A Cornish Rex cat can weigh up to 10 pounds and live for 20 years¹. These cats are famous for their curly coats and lively personalities. They bond deeply with their human families. Originating in the 1950s in Cornwall, England², they’ve become a favourite in the UK. Their unique look and loving nature win over cat lovers.

Key Takeaways

• Cornish Rex cats have a distinctive wavy coat and a lean, athletic build often compared to greyhounds.
• They are highly intelligent, playful, and affectionate, making them excellent family companions.
• Cornish Rex cats are low-shedding and often considered hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for those with allergies.
• With proper grooming and exercise, Cornish Rex cats can live up to 20 years and thrive in indoor homes.
• Cornish Rex cats are active, energetic, and require regular playtime and interaction to stay happy and healthy.

The Cornish Rex cat is unforgettable with its unique look. They have short, curly coats that are soft and low-shedding². This makes them a good choice for those with allergies. Their lean build and long legs give them a greyhound-like appearance¹. This makes them stand out in the cat world.

What is a Cornish Rex?

Origin and History

The Cornish Rex comes from Cornwall, England, in the 1950s. It’s known for its curly coat and athletic look. This breed started with a genetic mutation in a kitten with a wavy coat³.

This kitten, named Kallibunker, was taken care of by Nina Ennismore. She worked with a geneticist to breed the kitten with its mother. This led to a litter of three kittens, two of which had the curly coat gene⁴.

Later, these cats were crossed with Siamese, Burmese, and British shorthair breeds. This helped improve the breed. In 1957, two Cornish Rex cats were brought to the US because there were fewer in England³⁴.

Now, the Cornish Rex is a popular pet known for its unique look and friendly nature. Its history and popularity keep cat lovers interested all over the world³⁴.

Distinctive Appearance

The Cornish Rex cat is a unique and captivating sight. They have large, wide-set ears and an egg-shaped face that grabs attention⁵. Their fine, short, and curly coat is their most notable feature, giving them an elegant look⁵.

They have a slender, muscular body and an arched back, making them look like the “greyhound of the feline family”⁵. Their long legs add to their graceful and athletic look⁵. They also have less dander, which is good for people with allergies⁵.

Cornish Rex cats come in many colors, from solid to bi-color and tri-color⁶. Their unique fur helps them keep warm, making them feel cozy and inviting⁵.

The Cornish Rex’s unique look and personality make them a special cat to have⁷.

Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex looks elegant with its slim body and long legs. But, it’s their playful and loving nature that really stands out⁸. They act like kittens even when they’re adults⁸. These cats love being part of a family and enjoy playing with anyone who will join them⁸.

They have big ears, thin legs, oval eyes, and a special head shape, giving them a unique look⁸. Their coat is soft and curly, unlike other cats⁸. This makes them perfect for cuddles and pets. Some Cornish Rexes even talk a lot, thanks to their Siamese roots⁸.

Any coat color is okay for a Cornish Rex, which means they come in many shades, including black⁸. Their sleek look and unique way of running reminds people of Greyhounds⁸.

Even though they’re not common in the US, Cornish Rexes are smart, easy to train, and fit in well anywhere⁸. They cost between $800 to $1,200⁹. These cats are perfect for those who want a cat that’s playful, social, and loves to cuddle⁹.

“The Cornish Rex is described as having a ‘foreign type’ appearance with characteristics such as large ears, slender legs, oval eyes, and a wedge-shaped head.”

Caring for a Cornish Rex

Grooming and Coat Care

The Cornish Rex’s curly coat is a standout feature, but it’s easy to care for. They have a short, low-shedding coat¹⁰, making them great for those with allergies. These cats are skilled at grooming themselves. But, they might need extra care to prevent oily skin around the chin and paws¹¹.

Regular baths can help keep their fur from getting greasy. When brushing, be gentle with their tight curls to avoid harm¹¹.

It’s important to keep up with nail trims, teeth brushing, and checking their ears and eyes¹⁰. Cornish Rexes are sensitive to extreme temperatures due to their thin coat¹¹. Keeping them indoors in a controlled environment is key to their comfort and safety¹⁰.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf8Hjb-jdb8

“Cornish Rex cats have short coats that are low shedding and require regular baths due to their thin-haired coat that dries quickly.”¹¹

Health and Longevity

The Cornish Rex is a tough cat breed that can live a long, healthy life¹². They are between 8 to 12 inches tall and weigh 6 to 10 pounds¹². They usually live from 11 to 15 years, but some can live over 20¹².

These cats come from a mix of breeds like Siamese, Burmese, British Shorthair, American Shorthair, and Havana Brown¹². They don’t often get the diseases that other cats do¹³. But, they might get some genetic issues like congenital hypotrichosis, PRA, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

• Congenital hypotrichosis is a genetic disorder that can make their fur thin and even bald on their torso and head¹².
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a condition that can cause vision loss and even blindness¹².
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that makes it hard for the heart to pump blood¹².

It’s important to take them to the vet regularly, especially as they get older¹³. With the right care, these special cats can have long, happy lives as pets¹².

“Cornish Rex cats are known for their resilience and longevity, often living well into their late teens or even early twenties with proper care and attention.”¹⁴

Cornish Rex as a Companion

Indoor Living and Activity Needs

The Cornish Rex is a lively and playful breed needing lots of mental and physical activity¹⁵. They weigh between 5-10 pounds¹⁵ and love to eat. To keep them healthy, it’s best to feed them at set times, not letting them eat whenever they want¹⁵.

These cats love to play and explore. Give them lots of toys like climbing frames, scratching posts, and puzzles¹⁵. They also enjoy playing fetch and can learn tricks with treats¹⁵. Their playful nature makes them great friends for those who can spend time with them¹⁵.

Cornish Rexes need regular play and fun things to do to stop them getting bored¹⁶. They can feel sad when left alone and might do better with another pet when their owners are out¹⁶. They love being around people and playing with them, making them perfect pets for families or individuals¹⁵.

“Cornish Rexes are described as the ‘Greyhound of the cat world’ due to their long and lanky profile.”¹⁵

These cats stand out with their unique look and fun personalities. They’re a great fit for homes that can give them lots of play and attention¹⁵. Owners who keep them busy and happy will get a cat that’s playful, loving, and very loyal¹⁶.

Is a Cornish Rex Right for You?

Thinking about getting a Cornish Rex? This breed is known for its unique curly coat and slender build. It’s a popular choice¹⁷. But, it’s vital to know if it fits your lifestyle and home.

The Cornish Rex is a loving and sociable cat. They get on well with kids and other pets¹⁷. They love being around people and enjoy activities like playing and learning new things. Even though they’re not as playful as some other breeds, they still need about an hour of exercise daily to stay fit¹⁷.

Health is a big consideration with Cornish Rexes. They can get conditions like Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy¹⁰. Good breeders test for these issues. But, owners should be ready for the costs and care needed for these conditions¹⁰.

On the plus side, Cornish Rexes are easy to look after. Their fine, curly coat doesn’t need much grooming¹⁷. This makes them great for those who don’t like spending a lot of time on grooming.

If you’re ready for the commitment, a Cornish Rex can be a wonderful pet¹⁷. Look for reputable breeders or consider rehoming options to find your new family member¹⁷.

Conclusion

The Cornish Rex is a truly captivating feline companion. It will capture your heart with its beautiful appearance and endearing personality¹⁸. Before bringing one into your home, it’s crucial to consider their breed-specific needs and requirements¹⁹.

These cats are active and intelligent. They thrive on constant mental stimulation and ample playtime. They do not cope well with being left alone for extended periods¹⁹. Their thin, curly coats may require regular grooming to prevent skin and coat issues¹⁹. They are also sensitive to temperature extremes and may have genetic health conditions like polycystic kidney disease and progressive retinal atrophy¹⁸¹⁹.

If you can provide the time, attention, and enrichment this active breed requires, you’ll be rewarded with a delightful, cuddly companion¹⁹. The Cornish Rex’s playful nature, affectionate personality, and long lifespan of around 15 years, with many living up to 20 years¹⁸, make them a unique and captivating addition to the right family. However, prospective owners should carefully consider the breed’s needs and their ability to meet them before welcoming a Cornish Rex into their home.

Source Links

1. Meet the Curly and Charming Cornish Rex – https://www.thesprucepets.com/learn-all-about-the-cornish-rex-cat-4694497
2. Cornish Rex: The Curly-Coated Companion with a Playful Spirit | PawSpice – https://www.pawspice.com/cornish-rex-the-curly-coated-companion-with-a-playful-spirit/
3. What to Know About a Cornish Rex – https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/what-to-know-about-a-cornish-rex
4. Breed Info – Parkwood Animal Hospital – https://parkwoodanimalhospital.com/client-resources/breed-info/cornish-rex/
5. 10 Unique Traits of the Cornish Rex Cat | Mavyn – https://www.mavyn.com/blog/10-unique-traits-of-the-cornish-rex-cat
6. Cornish Rex | zooplus Magazine – https://www.zooplus.co.uk/magazine/cat/cat-breeds/cornish-rex
7. Cornish Rex 101 – History, Personality and Traits – https://www.outdoorbengal.com/blogs/cat-breeds/cornish-rex-101
8. Cornish Rex – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornish_Rex
9. 6 Types of Cornish Rex Cats: Colors, Breeds & Patterns (With Pictures) – Catster – https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/types-of-cornish-rex-cats/
10. Cornish Rex – https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/cornish-rex
11. Cornish Rex | VCA Animal Hospitals – https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-breeds/cornish-rex
12. Cornish Rex – https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/cornish-rex
13. Cornish Rex – Information, Health, Pictures & Training Pet Paw – https://www.petpaw.com.au/cat-breeds/cornish-rex/
14. Cornish rex – https://www.petduka.com/en/knowledge-base/cat-breeds/cornish-rex/
15. The Cornish Rex – https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-breeds/cornish-rex
16. Breed Info – Chapin Veterinary Care Center – https://www.chapinvetcare.com/client-resources/breed-info/cornish-rex/
17. Cornish Rex vs. Devon Rex: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures) – Catster – https://www.catster.com/cat-breeds/cornish-rex-vs-devon-rex-cat/
18. 10 Cornish Rex Facts That Cat Lovers Should Know – Catster – https://www.catster.com/cat-breeds/cornish-rex-facts/
19. Do Cornish Rex cats make good pets? – Vet Help Direct – https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2023/09/29/do-cornish-rex-cats-make-good-pets/