Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex History
- Considered a natural mutation, the first Cornish Rex kitten had a strange, curly fur and was born to a farm cat in the early 1950s in Cornwall, England. When this kitten matured, he was mated back to his mother and the result was a litter containing two kittens with the distinctive curly coat.
- Ranks as the oldest of the Rex breeds, ahead of the Devon and Selkirk.
- The Cornish Rex earned championship status by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1964.
Cornish Rex Behavior Concerns
- Curious and clown-like, the Cornish Rex thrives on entertaining people.
- Extremely athletic and agile.
- Possesses kitten-like energy well into adulthood. Definitely puts the "P" in play.
- This breed loves to be picked up and handled.
- Overly helpful, this breed will insist on helping you type on the computer keyboard or even venture into the bathroom to help you put on makeup.
- Seems to be on two speeds: fast and stop.
Look of Cornish Rexs
- This breed's crinkly, wavy coat is short and lies close to the body.
- The coat is velvety soft, resembling rabbit fur or silk.
- Its unmistakable look is showcased by oversized ears contrasted by a small, delicate, oval-shaped head with high cheekbones.
- The delicate-looking, fine-boned body features solid muscles and an arched back.
- Look closely and you will see that even the whiskers are curled.
- The coat comes in more than 40 colors and patterns, including white, red, chinchilla silver, lavender smoke and mackerel pattern.
- Distinguished from its close cousin, the Devon by its lack of guard hairs and Romanesque nose.
Grooming Cornish Rex Cats
- The breed's short coat is ideal because of low shedding.
- Due to its lack of a thick coat, the Cornish Rex is always on the prowl to seek out a safe, heat source to keep warm.
- Clip claws once a month.
- Benefits from regular baths. Once wet, its thin-haired coat dries quickly.
Suggested Nutritional Needs for Cornish Rex
- Despite its small size, the Cornish Rex has a demanding appetite. Some will eat every single morsel in a food bowl in a single sitting.
- Due to its high energy level, this breed can free feed with minimal concern for becoming overweight.
- Many Cornish Rexes are fond of vegetables, including broccoli and peas.
Fun Facts of Cornish Rexs
- Also known by three popular nicknames: "Con Artist in Fur, "The Feline Version of a Whippet" and "Feline Invaders from Outer Space."
- Despite the popular myth, the Cornish Rex is not a hypoallergenic breed.
