The Cornish Rex has a short, velvety soft coat that lies in washboard waves against its long, slender, and muscular body. High cheekbones and a Roman nose with a high bridge show prominently on a small, egg-shaped head. The breed's ears are large and set high on the head and eye color varies with coat color. Coloration includes 42 variations. Cornish Rex cats have curly whiskers.
These cats are also notably affectionate, but their affection isn't generally of the relaxed, lap-dwelling type. They lack stereotypical cat qualities like aloofness and calm, dignified composure.
These cats have a definite sense of humor and an intelligence surpassing most other cats. They are highly active and eager to be engaged with their environment and those around them. Cornish Rexes do well in homes where they receive lots of attention. They also enjoy living with children, other pets, and frequent visitors. This is a notably healthy breed with minimal risk of developing genetic problems.
Many people mistakenly believe Cornish Rexes are hypoallergenic because of the texture of their coat. Allergic responses are to dead skin cells, called dander, or to saliva; cat hair is not responsible for cat allergies. Although different people respond differently to different breeds, no cat is inherently more or less likely to trigger allergic reactions. Also, these cats feel notably warmer than others. They are the same temperature, but their body heat is more detectable due to their light coat.
Cornish Rexes are active, extroverted, people-oriented animals that like attention and aren't afraid to ask for it. Their kitten-like antics and slight flair for mischief persist through adulthood, and everything is a game to them. These cats are also notably affectionate, but their affection isn't generally of the relaxed, lap-dwelling type. They lack stereotypical cat qualities like aloofness and calm, dignified composure.
This breed coexists well with children and other cats or dogs. In fact, they like having playmates on standby. They also like to insinuate themselves into the activities of the household, and they aren't timid around unfamiliar people. Cornish Rexes belong in homes where they get lots of interactive attention.
The mischievous nature of the breed must be taken into account before acquisition. Cornish Rexes are quick to eat unattended food, swipe an object and turn it into a toy, insert themselves into the middle of human activity, and otherwise amuse themselves in every imaginable way. People who don't have a sense of humor about such things won't get along well with this breed.
Cornish Rexes are a particularly healthy breed and live 15 or more years with proper care. A high-protein diet supports the cat's muscular appearance and high-energy lifestyle. Maintenance of a healthy body weight is essential for good health and longevity, as well as for preserving the cat's agility and ability to be as active as it wants to be.
These cats are provided little protection against the sun's ultraviolet radiation by their very short, light coats. They develop sunburn easily, so should not be left in the sun frequently or for any significant amount of time. Because of this and their readiness to investigate the unfamiliar and the many hazards outdoors, Cornish Rexes should be kept inside.
The Cornish Rex is a bit more prone to patellar luxation than other breeds. This condition causes one or more kneecaps to slide out of position. They also have a slightly higher occurrence rate of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy than other cats do. This is a form of heart disease detectable by echocardiogram.
The exceptional intelligence, playful nature, and athletic prowess of Cornish Rexes make them one of the most trainable cat breeds. They easily learn to play fetch or catch, to walk on a leash, to perform tricks, or anything else they're taught. They love games.
Because of their acute intelligence and high activity levels, these cats require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Play actively with them and supply them with constantly rotating toys. A combination of puzzle toys and prey-simulating toys is advisable to encourage mental and physical play.
The Cornish Rex is a born climber and will spend a lot of time as high up as possible. Human caretakers must provide a tall cat tree and secure any items on shelves. Fragile and potentially dangerous substances and objects are of particular concern, as these cats can find a way up or in even when it seems there isn't one.
Some people think these cats don't shed, but all cats undergo cyclical loss of hairs and growth of new hairs. However, Cornish Rexes shed about as little as any cat can. On top of that, their hairs are so short and light, they're difficult to notice in the environment.
In general, the less coat grooming, the better. Grooming easily damages the very fine, delicate hairs of a Cornish Rex. The primary concern is that the ears and paws sometimes become greasy. A quick but gentle cleansing with a veterinarian-approved feline shampoo remedies the situation when necessary.
The Cornish Rex's oversized ears may accumulate dirt or debris, and they may fill with wax. They should be checked at least once per week and cleaned with a gentle product designed for use on cat ears. Redness, discharge, foul odor, or other possible signs of infection must be reported to a veterinarian right away. The breed's nails need trimming only once every one to two weeks. The teeth will benefit from frequently brushing and routine dental care.
On July 21, 1950, the first Cornish Rex was born in a litter of British Shorthairs on a farm in Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, England. From Cornwall it took the first part of its name, and the second half came from the resemblance of its coat to a rex rabbit. The unique, curly-haired, orange and cream male was named Kallibunker.
Kallibunker was brought to a geneticist, who determined the kitten displayed a natural spontaneous mutation, a somewhat common occurrence among felines. The geneticist recommended breeding Kallibunker with his mother, and the result was a litter of three kittens, two of which retained the wavy-haired look. In 1960, the gene for curly hair was proven recessive, meaning both parents must carry it for the look to be perpetuated in their offspring.
Two Cornish Rexes made their way to the US in 1957. One died shortly after arrival, but the other was pregnant, having mated with one of Kallibunker's offspring. The resulting litter was the basis of the Cornish Rex population in America. Outcrossing with several other breeds ensures adequate genetic diversity, but this practice is no longer permitted.
The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) officially accepted the Cornish Rex in 1964. All other North American registries recognize the breed today.
