Cornish Rex

Breed Overview

Introduction

The Cornish Rex is a truly unique and captivating feline, renowned for its striking appearance and enchanting personality.

They are often playfully called “con artists in fur” or “feline invaders from outer space” due to their mischievous and attention-seeking nature; simultaneously, they are affectionately known as the “Greyhounds of the cat world” for their elegant, athletic physique.

This breed combines distinctive physical charm with an intelligent, playful, and affectionate nature, making them ideal companions for active households. They are more than just pets; Cornish Rex cats are active participants in family life, bringing boundless energy and joy to their owners.

Their uniqueness lies not only in their appearance but also in their ability to retain a kitten-like personality throughout their lives, ensuring a life filled with fun and companionship.

Breed History

The captivating story of the Cornish Rex cat began in a humble barn in Cornwall, England, in 1950. The origin of this breed was the result of a chance discovery.

On July 21, 1950, a domestic British Shorthair cat named Serena, owned by farmer Nina Ennismore, gave birth to a litter of kittens. Among them was a cream-colored male kitten named Kallibunker, who immediately caught Ennismore’s attention due to his unusually tight, curly coat—resembling that of a tiny lamb. Kallibunker’s unique appearance was the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation, not due to local tin mine radiation as some rumors suggest.

Ms. Ennismore, who was also a breeder of curly-coated Astrex rabbits, recognized the distinctiveness of Kallibunker. On the advice of geneticists, she bred Kallibunker back to his mother in hopes of preserving this unique curly trait.

This intentional breeding program successfully produced more curly-coated kittens, laying the foundation for the new breed. The name “Rex” was chosen to honor the curly-coated Astrex rabbits she bred, and “Cornish” reflects the breed’s place of origin.

It is worth noting that the early breeding strategy of mating Kallibunker with his mother, while essential for quickly establishing the distinctive curls, also highlighted potential risks in early breed development.

Such inbreeding, though effective in passing on specific traits, can lead to a limited gene pool and increased risk of genetic disorders.

However, later breeders adopted more responsible practices, introducing outcrosses with other breeds such as the Siamese, Russian Blue, American Shorthair, British Shorthair, and Havana Brown.

This deliberate outcrossing effort was aimed at increasing genetic diversity to “improve the health and resilience of Rex cats,” thereby building a strong and healthy genetic foundation for the breed.

The Cornish Rex cat gained significant international attention following a feature article in Life magazine in 1956, quickly propelling the breed into the global spotlight.

Today, the Cornish Rex is the oldest of the three Rex breeds officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), alongside the Devon Rex and Selkirk Rex.

It is noteworthy that the curly coat gene mutations of the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex are different, and crossing the two breeds results in straight-haired offspring.

Physical Characteristics

The Cornish Rex is instantly recognizable for its slender build, elegant posture, and uniquely wavy coat, earning it the nickname “the Greyhound of the cat world.” This breed combines graceful appearance with athletic capability, making it stand out among feline companions.

Despite its delicate look, the Cornish Rex has a muscular, firm body with a naturally arched back and a tucked waist, leading into a long, tapering tail. Its long legs and small oval paws often give the impression that it is walking on tiptoe, enhancing its graceful presence.

Typically small to medium in size, males are slightly larger than females, with an average height of 8–12 inches (20–30.5 cm) and weight ranging between 5–10 pounds (2.3–4.5 kg).

The head is egg-shaped, longer than it is wide, with a distinctive Roman nose, high cheekbones, and a prominent occiput. The chin aligns smoothly with the nose, giving the profile a refined look.

Large, upright ears—deeply conical with subtly rounded tips—are a signature feature, while the oval, slightly upward-tilted eyes add an expressive, intelligent touch. Eye color varies with the coat and may be blue, green, yellow, or blue-green.

What truly sets the Cornish Rex apart is its extraordinarily soft, short, and wavy coat. Lacking guard hairs entirely, its fur consists only of down and awn hairs, creating a texture often compared to warm suede or crushed velvet.

The rippling waves across the body resemble Marcel waves or a washboard, and even the whiskers are short and curled, completing the cat’s distinctive look. The tail, like the rest of the body, is covered in fine, soft fur—ideally also wavy.

Behavior and Personality

The Cornish Rex is a cat full of personality—vibrant, intelligent, and deeply affectionate. It retains a kitten-like spirit throughout its life, delighting families with endless energy and charm. With its lithe, athletic body, this breed quite literally leaps through life, often compared to a gymnast or a dancer.

Known for its boundless playfulness, the Cornish Rex is a natural performer—curious, clownish, and agile, with a love for games like fetch and even the ability to toss toys when alone. Their activity level is famously described as having “only two speeds: fast and stop.”

Equally remarkable is their intelligence. Scoring top marks in both trainability and mental sharpness, Cornish Rex cats are engaged, observant, and eager to participate in whatever their humans are doing—sometimes a bit too enthusiastically.

Whether helping you type, unpack a box, or apply makeup, they thrive when involved. Their problem-solving abilities are evident, with some clever individuals even learning to turn doorknobs and open doors.

Socially, the Cornish Rex is a loving, people-oriented companion. It forms strong bonds with its humans, often following them from room to room and seeking constant interaction. While their “lap cat” rating sits at 3 out of 5, many are loyal lap snugglers who crave warmth and closeness.

They also do well with children, dogs, and strangers, scoring 4 out of 5 for both child- and dog-friendliness. Their gentle, accepting nature makes them excellent candidates for therapy work.

Though typically soft-spoken, the Cornish Rex can also be surprisingly expressive. Some are quite talkative, using chirps, trills, gentle touches, and affectionate gestures to communicate. With a talkativeness score of 4 out of 5, they strike a nice balance—vocal without being overwhelming.

In all, the Cornish Rex is a cat that thrives on interaction, affection, and mental engagement. It’s a breed that doesn’t just live in your home—it becomes a joyful, intelligent, and acrobatic part of your life.

Care Guide

Diet

Cornish Rex cats often have a hearty appetite and can be prone to overeating, making it essential to monitor both food quality and portion size to prevent obesity.

While their high energy levels allow some individuals to free-feed without gaining weight, it is still crucial to ensure they get adequate exercise to stay in shape. Interestingly, many Cornish Rex cats have a taste for vegetables like broccoli and peas.

Make sure your cat always has access to fresh, clean water. If your Cornish Rex is reluctant to drink from a bowl, try adding ice cubes or using a fountain-style water dispenser to encourage hydration.

Despite their active lifestyle, these cats may still overeat due to boredom. Simply reducing food may not solve the issue. Instead, increase playtime and emotional engagement to meet their psychological needs—a strategy that not only helps with weight control but also strengthens the human-cat bond.

Exercise

The Cornish Rex is extremely athletic and agile, requiring high-energy physical activity to stay healthy and happy. As the saying goes, “a more active cat is a healthier, happier cat.”

Owners should engage them regularly using dynamic toys that encourage jumping, sprinting, and climbing. These cats love to chase, fetch, and even initiate games on their own.

Great options include wand toys with dangling feathers or crinkle textures, as well as food puzzles that stimulate both mind and body.

Thanks to their lightweight bodies, Cornish Rex cats are excellent at navigating their indoor playgrounds, making use of vertical spaces and cat trees. Providing ample space for movement and vertical exploration is key to satisfying their natural instincts.

Environment & Enrichment

Cornish Rex cats are people-oriented and thrive as part of family life, making them a great choice for homes with children, other pets, or frequent guests.

However, they are not suited for long periods of solitude, as they crave human attention. If your household is often empty during the day, consider adopting a companion for your Cornish Rex to prevent loneliness.

Due to their lack of protective guard hairs, they are sensitive to temperature extremes. They may feel cold in winter or become overheated in summer, so it’s essential to keep them indoors at all times.

They love warm spots—whether it’s a sunbeam, a cozy lap, a heating vent, or under the covers. During colder months, provide plush, warm sleeping areas, and for pale-coated individuals briefly going outdoors, ear protection with pet-safe sunscreen may be needed.

They are also meticulous about cleanliness and require a clean litter box at all times. Ensure one box per cat, cleaned daily, to meet their high hygiene standards.

Grooming

The Cornish Rex’s coat is short and delicate, requiring minimal grooming—in fact, less is more. Excessive brushing can damage their fragile fur.

Regularly wipe the coat gently with a soft cloth or your hand. Though bathing is rarely needed, their lack of guard hairs can lead to oily skin, so occasional bathing may help manage oil buildup.

They are prone to greasy ears and toes, and sebaceous buildup can occur under the nails or inside the ears. Check weekly for wax, debris, or signs of infection, and clean as needed.

Trim nails every two weeks to prevent overgrowth, and brush their teeth daily using pet-safe toothpaste—or at least 2–3 times per week—to maintain oral health. Gently wipe eye corners to clear any discharge.

Mental Stimulation

The Cornish Rex is a highly social, people-focused breed that thrives on companionship and interaction. They are not well-suited for isolation, and extended periods alone can lead to boredom or emotional distress. A second cat or a friendly dog can provide much-needed companionship if humans are often away.

Regular interactive play and affectionate bonding are essential. These cats adjust their emotional needs based on the attention they receive.

Their playful and intelligent nature requires continuous mental stimulation, which can be provided through toys, puzzle feeders, and basic training.

Health Concerns

Is This Breed Right for You?

FAQ

Are Cornish Rex cats hypoallergenic? 

No cat is truly hypoallergenic. While Cornish Rexes shed minimally due to their lack of guard hairs, they still produce the Fel d 1 glycoprotein (found in skin, saliva, and urine) that causes allergies. They may be a better option for people with mild allergies, but there is no guarantee they won’t trigger a reaction.

Do Cornish Rex cats shed a lot? 

No, they shed very little. Their unique single coat (lacking guard hairs) is fine and silky, resulting in extremely low shedding compared to most other breeds.

How much grooming does a Cornish Rex need? 

They require minimal grooming, as excessive brushing can damage their delicate coat.] However, due to their oily skin, occasional bathing may be needed, along with regular cleaning of their greasy ears and toes. Daily or weekly dental care and nail trimming are also crucial.

Do Cornish Rex cats get along with children and other pets? 

Yes, they generally get along very well with children and other pets. They are affectionate, playful, and sociable, making them ideal family companions.

What is the average lifespan of a Cornish Rex? 

Their average lifespan is 12 to 16 years. With proper care, many cats can live into their mid-teens, and some even reach 20 years of age.

Why are they called the “Greyhounds of the cat world”? 

This nickname refers to their unique physique: a slender, athletic body with fine bones, an arched back, and a Greyhound-like tuck-up. They also share a love for running and a similar running gait to Greyhounds.

Are Cornish Rex cats sensitive to temperature? 

Yes, they are very sensitive. Their coat lacks guard hairs, making them vulnerable to cold and UV radiation. They seek warm spots in winter and can overheat in summer. Therefore, they should always be kept indoors.

What does “Rex” in their name refer to? 

The term “Rex” refers to the specific genetic mutation that results in their unique soft, wavy, curly coat, similar to that of Astrex rabbits. It does not refer to “king” or royalty.

Bonus Facts

The First Cornish Rex

The breed originated in 1950 with a male cat named Kallibunker, born in a barn in Cornwall.

Not the Only Rex

The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) officially recognizes three Rex breeds: the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and Selkirk Rex. The Cornish Rex is the oldest of these.

“Marcel Cat”

Due to their coat resembling a tightly-waved retro hairstyle called Marcel waves, these cats were once nicknamed “Marcel cats”.

Curly All Over

Their tight curls are not limited to their body; their whiskers and eyebrows are also curly.

Like Dog Traits

Their personality is often compared to that of dogs, as they are friendly, get along with strangers, struggle with loneliness, and are very playful.

Object Manipulators

Some Cornish Rex cats have learned to “pick up small objects using their paws like hands” and can even “turn door knobs and open doors”.

Warm to the Touch

Their bodies often feel warmer to the touch than average cats, and they actually have a slightly higher than normal body temperature.

Enjoy Cat Shows

Unlike many cats, the Cornish Rex is one of the few breeds that “enjoy the crowds and excitement found at a cat show,” observing with interest rather than fear.

Unique Genetics

Scientists have discovered the recessive mutation responsible for their curly coat, and DNA tests are available for breeders. This mutation is different from the Devon Rex gene; crossing them results in straight-coated offspring.

References

Drummey, Kristen (20 July 2022). “What to Know About a Cornish Rex”. WebMD. Retrieved 15 August 2023.

Jump up to:^a b c d “Cornish Rex Standard” (PDF). Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. Retrieved 20 February 2024.

Drummey, Kristen. “What to Know About a Cornish Rex”. WebMD. Retrieved 10 March 2025.

Animal Planet television series: “Cats 101″ episode:”Colorpoint Shorthair”.

“Cornish Rex”. Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. Retrieved 20 February 2024.

Gandolfi, Barbara; Alhaddad, Hasan; Affolter, Verena K.; Brockman, Jeffrey; Haggstrom, Jens; Joslin, Shannon E. K.; Koehne, Amanda L.; Mullikin, James C. & Outerbridge, Catherine A. (27 June 2013). “To the Root of the Curl: A Signature of a Recent Selective Sweep Identifies a Mutation That Defines the Cornish Rex Cat Breed”. PLoS ONE. 8 (6): e67105. Bibcode:2013PLoSO…867105G. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0067105. ISSN 1932-6203. PMC 3694948. PMID 23826204.

LeRoy, Michelle L.; Senter, David A.; Kim, Dae Young; Gandolfi, Barbara; Middleton, John R.; Trainor, Karen E.; Bouhan, Delia M. & Lyons, Leslie A. (7 June 2016). “Clinical and Histologic Description of Lykoi Cat Hair Coat and Skin”. Japanese Journal of Veterinary Dermatology. 22 (3): 179–191. doi:10.2736/jjvd.22.179.

“A New Look In Cats”. The Observer. 31 January 1965. pp. 4–5.

Robinson, R. (1 December 1971). “The rex mutants of the domestic cat”. Genetica. 42 (4): 466–468. doi:10.1007/BF00122078. ISSN 1573-6857. PMID 4945689.

Sparkes, Andrew H. (January 2022). “Human allergy to cats: A review for veterinarians on prevalence, causes, symptoms and control”. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 24 (1): 31–42. doi:10.1177/1098612X211036793. ISSN 1532-2750. PMC 8721530. PMID 34622710.