The Cornish Rex, a cat with a unique curly coat and large ears, embodying elegance and vivacity.
The Curly Elegance of the Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a cat breed of singular elegance, immediately recognizable by its soft, curly coat, reminiscent of rabbit fur or silk. Originating in Cornwall, England, in the 1950s, this cat stands out with its slender silhouette, egg-shaped head, large ears, and expressive eyes. Devoid of guard and awn hairs, its coat is composed solely of curly down hair, making it sensitive to temperature changes.
Beyond its unique appearance, the Cornish Rex is valued for its joyful, intelligent, and extroverted personality. It is an affectionate and very active companion that retains its kitten-like playfulness throughout its life.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 14, 2025.
My personal tip : The Cornish Rex's fine, curly coat requires minimal grooming; often, a simple hand stroke is enough to maintain its shine. However, be gentle, as its hairs are delicate. Due to the absence of guard hairs, it is very sensitive to cold and should be kept as an indoor cat in a warm, cozy environment. This cat is extremely intelligent and energetic, having a constant need for mental and physical stimulation. Offer a wide variety of interactive toys, regular play sessions, and opportunities to climb and explore at height. Very sociable, it does not tolerate loneliness and will appreciate the company of other animals or available humans.
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Identifying the Cornish Rex: Key Characteristics
The Cornish Rex's wedge-shaped head and prominent ears are characteristic of the breed.
The Cornish Rex is a small to medium-sized cat, with a slender, muscular, and athletic body, often compared to a greyhound due to its gait. Its most striking feature is its unique coat.
Size: Small to medium-sized cat, with a slender and well-muscled body.
Coat: Short, fine, silky, and curly (wavy or rippled all over the body), with no guard or awn hairs. All colors and patterns are accepted. Whiskers and eyebrows are also curly.
Head: Egg-shaped or wedge-shaped, with high cheekbones and a long nose.
Eyes: Large, round or almond-shaped, expressive; all colors are possible.
Ears: Very large, wide at the base and well-opened, set high on the head, resembling bat wings.
Tail: Long, thin, and tapering.
Dimensions et Informations Clés (Cornish Rex)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Taille (au garrot)
25 – 30 cm
20 – 25 cm
20 – 30 cm
Poids
3 – 4,5 kg
2,2 – 4 kg
2,2 – 4,5 kg
Espérance de Vie
15 – 20 ans
15 – 20 ans
15 – 20 ans
Régime Alimentaire
Carnivore strict
Carnivore stricte
Croquettes et pâtée de haute qualité
Portée (chatons)
-
Variable
Généralement 4-6
These figures indicate that the Cornish Rex is a medium-sized, agile, and energetic cat, and its growth is completed around 1 year of age.
Behavior: Playful, Affectionate, and Very Active
The Cornish Rex is a cat with a singular look, recognizable by its wavy and incredibly soft coat, similar to velvet or suede. But it's its lively and exuberant temperament that truly distinguishes it. The Cornish Rex is an extremely playful, intelligent, and very affectionate cat, which retains a kitten-like spirit throughout its life. It loves human company and constantly seeks interaction.
These are athletic and acrobatic cats, who love to jump, climb, and explore every corner of their environment. Their curiosity is insatiable, and they are often described as having a temperament close to that of a dog, capable of learning tricks and playing fetch. Their energy and need for physical and mental stimulation make them very entertaining. Their unique coat and dynamic personality can bring to mind the Devon Rex, another breed with a wavy coat and a mischievous character, or even the distinct appearance of the Sphynx due to its originality.
The Cornish Rex is a vocal companion, who loves to "talk" with its owners, though less intensely than the Siamese or the Oriental. It becomes deeply attached to its family and does not appreciate solitude. It generally gets along well with children and other animals, provided it has been socialized early. For owners seeking an interactive and lively cat, the Cornish Rex is an excellent choice. If you appreciate lively and agile cats, the Abyssinian also offers a very dynamic and exploratory personality.
Origin and Adaptability
The history of the Cornish Rex began in 1950, on a farm in Cornwall, England, with the birth of a cream-colored kitten named Kallibunker. This kitten displayed an incredibly fine and curly coat, the result of a natural genetic mutation. Kallibunker was then bred back to his mother, and lines were later developed with outcrosses to Siamese, Burmese, and British Shorthair cats, giving rise to the breed we know today. The gene responsible for the Cornish Rex's curly coat is unique and different from that of other 'Rex' breeds.
The Cornish Rex is an adaptable cat that thrives in an apartment, provided it receives plenty of attention, play, and stimulation. However, due to its fine coat lacking guard hairs, it is very sensitive to cold and must be protected from extreme temperatures, preferably remaining an indoor cat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Cornish Rex
What is unique about the Cornish Rex's coat?
The Cornish Rex has no guard or awn hairs, only a layer of fine, curly undercoat, giving it a soft, velvety texture, comparable to silk or rabbit fur. Its whiskers and eyebrows are also curly.
What is the temperament of the Cornish Rex?
The Cornish Rex is an extremely intelligent, curious, playful, and very affectionate cat. It is sociable, energetic, and maintains a kitten-like spirit throughout its life. It demands a lot of attention and does not like loneliness.
Is the Cornish Rex hypoallergenic?
Despite its fine coat and minimal shedding, the Cornish Rex is not considered truly hypoallergenic. Allergies are primarily caused by proteins present in the cat's saliva and dead skin cells (dander).
What are the specific health problems of the Cornish Rex?
The Cornish Rex can be predisposed to certain genetic conditions such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and congenital hypotrichosis. Genetic tests are available for PKD and PRA.
What is the life expectancy of a Cornish Rex?
The average life expectancy of a Cornish Rex typically ranges between 15 and 20 years, with good care and a balanced diet.
