Cornish Rex

Their large eyes, big ears, and long, slender bodies are sure to draw attention from everyone. But their coat, not their appearance, makes them stand out the most. Cornish rex cats lack the typical long furry outer coat found on most other cats. Instead, when you stroke them, their silky, curly undercoat feels as smooth as velvet.

These energetic cats love to play; they are not just about looks. Frequently, you may see them sitting atop your refrigerator, watching everything around it with interest. A Cornish rex cat can be the ideal indoor companion for your family if you're looking for someone active and lively.

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Cornish Rex Appearance

Be aware of the Cornish rex's delicate appearance due to her slender frame. Beneath their elegant exterior lies a robust framework of muscle and bone, which gives them an incredibly resilient and energetic appearance. They have a small, egg-shaped head with large round eyes, a long nose, high cheekbones, and enormous ears on top of their skulls.

The coat of the Cornish rex is what makes them unique. Cornish rex cats only have a velvety, soft down jacket, unlike most cats, who have three different types of hair: long guard hairs, middle awn hair, and a soft down undercoat. Thanks to this unique feature, they have a wave-like appearance and are exceptionally smooth to the touch.

Cornish Rex Personality

Any size family can greatly benefit from having a Cornish Rex cat. They enjoy being among people and are well known for their gregarious disposition. These cats frequently choose a family member they like to spend the day with. They work especially well with young children, but owners should watch over interactions until the cat gets used to them.

You can anticipate your Cornish Rex greeting guests enthusiastically and even strutting around a little if you host them often. They take pleasure in making new friends and are not bashful around strangers. They have a close relationship with people but also get along well with other animals. Neither dogs nor other cats terrify them. Though they might not be ideal for homes with pet birds, Cornish Rex cats are known for their ability to form friendships quickly. Their athletic skills allow them to leap onto high places, such as birdcages suspended above the ground.

Cornish Rex Living Needs

When you bring a Cornish Rex kitten home, she will be eager to play and explore. These innate jumpers and climbers will flourish with a few cat trees, wall-mounted bookcases, and a comfortable hammock by the window.

Given her short coat, your Rex will value a cozy cat bed. She will seek out warm places like beds, your lap, or even your laptop because, despite the softness of her coat, it doesn't offer much insulation. She can stay warm in a cute cat sweater, especially if she wears a harness or goes outside on a patio.

Cornish Rex cats only have a few needs besides climbing areas, entertaining toys, and comfortable ones to catch up. These gregarious cats blend in well with most households. Because of their energy, providing them with a nutritious diet is critical. Veterinarians advise that a cup of dry food be consumed in the morning and a cup of wet food be consumed in the evening. Like any breed, make sure your cat gets the protein and carbs it needs by choosing cat food from brands that include meat as a primary ingredient.

Cornish Rex Care

The short, finely textured coat of the Cornish Rex does not shed much and is not hypoallergenic. Regarding grooming, they require little upkeep and hardly ever require baths. Being social cats, they usually don't mind being brushed and even enjoy it. It's critical to keep their enormous ears clear of debris and clean. Additionally, regular nail cutting, cleaning the litter box, and tooth brushing are crucial to their care regimen.

It is best to keep your Cornish Rex indoors, where they can stay warm and protected from too much sun exposure. They are sensitive to cold weather and run the risk of getting sunburned.

Cornish Rex Health

Cats of the Cornish Rex breed are renowned for their long lives; most last up to 15 years on average. They have very few genetic or inherited health problems and are generally healthy. However, they are susceptible to extremes in both heat and cold. Because of their thin coat, which offers little protection from the sun, it is best to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure in the summer and winter. They are easily cold and frequently look for extra warmth, such as near ovens or heating vents.

They have large ears compared to the size of their heads, so it's critical to clean them often to avoid infections. To ensure good oral health, they should brush their teeth every two weeks like any other cat.

Cornish Rex Exercise Requirements

Cornish Rex cats are renowned for their energy and agility compared to other breeds. They must exercise daily, but satisfying their activity requirements is typically straightforward and pleasurable. These cats take great pride in their amazing leaping abilities and enjoy playing fetch with toys or crumpled paper balls. They also take great pleasure in leaping from tall objects like bookcases, refrigerators, and cabinets.

Cornish Rex cats need daily interaction and crave affection like most other pets. They may vocalize or give you a gentle paw to get your attention. They will follow you around. A Cornish Rex might not be the ideal pet for you if your busy schedule requires you to spend much time away from home.

Although Cornish Rex cats resemble racehorses in their sleek, athletic appearance, they don't require as much exercise as Greyhounds. An hour or so of playtime daily will help keep your Cornish Rex happy and healthy.

Cornish Rex Training

Because of their high intelligence, Cornish Rex cats can be trained to control their energetic and occasionally hyperactive behavior. They can pick up commands like fetch, sit, and even roll over, in contrast to certain more uncooperative breeds. It can be harder to train a cat than a dog, but it is still possible to teach a Cornish Rex to obey your commands if you have the correct method and much patience.

Practical training relies heavily on positive reinforcement. When your cat obeys your commands correctly, give them treats or praise. Eventually, they will learn to obey without needing a reward each time. Even as they age, Cornish Rex cats can still pick up new tricks and are eager to please their owners.

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Cornish Rex History 

Five kittens from a litter born in 1950 on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, England, gave rise to the Cornish Rex breed. A male named Kallibunker stood out due to his curly red and white coat, which made it look like a tiny lamb. As he grew older, he acquired the long legs, large ears, and slender build that characterized the Cornish Rex breed. After experiencing a natural mutation, tortoiseshell cat Serena and Kallibunker's mother were bred together. Three kittens came from this pairing, two of which had curly coats. Among the males with curly coats, Poldhu lived to adulthood.

Later, Siamese, Burmese, and British domestic shorthairs were bred with Kallibunker and Poldhu to fortify the breed's genetic base and maintain the characteristic curly coat. This deliberate breeding program ensured that the recessive gene that gives Cornish Rexes their distinct appearance was successfully passed on.

The Cornish Rex breed was on the verge of extinction in Great Britain until 1965 when one of Kallibunker's offspring was brought to Canada. With the formation of a North American lineage, the breed's future was secured and given new life.

Cornish Rex Fun Facts

The distinctive curl of a Cornish Rex's fur reaches not only to their coat but also to their whiskers and eyelashes!

They smell different but not unpleasant; some owners describe it as "cheesy" due to the oils in their skin.

They are affectionately referred to as "Marcel cats" because their fur waves mimic the fashionable "Marcel wave" hairstyle that flappers wore in the 1920s.

The Latin word "rex" in Cornish Rex means "king."