Cornish Rex
The slim, wavy-coated greyhound of the cat world
The Cornish Rex began in 1950 on a farm on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, when a cat had a litter that included a curly-coated kitten called Kallibunker. His owner, with the help of a geneticist, worked out how to breed more cats like him, and the breed took off.
It has an extraordinary coat, a whippet-like body and one of the most outgoing personalities in the cat world.
Cornish Rex at a glance
- Origin
- Cornwall, England
- Size
- Small to medium
- Weight
- Usually 2.5 to 4.5 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 11 to 15 years
- Coat
- Very short, soft and wavy, with no outer guard hairs
- Colours
- Almost any colour and pattern
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 5 out of 5
- Affection
- 5 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 3 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 1 out of 5
- Good with children
- 4 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 4 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A fine-boned, long-legged cat with a deep chest, a narrow “tucked-up” waist, an egg-shaped head, a Roman nose and very large ears. The coat is the standout: it has only the soft undercoat, with no outer guard hairs, so it lies in tight, plush waves, and even the whiskers can be curled.
Personality
Playful, clever and endlessly people-focused. Cornish Rexes stay kittenish into old age, with a sprint around the house, a leap onto your shoulder and a fascination with everything you do. They are affectionate, love company and are often keen to learn tricks.
Care and grooming
They feel the cold easily, so they need a warm home and cosy bedding. The coat needs very little grooming, but skin oils can build up, so occasional wipes or baths may be needed. They are big eaters for their size, so measure portions. Provide play, climbing and company.
Health to know about
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and kneecap problems (patellar luxation) have been reported, and a skin condition called hypotrichosis can occur. Ask breeders about health screening. Note that no cat is truly hypoallergenic, and a Rex’s fine coat does not make it safe for allergy sufferers.
Could suit
- Families who want a playful, interactive cat
- Homes where someone is around much of the day
- People who like a cat with a lot of personality
Think twice if
- If you want a calm, sleepy cat
- If you are out all day with no other pets
- If you have allergies, because Rexes are not hypoallergenic
“I am basically a greyhound, a hot water bottle and a clown in one.”
Compare the Cornish Rex
Name ideas for a Cornish Rex
- Kallibunker
- Curly
- Ripple
- Wave
- Pasty
- Trevor
- Penzance
- Truffle
- Pixie
- Biscuit
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Why does a Cornish Rex have a curly coat?
A natural gene change removes the stiff outer guard hairs, leaving only the soft, wavy undercoat.
Are Cornish Rexes hypoallergenic?
No. Cat allergens come from saliva and skin as well as fur, so a Rex can still trigger allergies.
Do Cornish Rexes get cold?
Yes. With such a fine coat they like warm rooms, blankets and heated beds.
What is the difference between a Cornish Rex and a Devon Rex?
Different genes cause the curls. The Cornish has a slimmer, more arched body and an egg-shaped head, while the Devon has a pixie face, huge low-set ears and a coat with some guard hairs.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
