Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex is a small to medium, very active cat breed known for its soft, curly coat, slender "greyhound-like" body, and highly social, playful personality. It is generally affectionate, people-oriented, and tends to remain kitten-like in energy throughout its life, making it popular with families and multi-pet households.

Origin and History

• The Cornish Rex originated in Cornwall, England, in the 1950s from a spontaneous genetic mutation in a farm cat's litter, producing a curly-coated kitten later named Kallibunker.
• Through selective breeding with cats such as Burmese, Siamese, and British Shorthairs, the type was developed and the breed was exported and recognized in North America in the 1960s.

Appearance and Coat

• Cornish Rex cats have slender, muscular bodies, long legs, an arched back, and a long, fine tail, often compared in outline to a greyhound. Their head is wedge or egg-shaped with high cheekbones, large ears, and oval eyes that give an alert, sometimes "alien-like" look.
• The coat consists almost entirely of soft undercoat (down hair) with tight waves or ripples and lacks the usual guard and awn hairs, which makes the fur very soft and warm to the touch. They come in virtually all colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, and pointed varieties.

Personality and Behavior

• Cornish Rex cats are typically very social, affectionate, and people-focused, often wanting to be in the middle of household activity and close to their humans. They are intelligent, curious, and playful, retaining high energy and clown-like antics well into adulthood.
• Because of their sociable nature, they usually do well with children, other cats, and even cat-friendly dogs, provided proper introductions are done.

Care, Grooming, and Health

• The short coat sheds relatively little and usually needs only light grooming, but because it lacks protective guard hairs, the breed can be sensitive to cold and does best as an indoor cat with access to warm resting spots. Skin and coat can become greasy on areas like the chin, paws, and ears, so occasional gentle wiping or bathing may be helpful.
• Typical life expectancy is often in the mid-teens or a bit longer, around 13–18 years, with many sources citing roughly that range; maintaining a lean body through play and controlled feeding supports joint and overall health. As with any purebred cat, responsible breeders screen for inherited issues and provide health histories for their lines.

Summary Table

Trait	Description
Origin	Cornwall, England (1950s) - from spontaneous genetic mutation
Size	Small to medium, fine-boned, 6–10 lb typical adult weight
Build	Slender, muscular, greyhound-like with long legs, arched back, long fine tail
Head	Wedge or egg-shaped with high cheekbones, large ears, oval eyes
Coat	Short, soft, curly down hair only; low shedding
Coat Type	Consists almost entirely of soft undercoat with tight waves or ripples
Colors	Virtually all colors and patterns (solid, tabby, pointed varieties)
Temperament	Very social, affectionate, active, playful, intelligent
Energy Level	High - enjoys jumping, running, and interactive play
Sociability	Gets along well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs
Grooming	Light grooming needed; occasional gentle wiping or bathing for greasy areas
Living Environment	Indoor cat with access to warm resting spots (sensitive to cold)
Lifespan	About 13–18 years on average
Suitability	Best for indoor homes that can offer warmth, attention, and daily playtime

The Cornish Rex is ideal for active families seeking an affectionate, playful companion that remains kitten-like in energy throughout its life.

References

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