This is a now non-existent cat breed to the best of my knowledge, based on the fact that it first appeared in the early 1990s and only three individuals existed in the late 1990s due to financial mismanagement according to a most reputable source: Sarah Harwell.
The mismanagement led to ‘most [cat] being destroyed’.
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The Missouri Rex was a somewhat stocky (semi-cobby) shorthaired cat with large ears low-set in the cranium. The whiskers were not brittle and described as ‘loopy’.
It was cross-bred with Devon and Cornish Rex cats with the resultant offspring being straight-haired. Remember the word ‘rex’ refers to a curly coat.
The mutation that caused the curly coat in the Missouri Rex was different to that which caused the curly coat in both Devon and Cornish Rexes.
Hartwell wrote her article about the curly coated cats around 15 years ago and at that time she surmised if this breed still existed.
I believe it reasonable to say that it does not in 2024.
That’s all I have to say about the breed 😉😎🙄. Not much but there is nothing left of the breed. If I am incorrect, I’d love you to tell me in a comment, please.
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Video of Cornish Rex showing the rex coat
This cat is a champion. Very skinny frame. Unnaturally so but that is the breed standard. The Cornish Rex is a slender cat. I am showing the video so visitors can get a feel for the rex coat. This is a wavy coat.
What makes some breeds more popular than others
Cat breeds gain popularity for various reasons. Here are a few factors:
- Temperament and Personality: Some breeds have desirable traits, such as being affectionate, sociable, or calm. For example:
- British Shorthair: Known for their relaxed, friendly nature and plush fur.
- Ragdoll: Gentle, loving, and sociable cats.
- Unique Appearance: Distinctive looks can attract attention. The Bengal, with its leopard-like coat, is a prime example.
- Social media and Pop Culture: Cats have become popular in pop culture, with TV shows, movies, and social media dedicated to them. This exposure contributes to their appeal.
- Ease of Care: Cats are more affordable and low-maintenance than dogs. Millennials, in particular, appreciate their cost-effectiveness and convenience.
- Historical Factors: Cats’ independent nature and playful personalities have endeared them to people of all ages.
- The breeder gives up or dies! This is a possibility. Sometimes there are too many breeds of the same type, in this case the rex coat, which can make the ‘marketplace’ too crowded.
Ultimately, a combination of temperament, appearance, and cultural influence determines a breed’s popularity. 😺🐾
