Oregon Rex cat breed (extinct)

Oregon Rex Cats

Have you ever heard of the Oregon Rex Cat? It’s a rather mysterious breed of domestic cat that lived in the western United States in the late 1800s, and suddenly vanished from existence in the early 1900s. In this article, I’ll be uncovering the mysterious origins and decline of the Oregon Rex Cat, and exploring the impact of its extinction.

Introduction to the Oregon Rex Cat

The Oregon Rex Cat was a breed of domestic cat that originated in the western United States in the late 1800s. It was first documented in Oregon in 1897, and quickly spread throughout the region. The breed was known for its short, wavy fur and “poodle-like” appearance. It was also known for its playful, affectionate personality and intelligence.

History of the Oregon Rex Cat

The Oregon Rex Cat was first documented in 1897 by a prominent Oregon cat breeder, Mr. William P. Hammond. He was the first to recognize the breed and describe its distinctive features, and he named it the “Oregon Rex Cat” after its wavy coat. The breed quickly gained popularity in the region, and soon became a favorite among cat fanciers.

Physical Characteristics of the Oregon Rex Cat

The Oregon Rex Cat was known for its distinctive physical characteristics. It had a short, wavy coat that was similar to a poodle’s, and it was usually gray, black, or white. It had large, round eyes and a short, rounded muzzle. Its ears were large and wide-set, and its tail was short and curly. Arguably, it looked similar to Devon and Cornish Rex. 

Origin of the Oregon Rex Cat

The origins of the Oregon Rex Cat are unknown, and its exact lineage is still a mystery. Some experts believe that the breed was created by crossing a wild cat with a domestic cat, while others believe that it was the result of a spontaneous mutation. Whatever the case, the breed quickly gained popularity in the region and was beloved by cat fanciers.

Decline of the Oregon Rex Cat

The Oregon Rex Cat began to decline in popularity in the early 1900s. By the 1930s, the breed had nearly vanished from existence. This was due to a combination of factors, including the rise of other popular breeds, the spread of disease, and a lack of careful breeding practices. Some say that the last one died in 1972.

Reasons for the Decline of the Oregon Rex Cat

The decline of the Oregon Rex Cat was due to a combination of factors. First, the breed faced competition from other popular breeds, such as the Persian and Siamese cats. As these breeds became more popular, the Oregon Rex Cat slowly faded from the spotlight.

Second, the breed faced a number of health issues due to a lack of careful breeding practices. Inbreeding led to a number of genetic issues, including a high rate of birth defects and disease. This further contributed to the breed’s decline.

Third, the breed was particularly susceptible to diseases that spread quickly in the western states. The spread of feline distemper and other diseases further contributed to the breed’s decline.

Efforts to Preserve the Oregon Rex Cat

Despite the breed’s decline, there were some efforts to preserve the Oregon Rex Cat. In the late 1930s, a cat breeder named Mrs. Florence B. Chinn began a breeding program to try to save the breed. She was devoted to the breed and worked tirelessly to ensure its survival. Unfortunately, her efforts were not successful, and the breed eventually died out.

Evidence of the Oregon Rex Cat’s Existence Today

Today, there is very little evidence of the Oregon Rex Cat’s existence. As stated, the breed is believed to have gone extinct in the early 1900s, and there are no known surviving cats of the breed. However, there are some photos and records of the breed that still exist, and these provide a glimpse into the breed’s history.

The Impact of the Oregon Rex Cat’s Extinction

The extinction of the Oregon Rex Cat has had a lasting impact on the cat fancy. The breed was beloved by cat fanciers, and its sudden disappearance left a void in the cat world. It is also a stark reminder of the importance of careful breeding practices.

Conclusion

The Oregon Rex Cat is a mysterious breed of domestic cat that lived in the western United States in the late 1800s. Its exact origin is unknown, but it is believed to have been created by crossing a wild cat with a domestic cat. The breed quickly gained popularity in the region, but it began to decline in the early 1900s due to a combination of factors. Despite some efforts to preserve the breed, it eventually went extinct, leaving behind only a few photographs and records. The extinction of the Oregon Rex Cat is a stark reminder of the importance of careful breeding practices and the fragility of animal populations.