What is a Cornish Rex?

The Cornish Rex is a domestic cat breed which is famous for its extremely unusual coat. Cornish Rex cats are highly prized by their owners for their intelligence and affectionate attitudes, and they are widely bred throughout Europe and the United States. Many cat shows feature a Cornish Rex division, for people who are interested in seeing cats which represent the finest of the breed standard.

The defining feature of the Cornish Rex is its coat. Unlike other cats, Cornish Rexes only have the down layer of their coats, and as a result they are covered with extremely soft, curly hair without any of the stiff and more coarse guard hairs grown by most cat breeds. In purebred Cornish Rexes, the guard hairs typically form waves which run down the cat's body, looking rather like an extravagant permanent wave, and the cats come in all colors, from white to tortoiseshell.

This breed of cat is the result of a single mutation in a litter of barn cats found in Cornwall, England in 1950. Recognizing that a male kitten named Kallibunker was unique, breeders attempted to refine the breed and create a breed standard for the Cornish Rex. In addition to its curly coat, the Cornish Rex is also distinguished by having extremely large ears set on a small head with very high cheekbones, and a long, sleek body which has led some people to refer to the Cornish Rex as the “greyhound of cats.”

Because the Cornish Rex lacks a full coat of hair, these cats are highly susceptible to cold. In the home, many Rex cats favor the warmest possible spots, and if they are allowed outdoors in cold weather, they can develop hypothermia. For this reason, many breeders recommend that people view their Cornish Rexes as indoor only cats.

Many people find the personality traits of the Cornish Rex quite charming. These cats are known for being extremely intelligent and very curious, and they are excellent problem solvers. They are also very playful; Cornish Rexes never seem to fully outgrow their kitten stage, and the cats love playing both with people and other animals. The Rex is also known for being extremely outgoing and affectionate.

Contrary to popular belief, the Cornish Rex is not a hypoallergenic cat. Rexes do shed, although in a much lower volume than other cat breeds, and, more importantly, they secrete the same proteins in their saliva which other cat breeds do. Since these proteins are responsible for most cat allergies, people who are allergic to cats will experience allergy symptoms around Cornish Rex cats.

The Cornish Rex is renowned for its distinctive coat, which is composed of only soft, fine undercoat hairs that are similar to down. This breed lacks the outer and middle layers of fur that most cats have, giving it a curly, velvet-like texture that is both visually striking and incredibly soft to the touch.

While no cat is completely hypoallergenic, the Cornish Rex is often considered more suitable for allergy sufferers. Their unique coat sheds less than other breeds, which may reduce the amount of allergens in the environment. However, individual reactions to cat dander can vary, so spending time with a Cornish Rex before adopting is advisable.

Cornish Rex cats are known for their playful and adventurous nature. They are highly intelligent, enjoy interactive games, and are often described as kitten-like in their behavior, even into adulthood. Their sociable and affectionate demeanor makes them excellent companions who thrive on human interaction.

The Cornish Rex breed originated in Cornwall, England, in the 1950s. The breed's distinctive coat is the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation that occurred in a litter of kittens. One kitten, named Kallibunker, had the unique curly coat, and selective breeding programs were established to promote and preserve this trait.

Caring for a Cornish Rex's coat is relatively easy due to its short length and lack of shedding. Regular bathing is recommended to remove oil buildup, as their coat does not absorb oils as other cats' coats do. Gentle brushing can help to prevent matting and keep their skin healthy.

Cornish Rex cats are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These may include hereditary conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition, and patellar luxation, a knee problem. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet are essential for maintaining their well-being.