Description: Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a unique and elegant cat breed recognized for its soft, wavy coat and slender, athletic build. Originating from Cornwall, England in the 1950s, the Cornish Rex’s coat lacks the outer guard hairs found in most other breeds, resulting in a velvety texture. These cats are highly active and playful, often described as 'kittenish' throughout their lives. They are affectionate, loving companions who thrive on human interaction and enjoy participating in family activities. The Cornish Rex is known for its intelligence, curiosity, and agility, making it an entertaining addition to any household. This breed tends to get along well with children and other pets, and their minimal grooming requirements make them relatively easy to care for.
Cornish Rex ratings
Properties
The Cornish Rex is a unique and highly recognizable breed of domestic cat, easily distinguished by its strikingly soft, wavy coat and elegant, slender build. Originating from Cornwall, England in the 1950s, this breed was the result of a natural genetic mutation—one that affected the structure of the cat’s hair, giving it its distinctive appearance. The Cornish Rex's coat is very short, consisting only of down hair, the softest and most insulating of the three hair types found in cats (guard, awn, and down). The absence of guard and awn hairs gives the cat its trademark silky, rippled texture and makes it extremely soft to the touch, often compared to suede or rabbit fur. Alongside their unique fur, Cornish Rexes have an athletic and lithe body with long legs, a fine-boned structure, and a graceful, arched back reminiscent of a greyhound.
The breed's large, high-set ears and oval, expressive eyes add to its exquisite and almost extraterrestrial appearance. Colors and patterns in the Cornish Rex are highly diverse, ranging from solid colors to a mosaic of multi-colored patterns, including tortoiseshell, calico, tabby, and pointed varieties.
Cornish Rex cats are renowned for their energetic personalities. They are remarkably playful, often maintaining their kitten-like antics well into adulthood. These cats are agile climbers and leapers, and they adore interactive play—whether chasing toys or running through the house. Their extroverted nature means they thrive on human interaction; they love companionship and will often become devoted to their families, eagerly participating in daily life and welcoming attention from adults, children, and even other pets.
Despite their refined appearance, Cornish Rexes are generally robust and healthy, although their short fur means they can be sensitive to cold and need to be kept indoors. Their unique coat also requires less grooming than other breeds, but regular (gentle) bathing can help control oiliness that might accumulate on their skin.
Overall, the Cornish Rex is a delightfully affectionate, playful, and intelligent cat that craves attention and rewards its owners with unwavering loyalty, endless entertainment, and a one-of-a-kind aesthetic.
Appearance
The Cornish Rex is a distinctive cat breed, notable for its unique appearance that sets it apart from other domestic cats. One of the most remarkable features of the Cornish Rex is its coat. Unlike the typical triple-layered coat seen in most cats, the Cornish Rex has only the soft, downy undercoat—known as the 'rex' coat. This fur is exceptionally fine, silky, and forms tight, uniform waves or curls that ripple over the cat’s body. The soft texture and lack of guard hairs contribute to a unique and luxurious feel, often compared to crushed velvet or silk.
The head of the Cornish Rex is small and egg-shaped when viewed from above, with a profile that often shows a pronounced Roman nose. Their ears are large, upright, and set high on the head, giving them an alert and inquisitive expression. The eyes are oval, set slightly oblique, and can come in a wide range of colors, depending on the coat color and pattern.
Cornish Rex cats are medium-sized but often appear slender due to their slim, graceful build. The body is long and athletic, with a deep chest, a natural tuck-up at the waist, and a slightly arched back. Their legs are long, slender, and well-muscled, ending in small, oval paws. The tail is another standout feature—it is long, tapering, and often covered in gentle waves, matching the texture of their body coat.
The Cornish Rex comes in nearly all coat colors and patterns recognized in the feline world, such as solid, tabby, bicolor, calico, and more. This breed's overall impression is one of elegance and refinement, complemented by an athletic agility and a quirky, playful demeanor. Despite their delicate appearance, Cornish Rex cats are surprisingly robust and active.
Another notable aspect of the breed’s appearance is its facial expression, which often conveys a sense of mischief and intelligence. The high cheekbones, prominent whisker pads (with curly whiskers), and the elegant, tapering muzzle all contribute to the breed's distinctive look. When well-groomed, the Cornish Rex's coat requires minimal maintenance, as it does not shed as much as other breeds and rarely matts.
Overall, the Cornish Rex's appearance is defined by its curly coat, lithe body, oversized ears, and expressive eyes, making it a breed instantly recognizable and appealing to cat enthusiasts seeking something out of the ordinary.
History
The Cornish Rex is a distinctive and elegant breed of domestic cat known for its exceptionally soft, wavy coat. The breed’s unique appearance and history can be traced back to the county of Cornwall, England, in the mid-20th century. The story of the Cornish Rex begins in 1950 on a farm near Bodmin Moor, where a tortoiseshell-and-white cat named Serena gave birth to a litter of kittens. Among them was a cream-colored male with an unusually curly coat, later named Kallibunker. Recognizing the kitten’s peculiar appearance, owner Nina Ennismore, in consultation with a local geneticist and veterinarian, started a selective breeding program to preserve and develop the trait.
The curly coat of the Cornish Rex is the result of a natural genetic mutation, specifically affecting the gene responsible for the structure of the cat’s hair follicles. Unlike most cats that have three types of hair—guard, awn, and down—the Cornish Rex primarily has only the down hair, giving their coat an incredibly soft, plush texture reminiscent of crushed velvet or silk.
To establish the breed, Kallibunker was bred back to his mother, producing more kittens with curly coats. These cats formed the foundation of the Cornish Rex breed. Early breeders also outcrossed to domestic shorthairs, British Shorthairs, and Siamese cats to expand the gene pool and reinforce desirable traits such as their graceful, slender build and large, expressive ears.
The breed’s unique coat and charming, playful personality quickly gained attention, and by the 1950s and 1960s, Cornish Rex cats were being exported to the United States and other countries. The breed was officially recognized by the British cat registries and, soon after, by North American associations such as The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA).
Today, the Cornish Rex remains a relatively rare but cherished breed, admired for its history, distinctive looks, and engaging, energetic personality. Their captivating appearance and loving nature have solidified their place as a beloved choice among cat enthusiasts worldwide.