Cornish Rex

Weight: 6 - 8 pounds
Life span: 15 - 20 years
CFA rank: 13

Breed History | Background:

Considered a natural mutation, the first Cornish Rex kitten had a strange, curly fur and was born to a farm cat in the early 1950s in Cornwall, England. When this kitten matured, he was mated back to his mother and the result was a litter containing two kittens with the distinctive curly coat.
Ranks as the oldest of the Rex breeds, ahead of the Devon and Selkirk.
The Cornish Rex earned championship status by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1964.

Cat Look:

This breed’s crinkly, wavy coat is short and lies close to the body.
The coat is velvety soft, resembling rabbit fur or silk.
Its unmistakable look is showcased by oversized ears contrasted by a small, delicate, oval-shaped head with high cheekbones.
The delicate-looking, fine-boned body features solid muscles and an arched back.
Look closely and you will see that even the whiskers are curled.
The coat comes in more than 40 colors and patterns, including white, red, chinchilla silver, lavender smoke and mackerel pattern.
Distinguished from its close cousin, the Devon by its lack of guard hairs and Romanesque nose.

Behavioral concerns:

Curious and clown-like, the Cornish Rex thrives on entertaining people.
Extremely athletic and agile.
Possesses kitten-like energy well into adulthood. Definitely puts the “P” in play.
This breed loves to be picked up and handled.
Overly helpful, this breed will insist on helping you type on the computer keyboard or even venture into the bathroom to help you put on makeup.
Seems to be on two speeds: fast and stop.

Grooming:

The breed’s short coat is ideal because of low shedding.
Due to its lack of a thick coat, the Cornish Rex is always on the prowl to seek out a safe, heat source to keep warm.
Clip claws once a month.
Benefits from regular baths. Once wet, its thin-haired coat dries quickly.

Suggested Nutritional Needs:

Despite its small size, the Cornish Rex has a demanding appetite. Some will eat every single morsel in a food bowl in a single sitting.
Due to its high energy level, this breed can free feed with minimal concern for becoming overweight.
Many Cornish Rexes are fond of vegetables, including broccoli and peas.

Medical conditions seen:

Fun Facts:

Also known by three popular nicknames: “Con Artist in Fur, “The Feline Version of a Whippet” and “Feline Invaders from Outer Space.”
Despite the popular myth, the Cornish Rex is not a hypoallergenic breed.

Glossary