Cornish Rex

Is a Cornish Rex right for you?

The Cornish Rex is one of the most unusual-looking cats, with a short, velvety, wavy coat, large ears, an arched back, and a slim, greyhound-like build. Its coat lacks the outer guard hairs of a normal cat, so it feels like silk or rabbit fur. Its character is just as unusual: a people-glued clown with kitten energy for life.

Allergy warning: the protein that causes cat allergy is in saliva and skin secretions, not hair. Sources are clear that the Cornish Rex is not hypoallergenic. For an allergic person, "less hair = safe" is misleading.

Before you adopt

Ask about the parents' heart screening (echocardiography for HCM). International Cat Care lists the Cornish Rex among the Burmese-related breeds affected by inherited hypokalaemia (WNK4 gene); ask whether this DNA test has been done.

Adopting an adult Cornish Rex lets you see its skin and energy level in advance. Be honest with yourself, too, about how warm your home stays in winter.

Temperament

The Cornish Rex is curious, athletic, and always on the move. Sources describe it as a cat with two speeds: it is either running, leaping, and playing or fast asleep in a warm spot.

It is extremely people-oriented. It climbs into your lap, onto your shoulder, and under the duvet; whatever you are doing, it is there. CFA calls these cats "Velcro kitties" for this reason.

It runs to the door to greet visitors and is not shy with strangers. It can learn to fetch and do simple tricks; it is clever and quickly works out how to open cupboards.

It usually gets on well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs. In fact, a playmate is a good answer to this breed's dislike of being alone.

Health issues and lifespan

Sources generally give a lifespan of 11-15 years, and some mention individuals living to 15-20. The breed's main sensitivities are the heart, the skin needs created by its coat, and a few inherited conditions.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): Thickening of the heart muscle. It can be silent for a long time; later signs include lethargy, fast or open-mouth breathing, and poor appetite. Sudden hind-leg paralysis with cold legs (a clot) is an emergency. Regular echocardiography is recommended in at-risk lines.
• Inherited hypokalaemia: Episodes of low blood potassium. It usually starts at 2-6 months or within the first year; signs include a drooping neck (unable to lift the head), weak and stiff legs. Stress, exercise, and cold can trigger episodes. A simple blood test gives the diagnosis and it is managed with potassium supplements; any breathing difficulty is life-threatening.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): Vision loss from retinal degeneration; night blindness usually starts at a few years of age. There is no cure, but cats adapt well.
• Sunburn: Without guard hairs, ears and thinly haired areas can burn, especially in light-coloured cats. Even hours on a sunny windowsill in a hot summer are risky. Crusting or sores that don't heal need a vet visit.
• Oily skin and ear wax: The coat doesn't absorb skin oils, so the skin gets greasy and ear wax builds up quickly. Bad smell, scratching, or head shaking suggest an ear infection.
• Getting cold: The thin coat holds no heat. Seeking out heat sources is normal, but feeling cold together with lethargy can be a sign of illness.

Feeding

An adult Cornish Rex typically weighs 2.7-4.5 kg. Because of heat loss and high activity, its appetite is large for its size. An active adult needs roughly the energy of 40-60 g of dry food a day, depending on the food's energy density.

• Kitten (2-12 months): Kitten food, 3-4 meals a day.
• Adult: A complete food rich in animal protein, split into several small meals.
• Senior (10+ years): Monitor weight and muscle loss, with a yearly blood test.

Despite the big appetite, free-feeding can lead to obesity, and extra weight shows at once on this slim breed. Food puzzles slow eating and keep its mind busy. Use wet food and a water fountain to encourage drinking.

Grooming and skin

There is no long coat to brush, but care isn't "zero" either.

• No brushing needed. A stiff brush can break the waves; stroking with your hand or a soft grooming mitt is enough.
• Bathing: When the skin gets greasy, usually every few weeks, with a mild cat shampoo. Towel dry thoroughly and keep in a warm room; a hair dryer ruins the curls.
• Ears: Check weekly; clean with a vet-recommended solution if wax builds up.
• Nails: Every 2-3 weeks; greasy dirt can collect at the nail beds, wipe gently.
• Teeth: Brush several times a week.
• Warmth: A heated bed, blankets, and a cat sweater if needed in winter. Keep out of direct sun in summer.

Living space and enrichment

1. Warm spots. A shelf near a radiator, an igloo bed, a window that gets light but offers shade.
2. Vertical space. An athletic breed that loves to leap; a tall cat tree is a must.
3. Daily play. At least two 10-15 minute sessions of running play.
4. Mental work. Fetch, trick training, food puzzles.
5. Company. If you are out for long hours, a second cat makes a big difference.
6. Indoors. Cold, sun, and its trust in people make outdoor life unsuitable; net your balcony.

History

The breed's story began in 1950 in Cornwall, England, when a curly-coated male kitten was born in a farm cat's litter. The kitten, named Kallibunker, was bred back to his mother and two more curly kittens were born, showing that the mutation was inherited.

In 1956 a California breeder imported the first cats to the United States. CFA accepted the breed for registration in 1962 and granted championship status in 1964, making the Cornish Rex the oldest recognised Rex breed.

Although it looks similar, the curly coat comes from a different gene than the Devon Rex's. Today the Cornish Rex is bred in more than 40 colours and patterns.