German Rex: the nature and description of the breed, maintenance and care

A specific gene mutation has given this breed of cat a unique coat structure without a stiff outer hair. The animal's appearance resembles a plush toy, but its anatomical features require strict temperature control.
The lack of a dense protective layer makes the skin vulnerable to dermatological problems. Owners are faced with the need for regular hardware grooming and the preparation of a highly specialized protein diet.
Genetics of the absence of the outer hair
The wavy structure of the coat is formed due to a recessive gene that deforms the hair shaft at the stage of its growth in the follicle. The coat consists solely of an undercoat devoid of coarse protective scales. This makes the fur coat incredibly soft, but completely non-functional in cold conditions.
The anatomy of the coat dictates the rules of thermoregulation:
- the room temperature should not fall below 23 degrees;
- the use of clothing is necessary during transportation during the cold season;
- the installation of heated beds compensates for the rapid loss of heat.
The outer hair of ordinary cats works like an umbrella, wicking moisture and dirt away from the skin. Rexes are deprived of this option. Any ingress of water leads to instant wetting of the undercoat and the risk of developing pneumonia due to a sharp drop in body temperature.
Scanty hair makes the body spend enormous energy on heating internal organs. The increased metabolism is reflected in the heart rate, which in this breed exceeds the standard values of cats.
Thermoregulation and basic skin care
The sebaceous glands of the German rex function normally, but the sebum produced is not distributed over long hair. Excess sebum accumulates at the roots of the undercoat, clogging the pores and causing comedones to appear on the chin and base of the tail.
The protocol of dermatological care includes:
- wiping skin folds with alcohol-free wet wipes twice a week;
- washing with specialized shampoos with chlorhexidine every month;
- combing out the dead undercoat with a rubber glove, not a puffer.
The use of metal brushes is strictly prohibited. The hard teeth scratch the defenseless epidermis, opening the gates to bacterial infections. The owner's arsenal is limited to silicone combs, which carefully collect shedding hairs.
Special attention is paid to the hygiene of the auricles. Due to the lack of hair filters, a large amount of dark secretions accumulates inside the ear. Regular cleaning with lotions prevents the development of otitis media and tick infestation.
Eating behavior and protein metabolism
A high metabolic rate creates an increased appetite in rexes. Cats are constantly looking for sources of calories to maintain body temperature. The tendency to overeat against the background of housing quickly leads to the deposition of visceral fat on internal organs.
The diet should be based on animal proteins with minimal carbohydrate intake. Fiber is added solely to stimulate intestinal motility. Portion control is carried out through automatic feeders that deliver food strictly according to a schedule in small doses.
The balance of nutrients directly affects the quality of your coat. Deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids makes the hairs brittle, turning a plush fur coat into stiff bristles. The introduction of salmon oil into the diet restores the elasticity of the undercoat and protects the skin from peeling. L'application mobile 1xBet, disponible sur Android et iOS, offre une expérience de pari complète et fluide où que vous soyez. Pour bénéficier des mêmes avantages que sur le site web, il est essentiel d'utiliser le code promo 1xbet lors de votre enregistrement via l'application. Ce code débloque un bonus de bienvenue de 100% jusqu'à 130€ sur les paris sportifs, ainsi que la possibilité de choisir le package casino de 1 950€ et 150 tours gratuits. L'application vous donne accès à l'intégralité des marchés, des cotes et des fonctionnalités, comme les paris en direct ou le streaming de certains événements.