Cornish Rex

Coat and looks how to spot one

very short, curly down-only coat (no guard hairs)

Most cats have three kinds of hair, but the Cornish Rex has only the soft undercoat layer. The result is a short, velvety, silky coat that lies in tight, even ripples (often compared to marcel waves or chenille), most visible along the back, flanks and tail. Even the whiskers and eyebrows are crinkled and a little shorter than usual. The coat can take up to three years to reach its full density. The body is slender, muscular and fine-boned, with a naturally arched back, a tucked-up waist and long legs that lift it high off the ground, giving a greyhound-like outline. The head is a small egg shape with high cheekbones, a Roman nose, oval eyes and very large, high-set ears.43125

Personality what they are like

An outgoing, bright and slightly clownish cat that wants to be part of everything its family does. Cornish Rex tend to shadow their owners, love physical contact and are often nicknamed 'Velcro' cats. They stay curious, mischievous and playful well into old age, enjoy dog-style games like retrieving toys, and some happily learn to walk on a lead. Generally sociable with children, dogs and other cats, and more inclined to act than to talk.32165

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. A true athlete that loves running, jumping and chasing, with seemingly bottomless energy. Plan several interactive play sessions a day and provide tall cat trees, climbing shelves, puzzle feeders and a rotating supply of toys to keep this clever cat busy.652

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very little brushing needed. A weekly once-over by hand or with a soft rubber or fine brush removes loose hair; over-brushing can disturb the waves. Because there are no guard hairs to absorb natural oils, an occasional bath keeps the coat fresh, and it dries fast. Clean the ears and check between the toes regularly, where waxy build-up can collect, and keep up with nail trims and tooth brushing.5132

Home where they are happiest

Best kept as an indoor cat in a warm, draught-free home. The thin coat gives little insulation or weather protection, so offer heated or fleece-lined beds and sunny (but not scorching) spots, keep it out of rain and cold, and consider a cat jumper in chilly weather. Plenty of vertical space suits its love of climbing.431

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, balanced cat food suited to age and activity, with fresh water always available. Cornish Rex have hearty appetites and will try surprising foods, so measure meals rather than free-feeding. Their close coat makes any change in body shape easy to spot, which helps keep them at an ideal weight.3265

Company who they like around

Very high. Thrives on steady human company and does not enjoy long hours alone; a home where someone is around a lot, or a playful feline companion, suits it best. Usually friendly with considerate children, dogs and other pets.1325

The story where it all began

On 21 July 1950 a tortoiseshell-and-white farm cat on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall had a litter that included one unusual cream male with a wavy coat. His owner, Nina Ennismore, called him Kallibunker and, familiar with curly-coated Rex rabbits, recognised that the coat was something new. She mated him back to his mother, and the curly kittens that followed showed the trait was a recessive gene. One of those kittens, Poldhu, sired a female called Lamorna Cove. Early breeders widened the gene pool with Burmese, Siamese and domestic shorthairs, which helped give the breed its long tail and big ears. In 1956 Life magazine ran a feature that brought the breed international attention, and in 1956-57 the first Cornish Rex arrived in the United States, including Lamorna Cove, who was bred with Siamese there. CFA accepted the breed for registration in 1962 and championship by 1964, and GCCF granted recognition with championship status in 1967. Early on the Cornish and Devon Rex were assumed to share a mutation, but test matings proved them genetically separate. In 2013 researchers pinpointed the cause: a small deletion in the LPAR6 gene.13426

Recognised by the official bits

GCCF

Section 4 (Foreign), Group 2; recognised 1967 with immediate championship status1

CFA

Accepted for registration 1962; championship status by 19643

TICA

Recognised; all colours and patterns accepted2

FIFe

Fully recognised, Category 4 (code CRX)7

ACF, ACFA/CAA, CCA-AFC

Listed as recognised with a breed standard4