German Rex vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison

German Rex vs American Shorthair - Breed ComparisonGerman Rex is originated from Germany but American Shorthair is originated from United States. Both German Rex and American Shorthair are having almost same weight. German Rex may live 3 years less than American Shorthair. Both German Rex and American Shorthair has same litter size. Both German Rex and American Shorthair requires Low maintenance.

History

german rex - historyThe cat originates from Germany and was developed in about the 1950s. Dr. Rose Scheuer-Karpin found a frizzy-haired black and white cat and chose to breed her.

So as to fix the frizzy hair gene, it was decided to mate the cat further and this was the start of the German Rex.

It was later crossed with the Cornish Rex. The cats were recognized by the International Feline Foundation, but the Cat Fanciers' Association still associates the breed with the Cornish Rex.

american shorthair - historyOften sailors of old would keep cats onboard to protect their stores from mice and rats, and so it was when settlers sailed from Europe to North America.

They had cats onboard and once onshore they interbred. But in the 20th century, a selective breeding program began to bring out the best qualities of these cats.

The American Shorthair is one of these cats – a pedigreed cat that is accepted by all North American cat registries. At first, the cat was known as the Domestic Shorthair but it was renamed in 1966.

Basic Information

Origin:
Germany
United States
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 17 Years
15 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
The Rex
Domestic Shorthair
Colors Available:
All colors
Many colors and patterns
Coat:
Short, dense, silky and curly
Shortish hair
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

german rex kitten - descriptionThis is a medium-sized, muscular domestic cat with a well-developed chest. The cat can weigh between 3 and 6kg.

The legs are fairly long and slender but strong and the tail is thick and furry with a rounded tip. The head is round and the ears are large. The eye colors are always related to the coat color. The coat is short and silky and in many colors and it has a tendency to curl.

Temperament:

These are friendly cats that form a strong bond with their human owners, although they are friendly towards strangers too.

They’re intelligent, lively, and playful too and will fit in well to homes with children.

Because of their playful nature, you want to ensure you provide them with lots of entertaining, stimulating toys.

They’ve got balanced personalities and are known for being sociable, adapting to the lifestyles they find themselves in. They will also get on well with other pets in the home, and enjoy being both indoors and outside.

american shorthair kitten - descriptionThe American Shorthair is a large, sturdy cat with a round face and short ears. Their coats can come in many different patterns and colors. They shed so the fur will need to be brushed from time to time.

They stand at about 20 – 25cm in height and they weigh between 5 and 7kg.

Temperament:

The American Shorthairs are easy, no-fuss cats. They’re also low maintenance, healthy, amicable cats, ready to even be friends with strangers and your dogs.

He is an intelligent cat too so it will be important to provide him with toys that challenge him to think. These good-natured cats make perfect famiy companions.

Characteristics

german rex cat - characteristicsYour German Rex is everything you want in a pet. He is a cat that loves his human family and is prepared to offer loyalty and love in exchange for the same.

He is adaptable and undemanding. Before you invest in such a cat, understand that interaction from you is highly important, so if you don’t have time for an adult pet, it would be kinder not to get this particular cat breed as they crave lots of attention,

american shorthair cat - characteristicsThe American Shorthair is a playful cat and is quite capable of amusing himself, but will welcome your games too. He’s a big cat so make sure he gets enough exercise to avoid him becoming obese.

He is a low maintenance cat and you don't have to be worrying about him too much as he just likes to get on with life. He loves being well-fed, getting your attention and lying in the sun.

This is one cat that doesn’t need a lot of attention so being easy to care for, independent, playful, and affectionate, you’re going to have one of a kind companion and friend.

Health Problems

german rex kittens - health problemsWith excellent care and lots of love and attention, your German Rex can reach up to 17 years of age. They aren’t prone to any particular diseases, but diet plays a massive role in their health.

Remember that obesity is a major disease and it in itself can contribute to a host of other illnesses in cats and shorten its life. Excess weight contributes towards arthritis and diabetes and just losing a bit of weight can contribute towards increased mobility.

Dental disease is a common, chronic problem and you need to ensure your pet’s diet promotes dental health. It can be extremely stressful for your cat to have his teeth brushed, but in the case of chronic dental infection, get your pet to a vet.

american shorthair kittens - health problemsWith good nutrition and a loving caring lifestyle, the American Shorthair can live to be 15 – 20 years of age and even longer.

Their flattish faces also make the American Shorthair prone to respiratory issues.

Caring The Pet

german rex cats - caringThe German Rex is a shorthaired breed so a gentle brush once a week will be quite adequate.

As you groom your German Rex, feel for any unusual lumps and make sure there are no signs of sores or rashes on your cat.

Check inside his ears for wax and dirt buildup and signs of redness for infection. If you don’t like to clean the inside of your cat’s ears, there are professional cat groomers and your local vet who will do this for you.

Make sure you feed your Rex the best cat food there is. When you look at the commercially cat manufactured foods there are, you’ll notice that there is dry kibble for cats as well as wet-type foods.

Through trial and error, you’ll learn what your cat likes, but your vet can offer valuable information on what is essential in a cat’s diet. Cats are carnivores so that means their diets have to be high in meat – protein – and low in carbohydrates.

Check out the best cat foods there are – the ones that have all the vitamins and minerals your cat requires to remain healthy.

Provide fresh, cool water for your cat around the clock.

Provide your cat with a litter box and keep it meticulously clean, scooping out the cat droppings every day and changing the actual sand or grit regularly.

Provide your cat with a warm bed, food and water bowls, toys, collar, and tag, climbing tree and scratching post.

Have your pet neutered or spayed to avoid unwanted kittens.

Your kitten must start their first vaccines between 8 and 12 weeks of age. Your kitten will also be dewormed.

Take your cat to the vet when he is sick.

american shorthair cats - caringYour American Shorthair will benefit greatly from regular brushing and he looks forward to this grooming period and being pampered by you for a few minutes.

It helps to remove the dead hair from his coat and this is important so that he doesn’t ingest the loose hair. While you’re brushing him, you can also run your fingers over him to make sure there are no unusual lumps. Anything odd or any sign of illness you should take your cat to see the vet immediately.

Diet:

Make sure your American Shorthair has access to the best quality food there is. There are many commercially manufactured cat foods available and your vet can advise you on the best one to choose.

Cats are carnivores so aways choose food that is high in proten. Food must be provided in accordance with the cat’s age and energy levels. Certainly a generic cat or one with a medical condition will need a certain type of food than a young, frisky kitten. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh, cool water.

Make your cat comfortable:

Make sure your furry feline friend has everything he needs to ensure he is comfortable. This includes feeding bowls, toys, a litter box, soft bedding, nutritious food as well as scratching post and climbing equipment.

Desex your cats:

Have your pet neutered or spayed if you don’t want kittens from your cat. These procedures have enormous health benefits for your pet and it prevents even more kittens coming into a world that already has far too many unwanted pets.

Vaccines:

Make sure your cat is up to date with all his vaccines because without being vaccinated your cat can succumb to any one of the life-threatening cat illnesses there are. Kittens need to have their first vaccines at 8 weeks of age.

Transporting your cat:

If you have to take your cat to the vet you need a carrier basket so that your cat feels comfortable and safe inside it.

You can’t just put your cat on a leash and take him to the vet as inside the car he will lurch around and cause you to lose attention. A transport box that is familiar to your cat will be the best way for you and your cat to travel.

Comparison with other breeds

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  25. British Shorthair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  26. German Rex vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. German Rex vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. German Rex vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. German Rex vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. German Rex vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. German Rex vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. German Rex vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. German Rex vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. German Rex vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. German Rex vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. German Rex vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. German Rex vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. German Rex vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. German Rex vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. German Rex vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. German Rex vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. German Rex vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. German Rex vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
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  45. German Rex vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. German Rex vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. German Rex vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. German Rex vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. German Rex vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
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