Ural Rex: features of the cat’s appearance and character, rules of care and maintenance, 50 photos

Cats with unusual curly hair appeared in the Urals even before the start of World War II, but then no one paid attention to them or began to study them. The gene responsible for waviness survived and was passed on from generation to generation without human intervention, until in 1988 in the city of Zarechny, Sverdlovsk region, the smooth-haired cat Musya gave birth to two kittens with wonderful curly fur.

In 1922, one of them, Vasily, took part in a cat exhibition in Yekaterinburg, where he first attracted public attention. So Vasya took pride of place at the top of the Ural rex family tree.

Experimental crossings with Cornish and Germans did not lead to the desired result - smooth-haired offspring were born from curly-haired parents. Scientists have come to the conclusion that the “Ural” gene differs from other curly genes, and true representatives of the breed are born only from Ural parents.

After much research and testing, in 1999 the Urals were given the status of an official breed.

In 2003, a modern standard emerged that includes double-wave wool that curls into curls during infancy and settles into even waves by adolescence.

The Urals are officially recognized as felinologists by WCF, MFA and FARUS. Work on improving the breed's qualities continues.

Brief history of the breed

The homeland of Russian rexes is the Urals. Despite the fact that the first mentions of similar animals date back to the 40s of the last century, the ancestor of the Uralians is considered to be the black bicolor Vaska, who was born in 1988 and lived in the city of Zarechny, Sverdlovsk region.

For the first time, Russian rexes were demonstrated at the St. Petersburg cat exhibition in 1992. A couple of years later, a preliminary breed standard appeared. And in 2006, the Ural Rex received recognition from the international WCF system.

What documents must the breeder provide?

After an examination, each purebred kitten that has reached the age of 6 weeks receives a card confirming compliance with breed standards. When selling an animal from a nursery, its owner must provide the following documents: a registration card indicating the name of the kitten, names, titles and pedigree of the parents, a veterinary passport with vaccinations, telephone numbers of the nursery that sold the animal.

When purchasing, you need to draw up a sales contract, and the buyer must remember that for 2 weeks from the date of sale, the breeder, provided the owner takes proper care of the animal, bears full responsibility for it.

Interesting Facts

Despite the youth of the Urals, interesting facts have already appeared about the breed:

1. To improve the Ural cats, breeders bred them with Bohemian and Cornish Rex. But as a result, the kittens had straight hair. Thanks to these experiments, it became clear that these breeds have different “curl genes.”
2. The waviness in the coat of the Ural Rex appears earlier than in other curly-haired cats. Curls become noticeable by 3-4 months. And by the age of six months, Ural residents develop curly waves.

Peculiarities of reproduction of the Ural rex

The first heat in cats occurs at 7–8 months, but at this time the animal’s body is still too weak to bear offspring. On average, it is recommended to skip the first 3-4 heats and only then breed the animal.

Many owners note that female Ural Rex cats behave much calmer during estrus than representatives of other breeds and almost do not scream.

It is also undesirable to allow cats to mate earlier than 1-1.5 years - this can weaken the pet. Mating takes place in the cat's territory. As a rule, the cat is brought there on the third day of estrus and left for several days. Pregnancy lasts about 63 days. There are usually 2–4 kittens in a litter.

If you do not plan to breed cats or do not have the right to do so (for example, if you bought a pet-class animal), your pet must be castrated or sterilized. It is advisable to do this at about 9 months.

With late castration, cats may have time to develop bad habits, for example, the desire to mark the apartment. For cats, multiple “empty” heats or taking hormonal medications to prevent them usually result in serious health problems, including early death due to a malignant tumor.

Commercial breeding

To be admitted to breeding activities, an animal must receive expert assessments. In the future, it is desirable to participate in exhibitions. For cats, one pregnancy per year is recommended. With excellent health and very easy childbirth, 3 matings per 2 years are allowed, but no more.

Prizes at exhibitions significantly increase the value of the manufacturer

Cats are bred approximately three times a year, preferably at regular intervals.

It is advisable to search for partners through clubs. Owners of both animals must provide their pedigree and medical documents. Both partners must be dewormed and vaccinated. The average cost of mating is the approximate price of one kitten.

Even the mating of prize-winners can produce unsuccessful offspring, which in some ways do not meet the standard or are simply mediocre. No manufacturer is immune from this: as they say.

WCF rules prohibit the sale of kittens less than three months old. By this time, the cat owner should:

• register kittens in the club, that is, check for compliance with the standard;
• issue pedigrees and veterinary passports for them;
• inoculate.

Breed description, standards, appearance

The Ural Rex is a proportional, harmoniously built cat with a minimal layer of fat and well-developed muscles. An experimental breed standard was written in 1994. The last time the document was sent for revision was in 2012.

Dimensions and weight

Representatives of the breed are not large. An adult Ural cat weighs no more than 4 kg. The cat's weight is about 6 kg.

Anatomical characteristics

A typical Ural Rex should fit the following description:

1. The head is in the shape of a wide wedge, with pronounced cheekbones, a developed chin, a slightly rounded forehead and a flat bridge of the nose.
2. The ears are small to medium in size and resemble an isosceles triangle. They have a wide base, rounded tips, straight and high stance.
3. The eyes are oval, slightly slanted. The iris is painted in any color that is in harmony with the tone of the Ural fur.
4. The body is slender, compact, with developed muscles and a rounded chest.
5. The limbs are muscular, with oval paws and strong claws.
6. The tail is of normal length, with a slightly rounded tip.

Color and coat type

The body of the Ural rex is covered with thick, silky and soft hair, forming waves and elastic curls. Some cats of this breed have a small mane.

The coat color can be any color with the exception of chocolate, cinnamon, Burmese and Abyssinian ticking. Most often, Ural cats have blue, cream, tortoiseshell, black, silver, white and gold colors. Also common in the breed are color options such as harlequin, van, tabby and bicolor.

On a note. The fur of Ural Rex kittens may have a grayish tint, which disappears after the first molt. The black or black tabby color may acquire a brown and bright golden tone after 2 years.

Possible breed defects

Flaws in appearance, in the presence of which the Ural Rex will not receive a high expert assessment:

• ears that are too small or large;
• straight wool;
• long and thin or short thick body;
• wide base of the tail;
• short limbs;
• polydactyly;
• tail defects;
• malocclusion;
• deformation of the skull bones.

Read more about cat breeds with curls.

Where can I buy and how much does a kitten cost?

It is best to buy a kitten from trusted breeders.

It is best to purchase a kitten from a professional nursery. This will give you a guarantee of the animal’s health, and will also allow you to participate in exhibitions and further breeding of the breed. In addition, this will allow you to avoid being deceived by the seller. The fact is that Ural Rex kittens are born with straight hair, which acquires characteristic curly hair only at one year of age.

The cost of a kitten directly depends on its class:

• Show class are animals with ideal breed characteristics, future winners and champions of exhibitions. The price of such a kitten ranges from 650 to 1000 dollars;
• Breeding class - these animals have excellent reproductive qualities and clearly defined breed. They are mainly purchased for further breeding. A kitten of this class costs from 450 to 1000 dollars;
• Pet class - these animals have all the characteristics of their breed, but for some reason are not suitable for breeding or exhibitions. These kittens cost from 300 to 700 dollars.

Character and temperament

Ural cats are affectionate, sociable and friendly cats. They quickly become attached to their owners and love to spend time in the company of people. Ural rexes like to sit in their arms and sleep on their owner's bed. They should not be deprived of attention and left alone for a long time.

Due to their playful and good-natured nature, Ural residents easily find a common language with children of different ages and will not let them get bored. Cats of this breed never show aggression and are patient with childish pranks.

Friendly and non-conflicting, Ural Rexes get along without problems with other pets, including good-natured dogs.

Castration and sterilization

Ordinary people often use the terms castration and sterilization in relation to the sex of an animal. We are accustomed to thinking that only males are castrated, and cats are sterilized. However, you need to know that using these concepts in this sense is incorrect. In medical practice, these two operations are not gender specific:

• castration is the removal of reproductive organs in animals: in males the testicles are removed, and in females castration can be partial - only the ovaries are removed or complete - the ovaries are removed along with the uterus;
• Sterilization is an operation that removes reproductive organs from female animals and removes testes from male animals.

There is no consensus regarding the best age for these operations. It is believed that the optimal time for the cessation of reproductive functions is the age of 7–8 months, that is, before the animal becomes sexually mature. Some veterinarians believe that it is better to perform these operations at an even earlier age.

It is better to carry out the operation before the animal reaches sexual maturity.

How to choose the right kitten

Ural rexes are a fairly rare breed of cat, but with the right approach, purchasing such a pet usually does not pose any problems. It is better to purchase a purebred animal from a certified nursery or from a trusted breeder. At the time of the transaction, the kitten must have a veterinary passport with vaccination marks and a document confirming its origin.

You should also pay attention to the appearance of the small Ural. It must have all the characteristics characteristic of representatives of the breed. A healthy kitten should have clean ears, clear eyes, smooth skin and a soft belly.

Kitten care

For up to 3 months, little Ural cats live with their mother and before moving to a new home they have time to learn to eat many foods, master hygiene skills and get used to the tray. Therefore, most owners usually do not have problems with curly pets.

The new owners of a Ural kitten can only wait until the baby gets used to the changed conditions and show him where he can eat, rest and relieve himself.

To prevent accidents, all wires, ornamental plants, chemicals, small and fragile objects are removed from the pet. Also, to ensure safety, small Ural residents are denied access to large household appliances and open windows.

To prevent digestive problems against the background of stress from a change of place of residence, at first a kitten of this breed is fed only the usual food. New products are introduced into the menu of a Ural resident gradually in order to observe the reaction of his body.

The feeding schedule is based on the age of the animal:

• up to 12 weeks – 5-6 times a day;
• 3-7 months – 4 times a day;
• 7-12 months – 3 times a day.

A one-year-old Ural Rex is fed twice a day.

The health of Ural rexes and their life expectancy

Ural rexes are distinguished by fairly good health and strong immunity. No predisposition to any diseases has been identified at this time.

The average life expectancy is 14–15 years.

According to some reviews, Ural Rexes can have difficulty withstanding anesthesia. Increased sensitivity to sedatives is also possible, so prior consultation with a veterinarian is necessary when choosing a sedative.

The first course of vaccinations for the kitten is provided by the breeder. In some cases, the new owner only needs to take care of the rabies vaccination. In the future, vaccinations against the following diseases are given annually:

• panleukopenia;
• calcivirosis;
• rhinotracheitis;
• infectious peritonitis;
• chlamydia;
• trichophytosis and microsporia.

Rabies vaccinations are given every 1–3 years, depending on the last vaccine used.

The animal is treated for worms twice a year with industrial feeding and once a quarter with natural feeding.

Both vaccination and deworming must be carried out even if the pet does not leave the apartment: pathogenic microorganisms and parasite eggs often enter the house on outdoor shoes, clothes, things, etc.

Many veterinary clinics nowadays offer specialist home visits. I prefer this option - as experience has shown, the stress of the trip, hospital smells and many unfamiliar people turns my already not the most tame Siberian into a natural fury. At home, she tolerates injections much easier.

Do not try to vaccinate your pet yourself - a specialist must first examine the animal and select a vaccine taking into account its characteristics.

Care and maintenance

Ural rexes do not need special conditions, but they love comfort. Therefore, they must be provided with a cozy place to sleep and relax. Otherwise, caring for cats of this breed comes down to hygiene procedures and balanced feeding.

• The ears and eyes of the Ural Rex are systematically wiped with moistened wipes and inspected for the presence of unusual discharge.
• As they grow, the cat's claws are shortened with a nail clipper, removing only the transparent part and trying not to touch living tissue.
• The Ural Rex's teeth are cleaned 2-3 times a month with a silicone brush with a small amount of non-foaming paste.
• The dead hairs of a cat of this breed get stuck in the curls and cannot fall out on their own. To prevent the Ural Rex from clogging the gastrointestinal tract when licking its fur, it is combed out with a special brush. In normal times, this is done once a week, during the molting period - every other day.
• Urals have very delicate skin, which can be easily dried out by detergents. Therefore, representatives of the breed are bathed only in extreme cases.

On a note. After bathing procedures, the fur of curly cats becomes dull and too “fluffy”. Therefore, it is recommended to wash show Ural Rex cats 2 weeks before the event so that their coat has time to regain its normal appearance.

Purchasing a kitten

In Russia it is quite easy to buy a Ural Rex kitten. However, like other rex breeds, the Ural Rex is relatively expensive. The exact cost of a kitten depends on the age, gender, appearance and class of the animal. A kitten for the “soul” (pet-class) will cost more than 15,000 rubles. A kitten for future breeding (bride class) will cost up to 50 thousand rubles, and for a future champion and title holder you will have to pay more than 50 thousand rubles.

To buy a good Ural kitten, you should contact only specialized breeders. The best cattery is the one that breeds only one breed (even if the entire cattery consists of only one cat). If several breeds are represented in one place, most likely the goal of the cattery is to sell kittens that look like purebreds.

The price of a kitten depends on several criteria: class, age, gender

How to choose a good kitten

When choosing a kitten for breeding, you should be guided by several criteria:

• Appearance (the animal must be neat, without visible wounds, scratches, discharge from the eyes or nose);
• Absence of skin parasites (you can part the fur with your fingers; there should be no fleas or their droppings on the skin and fur)
• Kitten behavior (the cat should be cheerful, quite active and friendly);
• Documents for the animal (it must have a passport with all vaccinations: against calcivirus, panleukemia, etc. and pedigree);
• pedigree.

It is believed that all little kittens are alike, but you must be sure that you choose a real Rex. Even the smallest "Ural" must have signs of the breed. These kittens are born already curly, but by six months the curly coat forms into even waves. The hair remains soft to the touch (as if it is thinning). Kittens have a grayish color. Later, the rex's fur oxidizes and takes on a golden hue (especially in black and red rexes).

Rex kittens have a well-defined cranial part of the head, the eyes are bulging and widely set, and the nose is wide. The kitten's muzzle is shaped like an inverted triangle, and its high cheekbones stand out. In addition, the body of the little Ural is not much different from the structure of representatives of other breeds.

Suitable age to purchase

Many people want to adopt a very young kitten, but few have the courage to tear the baby away from the mother cat. Next to its mother, the kitten feels protected. The cat nurses him, and together with the colostrum, the kitten receives its basic immunity. A child who is taken away from a cat too early may be mentally weak, ill, and have behavioral problems. They may destroy furniture, walk past the toilet, and be disobedient towards their owners.

A kitten will always try to imitate its mother, so it is important to teach it all the cat skills. This will help her start eating properly, using the litter box, and socializing with the kittens. Only at the age of two months will the kitten learn to play moderately, controlling the force of its bite and not scratching its comrades.

At the age of about two months, the primary immunity the kitten receives from its mother weakens. At this time, the child begins to prepare for his first vaccination. Kittens are not vaccinated until 3 months of age, and a vaccinated kitten without immunity runs the risk of getting sick when moving to a new home. In an unfamiliar environment, the animal's body can be attacked by viruses and infections. There was a case in my family when a very small cat was left without a mother. He fell ill, suddenly felt ill and lost consciousness. Of course, we immediately called the vet, but the kitten died anyway. The veterinarian said the cause of death was plague.

Kittens should not be separated from their mother until 3 months of age.

Feeding the cat

Urals are unpretentious in food, so you can feed them both industrial and natural food. The main thing is not to mix these types of nutrition with each other.

When feeding dry food, Uralians buy premium or super-premium products from trusted manufacturers. It is important to ensure that it does not contain any dubious additives such as soy, dyes and preservatives.

The following brands of food are best suited for residents of the Urals:

• Bosch;
• Hills;
• Pronature;
• Gemon.

With a natural type of food, a cat's diet should consist of 70-80% meat. The Ural resident is also given:

• boiled vegetables;
• porridge with water;
• offal;
• boiled eggs;
• dairy products;
• oceanic or sea fish of low-fat varieties.

Bread, sausages, sweets, mushrooms and smoked meats are excluded from the Ural Rex’s diet. Also, a cat of this breed is not given pork, beans, exotic fruits, or any leftovers from the owner’s table.

Education and physical activity

Urals are cats with fairly high intelligence. They try in every possible way to please their owners and easily learn the rules of behavior in the house. Curly-haired cats quickly get used to the litter box and are able to perform simple tricks.

The Urals are very fond of all kinds of toys and can play with them for hours. To maintain good physical shape, cats of this breed are provided with a special corner with numerous ladders and multi-level platforms.

Pros and cons of the breed

Urals, like any other cats, have both advantages and disadvantages.

Ural rexes are rare cats with a non-standard, but very attractive exterior and easy-going character. They easily find a common language with all household members and quickly turn into real family members.

Characteristics of this breed

The most important feature is the curly coat, short or semi-long.

The short-haired Ural Rex has a dense and silky coat. It looks like a wave with an elastic, clearly visible curl. By the age of two, the curl is completely formed.

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In semi-longhaired cats, the wave is not so clear; there may be a small mane. The curl is a spiral. The hair on the tail is also elongated.

The longer the length, the less pronounced the color.

Shedding

This process is unusual in this breed. During the shedding season, lost hair accumulates only on the pet's brush or bed.

Allergy to wool

The Ural Rex's fur is hypoallergenic, making the breed suitable for people prone to allergies. Pets have no undercoat, and the outer coat is quite thin. These cats do not have a specific smell from their fur.