rex, so there’s no established market price. If you love curly coats, a registered Cornish Rex or Devon Rex kitten from a US breeder typically costs about $1,000–2,500.
Since this cat is so hard to find, you might like the LaPerm or the Selkirk Rex.
Where to Buy?
We couldn’t find a single Oregon Rex cattery in the US or abroad. Only private breeders work with non-purebred “Oregon” cats. If someone offers you an “Oregon Rex,” check reviews of the seller, ask for registration papers and consult a rex-breed expert before paying.
For other curly-coated breeds, look for registered US catteries here:
- CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) Find a Breeder – https://find-a-breeder.cfa.org/;
- TICA (The International Cat Association) breeder listings – https://tica.org/find-a-cat/find-a-cat-breeder-listings/;
