Cornish Rex Cat Guide ...

Cornish Rex cat

Cornish Rex cats are very similar to the mischievous mythical creatures – Cornish Pixies, with large ears, cheeky faces and often naughty antics. While Cornish Rex cats are always on the go if you become their chosen human they will be sure to always find a time for a cuddle. Facts Temperament: Home-loving and affectionate… Read more »

Cornish Rex cats are very similar to the mischievous mythical creatures – Cornish Pixies, with large ears, cheeky faces and often naughty antics. While Cornish Rex cats are always on the go if you become their chosen human they will be sure to always find a time for a cuddle.

Facts

  • Temperament: Home-loving and affectionate
  • Social/Attention Needs: Moderate
  • Average Life Span: 15 – 16 years
  • Coat length: short
  • Grooming required: Once a week

The Look

The Cornish Rex is a shorthaired cat with an elegant slender body and long legs, combined with high cheek bones and large ears; they have quite the distinguished look. The coat is the distinguishing feature that differentiates Cornish Rex from other breeds, as it is short, dense and silky without guard hairs, and has neat, even and well-defined waves, especially over the back and side.

 

History

The Cornish Rex can be traced back to a farm in Cornwall in 1950, when a non-pedigree tortie and white gave birth to a curly-coated kitten among a litter of five. The owner had previously bred Rex rabbits, which also have curly coats, and recognized the distinctive look. The cat was later mated back to his mother, who produced more curly-coated kittens and so the new breed began. The breeding programme was dogged by infertility, a limited gene pool and some untimely deaths. By 1959 a new group of British breeders had taken up the breed and the Cornish Rex was saved.

Health

All have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic. Problems that may affect the Cornish Rex include the following:

  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
  • Patellar Luxation

Fun Fact

Although they share a similar appearance, the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex are completely separate breeds. While the Devon Rex only lacks long guard hairs, the Cornish Rex lacks both guard and awn hairs