Rexed Maine Coon: The Rare Curly-Haired Cat Explained
Maine Coons are famous for their long, shaggy coats, bushy tails, and luxurious fur. But did you know that some Maine Coons have been born with naturally curly hair?
Known as the Rexed Maine Coon, or Maine Wave, these extraordinary cats first attracted attention in Britain during the late 1980s. Their unusual appearance fascinated some breeders but caused considerable controversy among others, raising questions about genetics, pedigree purity, and the future of the Maine Coon breed.
A Rexed Maine Coon is a Maine Coon with an inherited curly or wavy coat, historically associated with a recessive genetic mutation. Unlike the traditional Maine Coon, whose coat generally falls smoothly, these cats developed distinctive waves or curls. Although some breeders hoped to establish the Maine Wave as a recognized variety, the idea never succeeded.
Today, the Rexed Maine Coon remains one of the most unusual chapters in the breed’s history.
What Is A Rexed Maine Coon?
A Rexed Maine Coon is a rare curly-coated variation of the traditional Maine Coon cat. The term rexed describes an unusual fur texture, typically characterized by curls or waves. It is also used for established breeds such as the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and Selkirk Rex. However, these breeds do not all possess the same genetic mutation.
The Rexed Maine Coon was particularly distinctive because it combined the familiar appearance of a large, long-haired Maine Coon with unusually soft, wavy fur.
These cats have historically been known as:
- Rexed Maine Coons: The most common descriptive name.
- Maine Waves: A proposed name for the curly-coated variety.
- Maine Coon Rexes: An informal alternative.
Despite their unusual coats, Rexed Maine Coons were never officially recognized as a separate breed.
The History Of The Rexed Maine Coon
The story began in Britain in 1988, when Maine Coon breeder Di Everett reported the birth of an unusual curly-coated kitten. In a 1994 account, Everett explained that four Rexed kittens had been produced from three different mothers, all mated to the same male.
This breeding pattern suggested that the distinctive coat was inherited rather than an isolated abnormality. However, it also prompted a heated debate among Maine Coon breeders.
Why Did Rexed Maine Coons Cause Controversy?
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Maine Coon breeders were particularly concerned with protecting the breed’s established pedigree lines.
When curly-coated kittens began appearing, some suspected that a Cornish Rex had been introduced into Maine Coon breeding stock. Rumors spread that a breeder’s Cornish Rex might have accidentally mated with a Maine Coon, potentially introducing an unwanted coat mutation. Others suggested that the curly fur arose naturally within the breed.
Attempts to compare the Rexed Maine Coon with existing rex breeds did not conclusively establish Cornish Rex or Devon Rex ancestry. It remains uncertain whether the original mutation arose spontaneously within Maine Coon lines or entered through earlier outcrossing.
The controversy became serious enough that breeders questioned pedigrees and breeding practices.
The Rex Elimination Program
As more curly-coated Maine Coons were identified, some breeders decided that the trait should not be perpetuated. There were also concerns about possible health implications after reports of early deaths among cats associated with affected breeding lines. However, no convincing scientific evidence established that the rex mutation itself caused these deaths.
Nevertheless, breeders sought to prevent the trait from spreading. Affected cats and suspected carriers were removed from breeding programs, and some breeders introduced new bloodlines to reduce the possibility of producing curly-coated kittens. These efforts became associated with what was described as a Rex elimination program. The result was that the unusual coat variation never developed into an established breeding population.
For more historical background, feline genetics historian Sarah Hartwell’s research into unusual Maine Coon variants discusses the controversy and the breeders involved.
What Was the Maine Wave?
During the early 1990s, British breeder David Brinicombe became interested in curly-coated Maine Coons. He acquired a Maine Coon queen and her kittens, whose ancestry included a male called Cornish Cream, associated with the rex trait.
Brinicombe admired the unusual softness and waves of their coats and began promoting the name Maine Wave. His ambition was to preserve the Maine Coon’s recognizable physical characteristics while developing a distinctive curly-haired variety.
The idea attracted interest from cat enthusiasts, particularly those who had encountered the cats at shows. However, opposition from breeders concerned about pedigree standards and genetic uncertainty prevented the Maine Wave from gaining official recognition. The proposed variety was eventually abandoned.
Today, the name survives mainly through historical accounts rather than through an established breed.
Did Rexed Maine Coons Reappear in 2002?
Interestingly, curly-coated Maine Coon kittens were reported again in the United States in 2002. Two kittens with unusual rex-type fur were reportedly born in a litter at Ellen Levin’s Tribeca Maine Coons cattery.
Their appearance raised an intriguing question: had the original mutation survived unnoticed within Maine Coon bloodlines? This is genetically possible because the historical trait appeared to follow a recessive inheritance pattern. A cat carrying only one copy of a recessive variant might have completely normal-looking fur, allowing the trait to pass through several generations without being visible. Alternatively, the American kittens may have developed an independent mutation.
Without genetic evidence connecting the two populations, it is impossible to establish whether they shared the same coat variant.
The 2002 reports therefore remain an intriguing part of the Rexed Maine Coon’s history, rather than proof that the original British mutation persists today.
What Causes a Rexed Maine Coon’s Curly Fur?
A cat’s genes influence the length, texture, and structure of its coat. Certain genetic variations can affect how hair develops, producing waves, curls, or unusually fine fur.
Historical breeding evidence indicates that the Rexed Maine Coon coat followed an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. This means a kitten generally needs to inherit two copies of the relevant variant, one from each parent, to develop the characteristic coat.
A cat carrying only one copy may look completely normal. If two carriers of the same recessive variant mate, each kitten has the following theoretical probabilities:
| Genetic Outcome | Probability |
|---|---|
| Curly-coated kitten | 25% |
| Straight-coated carrier | 50% |
| Straight-coated non-carrier | 25% |
These are expected probabilities for a simple recessive trait, not observed percentages from Rexed Maine Coon litters.
Importantly, not all curly-coated cat breeds share the same mutation. Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and Selkirk Rex cats have different genetic variations responsible for their unusual coats. This explains why a curly Maine Coon cannot automatically be classified as a Cornish Rex cross.
A particularly useful historical reference is the Maine Coon Breeders & Fanciers Association’s Spring 1995 publication, which contains a contemporary discussion of the rex trait and breeding evidence supporting recessive inheritance.
Although researchers investigated the inheritance pattern, they have not conclusively identified the precise mutation responsible for the historical Rexed Maine Coon using modern genetic methods.
What Does A Rexed Maine Coon Look Like?
The most obvious difference between a traditional Maine Coon and a Rexed Maine Coon is the texture of the fur.
Historical descriptions suggest that Rexed Maine Coons generally retained recognizable Maine Coon characteristics, including substantial bodies, prominent ears, and long tails. However, their coats differed noticeably.
Reported features included:
- Soft, wavy or curly fur.
- A coat that appeared shorter because the hair formed waves.
- Less flowing fur than a conventional Maine Coon.
- A distinctive, unusually soft texture.
The curls were generally described as looser than those found on Cornish Rex or Devon Rex cats.
There is no reliable evidence that the coat mutation itself made Rexed Maine Coons smaller or altered their personalities.
Rexed Maine Coon vs. Traditional Maine Coon
| Feature | Traditional Maine Coon | Rexed Maine Coon |
|---|---|---|
| Coat texture | Smooth, silky, or naturally slightly wavy | Distinctive waves or curls |
| Coat appearance | Long and flowing | Often shorter-looking due to waves |
| Body type | Large and muscular | Generally recognizable Maine Coon type |
| Inheritance | Normal variation in coat traits | Recessive rex variation suspected |
| Breed recognition | Recognized pedigree breed | No separately recognized variety |
Not every Maine Coon with wavy fur is Rexed, which is an important distinction for owners.
Can Normal Maine Coons Have Curly Fur?
Ordinary Maine Coons can develop slightly curly or wavy fur, especially around their bellies. This does not necessarily indicate a rex mutation.
Maine Coon coat textures naturally vary. Some cats have silky, flowing fur, while others have thick, cotton-like coats that tangle easily. Even cats from the same litter can have surprisingly different coats.
My Experience: Pippin’s Curly Belly Fur
I’ve owned three Maine Coons over more than 14 years, although I’ve never owned a confirmed Rexed Maine Coon.
My first Maine Coon, Pippin, actually had curly fur on his belly. The rest of his coat looked like a typical Maine Coon’s, but underneath, his softer belly fur formed little curls. I never considered him a Rexed Maine Coon. It was simply an unusual feature of his coat.
I’ve also noticed substantial differences between my two current Maine Coons, Mika and Bali, despite their being brothers. Bali has beautiful, silky fur that rarely tangles, whereas Mika has a much thicker, plush coat that mats easily, particularly around his back end. Pippin’s coat was different again, being much more prone to matting, especially as he grew older.
Living with these three cats has taught me just how varied Maine Coon coat textures can be, even without a rare genetic mutation. I explore these differences in more detail in my Maine Coon coat types and texture guide.
The important takeaway is that a few natural curls, particularly around the belly, do not mean your Maine Coon is Rexed.
Are Rexed Maine Coons Recognized?
Rexed Maine Coons are not recognized as a separate pedigree breed by major cat registries.
The traditional Maine Coon breed standard emphasizes a substantial, uneven-length coat that generally falls smoothly.
The International Cat Association’s Maine Coon breed standard describes the expected coat texture and appearance, including longer fur around the belly, hindquarters, and tail. A distinctly rexed coat would differ from this established standard.
However, having an unusual coat does not automatically mean that a cat is unhealthy or that its ancestry is incorrect. It simply means its appearance differs from the traditional characteristics expected for competitive showing.
Are Rexed Maine Coons Still Around Today?
The current status of the original Rexed Maine Coon is uncertain. Breeding efforts to preserve the curly-coated variety were discontinued, and there is no widely documented modern population of Maine Waves. However, because the trait was apparently recessive, it is theoretically possible for carriers to exist without displaying curly fur.
There is currently no reliable population estimate showing how many Maine Coons, if any, carry the original mutation. Anyone advertising a kitten as a genuine Rexed Maine Coon should therefore be able to provide credible pedigree information and explain the basis for that identification.
Curly fur alone cannot establish that a cat possesses the historical rex mutation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rexed Maine Coons Extinct?
Possibly, although this has not been proven. The original breeding programs ended, but a recessive genetic variation could theoretically survive unnoticed in later generations.
Is A Rexed Maine Coon A Cornish Rex Mix?
Not necessarily. Although crossbreeding was suspected historically, the original Rexed Maine Coon’s ancestry was never conclusively established as Cornish Rex.
Are Curly-Haired Maine Coons Rare?
Genuinely documented Rexed Maine Coons are extremely rare. However, slightly wavy fur, especially around the belly, can occur naturally in ordinary Maine Coons.
Were Rexed Maine Coons Unhealthy?
There is no convincing evidence that the curly-coat mutation itself caused health problems. However, the limited historical population means its potential health implications were never thoroughly studied.
Can You Buy a Rexed Maine Coon Kitten?
There is no established modern breeding program for the original Maine Wave. Be cautious of sellers charging unusually high prices for curly-coated kittens without credible pedigree documentation.
Final Thoughts
The Rexed Maine Coon is one of the most fascinating and unusual chapters in the breed’s history. First reported in Britain in 1988, these curly-haired cats sparked controversy among breeders and led to attempts to eliminate the unusual coat trait from breeding programs.
Although the Maine Wave never became an officially recognized variety, its history illustrates how unexpected genetic changes can arise within established cat breeds.
Whether the original rex mutation still survives today remains unknown. And while most Maine Coons will never develop a truly Rexed coat, natural waves and curls are not necessarily unusual. As Pippin’s curly belly fur showed me, even an ordinary Maine Coon can have a few surprising twists in its coat!