The Cornish Rex is a medium sized domestic cat known for its lean, athletic build and striking wedge shaped head with large, mobile ears. This rex breed, including the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex, is most notable for its curly coat, which is curled, waved, or rippled across the entire body, including the whiskers and eyebrows. Unlike other cat breeds, the Cornish Rex lacks a guard hair layer, giving its coat a silky texture. It may take up to three years for a Cornish Rex to develop a fully mature coat.

• Cornish Rex Cats are best suited for experienced owners.
• Requires high-level enrichment.
• Likes simulated hunting games like Flying Bird Cat Toy.
• Loves interactive cat toys.
• Playful and curious nature.
• Independent yet friendly.
• Slightly talkative.
• Lean and elegant build.
• Cornish Rex needs grooming once a week.
• Great indoor cat and outdoor cat.
• Not ideal for family homes.
• Can be left alone for a few hours regularly.
• Perfect for a relaxed home environment.
• Thrives in quiet households with minimal noise.
• Sensitive to cold temperatures
• Loves a radiator cat bed for warmth.
• Can bond deeply with one or two family members.
• Enjoys puzzle feeders for mental stimulation.

The Cornish Rex cat breed is prone to the following conditions due to genetic mutations:

• Hypotrichosis: A condition where areas of fur do not grow, potentially leading to skin infections (especially yeast infections) due to the lack of oil produced by the hair necessary for maintaining healthy skin.

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  Polycystic Kidney Disease: An inherited condition caused by genetic mutations where cysts form in the kidneys, affecting kidney function and potentially leading to kidney disease and failure. However, the risk of this disease is lower in the Cornish Rex compared to other breeds prone to the problem.

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  Progressive Retinal Atrophy: An inherited disorder caused by genetic mutations where part of the eye degenerates, potentially resulting in blindness.

Testing available:

• DNA testing for polycystic kidney disease and progressive retinal atrophy, which determines if a cat has the genetic mutations that may cause these conditions.

Reference: E. Ferguson, "Alopecia in the Cat: Part 2," 2008, UK Vet Companion Animal.

Playful and kittenish well into old age, the Cornish Rex, a popular rex breed, is often described as the Greyhound of the cat world. This medium sized domestic cat, like the Devon Rex, is lean and athletic with a characteristic galloping run, making the comparison fitting. With a curly coat lacking a guard hair layer, the Cornish Rex is intelligent, adventurous, and extremely curious. These rex cats are also highly sociable, enjoying the company of both people and other household pets.

The Cornish Rex traces its origins to a spontaneous genetic mutation observed in a litter of non-pedigree cats born in Cornwall in 1950. This rex breed was selectively bred by initially crossing the first mutant kitten back to its mother, followed by meticulous line-breeding and occasional out crossing with Siamese-type cats. These breeding efforts aimed to refine the breed into the lean and elegant Cornish Rex, distinguished by its characteristic rippled or curled coat.

In all four original rex breeds (Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, LaPerm, and Selkirk Rex), different genes and mutations contribute to their unique curly coats. Unlike other cats, the Cornish Rex lacks guard hair and awn (fluff), possessing only a fine, curled undercoat. Despite common belief, it is not typically hypoallergenic, as allergies are usually triggered by cat saliva and dander (dead skin cells).

The Cornish Rex is a cat that would love to explore the outdoors, if only the environment were consistently warm, dry, and safe. Due to their fine, curly coat and lack of guard hair, they are not waterproof and can easily get cold in wet or windy weather. Their friendly and curious nature also makes them prone to wandering into neighbors' yards, attracting attention from potential thieves, or accidentally hitching a ride in a delivery van or car.

To safely satisfy their outdoor curiosity, consider securing your garden with rollers or mesh, or provide an enclosed cat run. Explore more tips on how to create a cat proofed environment for your Cornish Rex and other rex breeds.

Keeping a Cornish Rex, like other rex breeds such as the Devon Rex, requires ample entertainment options provided by you! Constructing extensive cat trees, wall mounted runs, climbing frames, and puzzle feeders can prevent your furniture from becoming their substitute playground! Here are effective strategies to deter your rex cat from scratching furniture.

Engage them with Whack a Mole Cat toys and Automatic Cat toys that simulate hunting and capturing prey to keep your Cornish Rex or Devon Rex entertained and content. These clever cats can also learn to fetch and excel in clicker training, mastering a variety of tricks!

Each cat, including breeds like the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex, is unique with specific likes, dislikes, and nutritional needs. As carnivores, they require 41 essential nutrients from their food. The proportions of these nutrients vary depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health. Therefore, it's crucial to understand that a growing, energetic kitten requires a different nutrient balance compared to a less active senior cat.

Find out more about Kitten Care with our article.

It's important to feed the right quantity of food to maintain the cat's ideal body condition, following feeding guidelines tailored for rex breeds with curly coats and other domestic cats. Also accommodating individual preferences regarding wet or dry cat food recipes is key.

Find out more about cat nutrition with our article. 

The wavy coat of the Cornish Rex, a distinguished rex breed like the Devon Rex, requires minimal grooming. Rubber brushes can help remove dead hair, but caution should be exercised to prevent damage to the delicate guard hair. Cats with lighter coats may need sun protection on their ears during the summer months.

It's important to note that a greasy coat could indicate that your rex cat is not grooming properly, which may suggest underlying health issues. Regular vaccinations, Flea control, Tick control and annual veterinary check ups are essential for maintaining the health of Cornish Rex and other domestic cats.

The Cornish Rex cat can be a good family pet for certain households, but it may not be ideal for all families. Its playful and energetic nature makes it great for active homes, especially with older children or adults who can provide plenty of attention and enrichment. However, it might not be the best fit for families with very young children or those looking for a more laid-back cat, as the Cornish Rex prefers regular interaction and can be quite curious and demanding in terms of play. Additionally, its independent streak allows it to handle being left alone for short periods, but it still thrives in environments where it receives consistent engagement.