The Tennessee Rex is a recent breed of cat, discovered in Tennessee by chance. Its striking feature is its curly coat, with a shiny and satiny tone. They are noted for being calm and polite cats.
General details
Tennessee Rex cats are medium-sized, with males typically weighing between 4.5 and 6.8 kilograms and females between 3.5 and 5.5 kilograms. They are about 25 centimeters tall. Under normal conditions, they can live between 12 and 18 years. This breed is recognized by associations such as the International Cat Association (TICA).
Breed history in brief
The Tennessee Rex breed was first discovered in 2004 in the United States by breeder and cat lover Franklin Whittenburg. Initially, Franklin didn`t know it, until the pregnant female he adopted gave birth to a litter of two kittens with curly, shiny, satiny fur, just like the mother. It appeared to have been a spontaneous genetic mutation that was passed on to the offspring. When professionals confirmed their suspicions, and recognizing its potential, Whittenburg began a selective breeding program to establish the breed and preserve the mutation. The Tennessee Rex was officially recognized as a unique breed by several cat associations in the late 2000s and has since gained popularity for its distinctive appearance and charming personality, although it remains one of the rarest breeds.
Breed characteristics
The Tennessee Rex is a medium-sized breed with a well-proportioned, muscular, rectangular and long body. There are both long and short-coated varieties, with the coat being soft, fluffy and curly, giving them a distinctive, luxurious appearance. The curls are more pronounced in some cats and can vary in tightness and density. Even the whiskers may be curved. The coat is single-coated and tends to be denser in the winter months, while it is lighter in the summer. Typical coat colors include a wide variety of patterns and shades, although most are orange or red and white. Of note is the glossy, satiny appearance of their coat, due to a unique recessive gene. This effect makes them shimmer in the light and highlights the colors, being more striking in light-colored individuals. They are polite and calm cats, bred to be part of the family. They are quiet and playful.
Common health problems
The Tennessee Rex is generally a healthy breed with no specific genetic diseases known to affect them.
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