The Cornish Rex is strikingly unusual and surprisingly playful, with a curly coat and a slender body that gives it a distinctive appearance. They originated from a natural mutation in Cornwall, England, in the 1950s and are now popular in the United States. In this article, we’ll explore this unique cat breed’s characteristics, personality, history, care, and health.
Breed Overview
| Weight | Up to 10 pounds |
|---|---|
| Length | About 18 inches |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Coat Colors | Various colors and patterns, such as black, blue, lilac, brown, chocolate, red, cream, smoke, bicolor, calico, tabby, spotted, colorpoint, or shaded |
| Eye Colors | Gold, green, blue, or odd-eyed |
| Personality | Playful, sociable, affectionate, intelligent, curious, vocal, expressive, and mischievous |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Good with Kids | Yes |
| Good with Pets | Yes |
| Origin | Cornwall, England |
History of the Cornish Rex Cat
The Cornish Rex was first discovered as a result of a genetic mutation in a litter of kittens born to a British Shorthair cat named Serena in Cornwall in 1950. One of the kittens had an unusual curly coat and a slender body that caught the attention of Serena’s owner, Nina Ennismore. She named him Kallibunker and consulted with a geneticist who advised her to breed him back to his mother once he matured.
The result was a litter of three kittens; two of them carried the recessive gene responsible for the curly coat. Ennismore continued to breed Kallibunker with his mother and sisters to establish the new breed. She also crossed him with other breeds, such as Siamese, Burmese, and British shorthair cats to widen the gene pool and develop the breed further.
The new breed was named after its place of origin and its resemblance to the rex rabbit, which has a similar curly coat. The first Cornish Rex cats were exported to the United States in 1957 by an American breeder named Frances Blancheri. She helped promote the breed in cat shows and competitions and registered it with various cat associations.
The Cornish Rex has since gained popularity among cat lovers around the world for its unique appearance and personality. It has also contributed to other breeds that have curly coats or hairless skin, such as the German Rex, the Selkirk Rex, the LaPerm, the Ural Rex, and the Peterbald.
Appearance
Size
The Cornish Rex is a small to medium-sized cat that weighs up to 10 pounds and measures about 18 inches in length. It has a long, narrow head with large ears and eyes that look large for the size of the head. It has a Roman nose, a strong chin, and long, slender legs. The tail is also slender and long, with great flexibility.
Coat
The most distinctive feature of the Cornish Rex is its coat, which is short, soft, and curly. Unlike most cats, the Cornish Rex has only one layer of hair, the down hair, which forms into waves or curls that look like corn rows. The coat can come in various colors and patterns, such as black, blue, lilac, brown, chocolate, red, cream, smoke, bicolor, calico, tabby, spotted, colorpoint, or shaded. The eye color can range from gold, green, blue, or odd-eyed.
The Cornish Rex is similar to other breeds that have curly coats or hairless skin, such as the Devon Rex and the Sphynx. However, these breeds have different genetic mutations that affect their coats and are not closely related to the Cornish Rex.
Personality
The Cornish Rex is not just a pretty face; it also has a playful personality, making it a delightful companion for people who love an active, sociable, and affectionate cat. The Cornish Rex is very intelligent and curious and can learn tricks, play fetch, or walk on a leash. It loves to be involved with its owner and family and will follow them around the house or join them on the couch or bed. It also enjoys interacting with other pets and children and can adapt well to different environments.
The Cornish Rex is not a shy or quiet cat; it can be vocal and expressive and will let you know what it wants or needs. It can also be mischievous and cheeky and may try to steal your food or your spot on the sofa. It has a high energy level and needs plenty of toys and activities to keep it entertained and stimulated. It also needs attention and affection from its owner and may suffer from loneliness or boredom if left alone for too long.
The Cornish Rex is not a cat for everyone; it may be too energetic or demanding for some people who prefer a more laid-back or independent cat. However, if you’re looking for a cat that will keep you on your toes and make you laugh with its antics, the Cornish Rex may be the perfect match for you.
Care
Grooming
The Cornish Rex is a low-maintenance cat that requires minimal grooming. Thanks to its short and close-lying coat, it sheds very little and does not need brushing or combing. However, it may need occasional bathing or wiping with a damp cloth to remove dirt or oil from its skin. It may also need protection from sunburn or cold weather, as its coat does not provide much insulation.
Diet and Nutrition
The Cornish Rex is an active and muscular cat that needs a high-quality diet that meets its nutritional needs. It may have a fast metabolism and a hearty appetite, so it may need more food than other cats of similar size. However, it should not be overfed or given too many treats, as it can become overweight or develop health problems. It should always have access to fresh water and a clean litter box.
Exercise
The Cornish Rex is an agile and playful cat that needs plenty of toys and activities to keep it entertained and stimulated. It loves to jump, run, and climb, so it should have access to cat trees, scratching posts, tunnels, balls, feathers, or interactive toys. It also enjoys learning tricks, playing fetch, or walking on a leash, so it should have some time with its owner every day. It may also benefit from having another pet or a cat-friendly dog as a playmate.
Socialization
The Cornish Rex is an affectionate and sociable cat that needs attention and love from its owner and family. It should not be left alone for too long or ignored, as it can become lonely or bored. It should be handled gently and respectfully and given positive reinforcement for good behavior. It should also be introduced to other pets and people at an early age to ensure proper socialization.
Health
The Cornish Rex is generally a healthy cat breed that can live up to 20 years or more. However, like any cat, it can be prone to some health problems or issues that may affect its quality of life. Some of the common health problems or issues that may affect the Cornish Rex are:
- Allergies
- Dental problems
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Patellar luxation
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
To prevent or treat these conditions, the Cornish Rex should have regular vet visits, vaccinations, screenings, dental care, supplements, or medications as recommended by its vet. It should also have a healthy diet, exercise, grooming, and hygiene to keep it in good shape.
Where to Buy a Cornish Rex Cat
The Cornish Rex is not a very common or widely available breed; you may have to spend some time finding a breeder and even longer on their wait list for a kitten. You should also be prepared to pay a premium price for this unique and playful breed.
The average price of a Cornish Rex kitten may vary depending on the breeder, the location, the quality, and the demand. However, a typical range is between $800 and $1,500. To get you started, we’ve listed a couple of resources that maintain short lists of breeders:
- American Cat Fanciers Association
- Cornish Rex | The Cat Fanciers Association Find A Breeder
Conclusion
The Cornish Rex is a unique cat breed that has a curly coat and a playful personality. It originated from a natural mutation in Cornwall, England, in the 1950s and is now popular in the United States. It is an active, sociable, and affectionate cat that loves to be involved with its owner and family. It is generally a healthy cat breed that can live up to 20 years or more, but it may have some health problems or issues that require regular vet care and prevention. It is a low-maintenance cat breed that requires minimal grooming but needs a high-quality diet, plenty of toys and activities, and attention and love from its owner.
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FAQ
Q: Is the Cornish Rex hypoallergenic?
A: The Cornish Rex is not hypoallergenic, but it may be suitable for some people with mild allergies because it sheds very little and has only one layer of hair. However, some people may still be allergic to its saliva, dander, or urine.
Q: How much does a Cornish Rex kitten cost?
A: The price of a Cornish Rex kitten may vary depending on the breeder, the location, the quality, and the demand. However, a typical range is between $800 and $1,500. You should also factor in the costs of vet care, vaccinations, spay/neuter, food, toys, and other supplies.
Q: What are some of the health problems or issues that may affect the Cornish Rex?
A: Some of the common health problems or issues that may affect the Cornish Rex are allergies, dental problems, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), patellar luxation, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). You should have regular vet visits, screenings, dental care, and prevention to keep your Cornish Rex healthy.
Q: How do I care for a Cornish Rex cat?
A: The Cornish Rex is a low-maintenance cat that requires minimal grooming. However, it needs a high-quality diet, plenty of toys and activities, and attention and love from its owner. You should also protect it from sunburn or cold weather, as its coat does not provide much insulation.
Q: What is the personality of the Cornish Rex?
A: The Cornish Rex is playful and loves to be involved with its owner and family. It is very intelligent and curious and can learn tricks, play fetch, or walk on a leash. It is also sociable and adaptable and can get along with other pets and children. It can be vocal and expressive and will let you know what it wants or needs. It can also be mischievous and cheeky and may try to steal your food or your spot on the sofa.
