Sometimes compared to the whippet because of its lean, racy body, the Cornish Rex is built for speed. This Cornish Rex cat is a hard-bodied athlete - great at fast starts and stops, quick turns and high jumps. The Cornish Rex comes in only two speeds – ‘overdrive’ and ‘sleep’!

Although everything about the Cornish Rex look is distinctive, this cat is best known for its soft, wavy coat and curly whiskers. The Cornish Rex's unusual fur lies very close to the body and feels like crushed velvet to the touch.

This affectionate and intelligent Cornish Rex loves the company of humans, other cats and occasionally even dogs. Your Cornish Rex craves attention, and if there’s none forthcoming, watch out! The Cornish Rex breed is most ideal for families where there is always somebody around, but if your schedule keeps you away from home for more than a few hours each day, then your pet would enjoy having a pet of its own – another active cat will be fine company for your Cornish Rex, and they can entertain each other while you’re away. A stimulating environment with plenty of toys, scratching posts and things to climb on will be much appreciated as well by your Cornish Rex.

The Cornish Rex is an active cat that will keep up its kitten-like antics all its life; everything is a game to the Cornish, and many will bring back toys for you to toss again and again. (You’ll tire of the game long before your Cornish does.) Talented at climbing, leaping and sprinting, the Cornish Rex also has incredibly agile paws. No shelf, drawer or cupboard is safe from the curious Cornish.

History and Origin

All Cornish Rex cats are descended from Kallibunker, a wavy haired barnyard kitten born in July of 1950 in Cornwall, England. Originally of stocky body type, the Cornish Rex breed arrived in the United States, where Siamese and Oriental Shorthairs were introduced into the bloodline. As a result, today's Cornish Rex has the racy, slender body we recognize as distinctive to the breed.

The Cornish Rex is the oldest of the three Rex cats breeds, and was accepted for championship status in CFA in 1964.

Grooming requirements

Although very low maintenance, the Cornish Rex’s coat is so short it doesn’t offer the same protection as a normal coat, so your Rex will always need to be kept warm and dry. While not entirely shed-free, the Cornish Rex will shed less on your clothes and upholstery than most other breeds of cat. The Cornish Rex's coat is very easy to care for; a weekly session with a soft baby brush is the most your pet should ever need.

However, occasional firm stroking with the hand from head to tail will emphasize the wavy curl of the coat, and Cornish Rex is guaranteed to enjoy that sort of grooming session every bit as much as you do!

Health Ailments

While no cat is truly hypoallergenic, the Cornish Rex (and Devon Rex) is sometimes – but not always - found not to aggravate existing cat allergies. Allergic people are encouraged to visit a breeder to determine their own reaction to the Cornish Rex breed.

The Cornish Rex is considered elderly at 8-10 years old, and yearly blood tests from this age on are a good idea to aid early diagnosis of problems such as kidney disease. Selecting a qualified breeder or buying from a reputable pet store can help ensure that your Cornish Rex will live a strong and healthy life. Maintaining your Cornish Rex's proper weight and grooming requirements will also help maintain its good health, along with regular checkups at the vet.

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