At a glance the quick version
Average range 8-15 lb (3.6-6.8 kg) for both sexes
Coat and looks how to spot one
Curly, satin coat; both longhair and shorthair varieties
The Tennessee Rex has a unique curly coat with a satin sheen that sparkles in sunlight. The curls are most prominent on the neck, shoulders, chest, legs and tail. The coat is soft and may appear to 'molt' in kittens, especially around the temples and back of ears. Whiskers may be wavy or curly and are often fragile.14
Personality what they are like
The Tennessee Rex is gentle, loving and very affectionate. They are social cats that enjoy being with their human family and like to follow them around. They are curious, playful and snuggly, and they do well with children and other pets if socialised early. They are generally quiet and can cope with being left alone for short periods.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate exercise needs. They enjoy play sessions and interactive toys. Aim for at least 40 minutes of playtime daily, broken into shorter 10-minute sessions. They are not overly active but need mental and physical stimulation.5
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Minimal grooming needed. Brushing is not recommended for shorthairs as it can break the delicate curly fur. Weekly brushing is enough for shorthairs; longhairs may need up to three times a week to prevent mats. Regular ear cleaning, nail trims and tooth brushing are also important.32
Home where they are happiest
Indoor living is recommended to keep them safe. They are not known to be illegal or venomous. Provide scratching posts, climbing areas and interactive toys. They enjoy being with their family and should not be left alone for long periods.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
High-quality commercial cat food, preferably with a named protein as the first ingredient. As obligate carnivores, they need meat-based protein. Omega fatty acids can help maintain coat health. No special dietary needs unless health issues arise.35
Company who they like around
They are social and bond firmly with their humans. They enjoy being part of the family and like to follow their owners around. They can tolerate being alone for short periods but prefer company. Early socialisation with people, children and other pets is important.32
The story where it all began
The Tennessee Rex is a naturally occurring mutation that first appeared in 2004 in the Tennessee Valley, USA. A man named Franklin Whittenburg discovered a semi-feral mother cat and her kittens on his property in Chattanooga. Two of the kittens had curly coats with a satin sheen. Genetic testing revealed a new recessive gene that causes both the curly coat and the satin effect. Breeders then worked with TICA to develop and preserve this unique breed.12
Recognised by the official bits
- TICA
- Recognized breed6
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Tennessee Rex. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Tennessee Rex, and at what times?
Feed your Tennessee Rex high-quality commercial cat food with a named protein first. Follow the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule; most adult cats do well with two meals a day.35
What should a Tennessee Rex eat, and which foods are dangerous?
They need meat-based protein as obligate carnivores. Avoid alcohol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, and raw meat or eggs. Always check with your vet for any changes.357
Does a Tennessee Rex need baths?
Baths are rarely needed; only when very dirty or sticky. Their curly coat is delicate, so gentle handling is key. Ask your vet or a professional groomer for advice if needed.8
How often does a Tennessee Rex need brushing?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing once a week for shorthairs. For longhairs, up to three times a week helps prevent mats. Be gentle to avoid breaking their delicate curly fur.32 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Tennessee Rex's claws, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks as per Furry Diary's plan. Start with one or two claws per session. Use a cat nail trimmer and avoid the quick. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you if unsure.8 Furry Diary plan
How much play does a Tennessee Rex need?
They need about 40 minutes of play daily, broken into short 10-minute sessions. Use interactive toys to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. They enjoy playing with their family.5
How do I look after a Tennessee Rex's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily if possible, as Furry Diary suggests every two days at least. Clean ears regularly with a vet-recommended solution. Ask your vet for the best routine for your cat.32 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Tennessee Rex live?
They typically live between 12 and 18 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a loving home, they can enjoy a long, happy life.32
Is a Tennessee Rex good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are gentle, loving, and social. With early socialisation, they do well with children and other pets. They enjoy being part of the family and are generally quiet.12
Can a Tennessee Rex be left alone?
They can cope with short periods alone but prefer company. They are social cats that bond firmly with their humans. For longer absences, consider a pet sitter or interactive toys.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- tica.org: trstd trs18 tica.orgused for origin, coat or body, best traits, temperament, history, fun fact
- wisdompanel.com: tennessee rex wisdompanel.comused for origin, weight kg, lifespan years, best traits, temperament, grooming or care, habitat needs, social needs, history, fun fact
- articles.hepper.com: tennessee rex cat articles.hepper.comused for weight kg, height cm, lifespan years, grooming or care, diet basics, social needs
- tica.org: Tennessee Rex 4 columns landscape May 2023 tica.orgused for coat or body, colours
- catster.com: tennessee rex cat catster.comused for activity needs, diet basics
- tica.org: tennessee rex tica.org
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.