Cornish Rex Cat | 15 Things You Need to Know About this Cornish Rex Cat

15 Things You Need to Know About this Cornish Rex Cat
A Cornish Rex kitten with wide eyes and big ears staring at the camera.

Cornish Rex cats are ideal for persons with avant-garde preferences due to their distinct, eye-catching look. Cornish Rex cats range in size from tiny to medium. They usually look like giant cats until you pick them up because they stand high on their legs. When viewed from the side, her underbelly follows the upward curve of her backbone, making an upward curve.

The Cornish Rex may appear tiny due to its narrow boning, yet this cat is sporty and not at all frail. The Cornish Rex has a short, thin skull with huge ears and eyes that appear enormous for their size. Her features include a Roman nose, a strong chin, and long, slender legs. The Cornish Rex’s tail is likewise long and thin, with a high degree of flexibility. And lastly, they have distinctive coats among cats. It is silky and delicate but generates waves resembling corn rows.

This weird yet magnificent breed is one of the most desirable types of cats people want to possess. If you think the Cornish Rex cat is for you, read everything you can about them to be prepared. Knowing more about them can enable you to make an educated purchase or adoption decision.

Here are 15 exciting things you need to know about the Cornish Rex cat.

1. Cornish Rex Cat History

Cornish Rex Cat History

The first Cornish Rex kitten was born on July 21, 1950, in Cornwall, England. He was the outcome of a natural mutation, the offspring of a barn cat and an unknown sire. Nina Ennismore, the discoverer, had bred and shown rex rabbits, so she knew this cat was exceptional. Serena, the mother cat, gave birth to a litter of kittens, including one cream-colored male kitten with tight, delicate curls.

With a small body, long, skinny legs, enormous bat ears, and a whippy tail, he became even more distinct from his littermates. Nina set aside this curly-haired cat, called him Kallibunker, and began the Cornish Rex breed.

A breeding pair of Cornish Rex closely linked to Kallibunker was introduced into the United States in 1957. Ten years later, by 1967, the Cornish Rex was formally acknowledged in the United States. It has since grown in popularity there more than in England.

Breeders first assumed that the curly coats of the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex were connected and that the two could be mated to each other. This breeding was attempted. However, the kittens produced all had straight coats. Because this outcome occurred each time the mating was attempted, the curly-coated cats were considered two unique breeds.

2. Cornish Rex Cat is Rare

Cornish Rex Cat is Rare

The Cornish Rex is a rare breed. It’s doubtful that you’ll discover one in a shelter or via a rescue organization, but it never hurts to look. A pedigreed cat may wind up at an animal shelter if its owner dies, divorces, or their financial condition changes.

3. Cornish Rex Cat Price

A Cornish Rex kitten may cost between $800 and $1,200, depending on whether it is a pet or breeding quality cat.

When tracking a breeder, make sure they are trustworthy. A respectable breeder will follow an ethical code that forbids sales to pet stores and wholesalers and defines the breeder’s responsibility to their cats and consumers. Choose a breeder who has undergone the requisite health certifications to screen out hereditary health concerns and someone who nurtures kittens in her house. Isolated kittens might develop timid and skittish, making it difficult to socialize them later in life.

There are many respectable breeders with websites, so you must understand how to tell who is excellent and who is not. Cats are always accessible. There are many litters on the grounds, you may choose any kitten, and you can pay online with a credit card. These may seem convenient, but they are nearly never how respectable breeders work.

4. Cornish Rex Cat Life Expectancy

Cornish Rex Cat Life Expectancy

The average Cornish Rex lifetime is 15 years. However, rexes living over 20 years are rare, and the breed has almost no inherited or genetic health concerns.

5. Cornish Rex Cat Possible Health Issues

While there are no breed-specific health issues, Cornish Rex cats are susceptible to many of the same basic ailments that can affect numerous cat breeds.

Kidney disease is the most prevalent ailment that we see in cats. In cats, this is true across the board. Kidney disease and heart disease are two conditions that vets routinely screen all cats for.

By the age of ten, about 70% of cats have arthritis somewhere in their bodies. Cats are excellent at masking their discomfort. As a cat owner, you must always be alert to even the most minor signs that your cat is in distress. Otherwise, you may overlook primary veterinary appointments or preventative treatment.

Cornish Rex Cat Possible Health Issues

6. Cornish Rex Cat Body

The Cornish rex’s physique is exceedingly slim, giving the impression that she is frail. Everything beneath the skin is strong muscle and bone, and they are remarkably sturdy and lively cats. Their bodies are capped by a petite, egg-shaped head with high cheekbones, huge, round eyes, a long nose, and massive ears on top of the skull.

The Cornish Rex’s most distinguishing features are her smooth, wavy fur, egg-shaped head, and massive bat-like ears. She has the figure of a dancer: extended, thin, and strong, with a naturally arched back, noticeable tummy tuck, and rear legs that are longer than the front ones.

The Cornish Rex’s long, thin torso and naturally arched back give them the appearance of a Greyhound, right down to the drumstick-like thighs and long, whippy tail. Females typically weigh 5 to 7 pounds, while males typically weigh 8 to 10 pounds.

7. Cornish Rex Cat Personality

Cornish Rex Cat Personality

The Cornish Rex may get highly attached to her owner. They like being close to their parents and must spend time with them daily. Many Cornish Rex will go to great lengths to spend more time with their owners, even learning to walk on a leash. They like being handled by their parent owners in general.

The Cornish Rex is an active cat that will maintain her weight if given an appropriate exercise area. Because of the close-lying structure of the coat, it is easy to notice whether a Cornish is becoming too heavy.

The Cornish Rex is a fast and agile dog who enjoys jumping, running, and playing. When she’s playing, she might appear to be limitless. She should also do interactive tasks.

8. Cornish Rex Cat Living Needs

Cornish Rex Cat Living Needs

When you bring a Cornish rex kitten home, it will need areas where it can explore. They’ll love a cat tree or two, a natural climber and jumper, some cat shelves fixed to the walls, and a window hammock to relax in.

Your rex will also require a comfortable, cuddly, and, most importantly, warm cat bed. Their really short coat is lovely and cuddly, but it doesn’t keep them warm. So, when kids go home from a day of fun, they’ll seek out the warmest spot—a bed, your laptop, or you. A lovely kitty sweater will keep them warm, and if you ever let them out on a catio or explore on a leash, make sure they’re dressed warmly.

9. Cornish Rex Cat Care

The short, curly coats of the Cornish Rex are about as low-maintenance as it gets. Brushing should be kept to a minimum.

Brushing too frequently might potentially destroy these fragile hairs. Instead of brushing frequently, you should clean your cat’s ears and paws at least once a week. This will assist prevent the formation of extra oils and greasiness. You should also keep their nails cut, their litter box clean, and their teeth cleaned.

It is critical to keep your Cornish Rex indoors. They can quickly get sunburnt if they stay in the sun for too long. In addition, they almost always have trouble with cold temperatures when outside.

10. Cornish Rex Cat is great with children

Cornish Rex Cat is great with children

The energetic and gregarious Cornish Rex is an excellent choice for homes with children and cats. They can play fetch as well as any retriever, learn tricks quickly, and enjoy the attention of youngsters who treat them gently and respectfully. Introduce pets gradually and under regulated conditions to ensure they learn to coexist.

They usually get along well with everyone: adults, children, and elders and may be highly loving toward them.

11. Cornish Rex Cat Coat

Cornish Rex Cat Coat

The coat is the most distinguishing feature of the Cornish Rex. Whereas most breeds have three types of hair—long outside guard hairs, a middle layer of awn hair, and a down undercoat—Cornish Rex cats only have the down undercoat, giving them a silky, wavy look that feels like velvet.

The Cornish Rex has a short, smooth, silky coat with no harsh guard hairs. The fur is tightly wavy close to the skin and is particularly short and wavy on the chest and belly.

The less grooming required for the Rex coat, the better. Brushing or combing the hair might cause it to break. Ears and paws can become oily, so clean them periodically.

Aside from grooming their coats, Cornish Rex occasionally needs nail clipping and ear washing. Brush their teeth with vet-approved pet toothpaste regularly for good overall health and fresh breath. Examine and smell inside their large ears to ensure no redness or foul odor might suggest an infection. If their ears appear unclean, clean them with a cotton ball soaked in a mild cleaner prescribed by your veterinarian.

12. Cornish Rex Cat Social Life

Cornish Rexes are very gregarious, clever cats with an acrobatic, clownish disposition. They live close to their people and can be demanding, outspoken, and persistent sometimes. They prefer cuddling beneath blankets or with their favorite human since their thin coats keep them warm.

Because of this, some people find them excessively intense. A Cornish Rex, on the other hand, can be a fantastic fit if you’re seeking a cat who lives to be with you.

Because they are such gregarious cats, they get along well with youngsters, pets, and even dogs. Their temperament also makes them ideal for work as therapy animals.

13. Cornish Rex Cat’s Differences from the Devon Rex Cat

Cornish Rex Cat’s Differences from the Devon Rex Cat

It’s easy to mix up the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex. Both breeds originated in the United Kingdom. These cats are similar in appearance, with slender, muscular bodies, huge ears, and wavy coats. Despite these similarities, each breed has various distinguishing characteristics that make it different.

The faces of the Cornish rex and Devon rex differ; the Cornish rex has a triangular and slim face, while the Devon rex has a broad one. Another difference is their hair. Cornish rex hair is somewhat shorter than Devon rex hair.

Their bodies differ as well, with the Cornish Rex having longer legs, a smaller waist, a broader chest, and a finer coat than the Devon Rex, which has broad, low-set ears, significantly shorter whiskers, and slightly shorter and muscular legs.

14. Cornish Rex Cat Hypoallergenic

Although you may have heard that the Cornish rex is hypoallergenic, this is not technically correct. Because of her short, curly coat, the Cornish rex sheds less than other breeds, but people with cat allergies aren’t responding to the cat hair.

Most cat allergies are caused by Fel d 1, a glycoprotein found in the skin’s sebaceous glands, saliva, and urine. Cats’ saliva dries on their fur and flakes off when they move, generating the dander that most humans react to.

Because of that, while a Cornish Rex may have a reduced reaction in those allergic to cats, the possibility of an allergic reaction still exists since they groom themselves. Spend time with a Cornish rex kitten before taking it home to observe how your allergies react.

15. Cornish Rex Cat Adoption

Petfinder.com and Adopt-a-Pet.com will help you find a Cornish Rex in your neighborhood in no time. You may be precise in your web requests, such as housetraining status, or very general, such as locating all Cornish Rexs available on Petfinder across the country. AnimalShelter.org can assist you in finding animal rescue organizations in your region. You can look through several publications’ “pets searching for homes” sections.

Another fantastic approach to discovering a cat is through social media. Declare on your Facebook page that you are seeking a specific breed so your entire community can keep tabs on a Cornish Rex on your behalf.

Expanding your online network can assist you in locating a cat that may be the ideal companion for your household. Most Cornish Rexes fans adore all Cornish Rexes. That is why breed groups have rescue organizations dedicated to helping homeless cats. Fanciers Breeder Referral List is a beautiful place to start. You may also look for more Cornish Rex rescues in your region online.

Wherever you get your Cornish Rex, ensure you have a firm contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue agency that outlines both parties’ duties. If your state has pet lemon laws, make sure you and the person from whom you purchased the cat are both aware of your rights and options.

You can also use the quiz below to find out what cat breed is fit for you.

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FIRST OFF, WHAT DOES YOUR HOME LOOK LIKE?

WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?

PICK A GRADIENT FROM BELOW:

WHICH OF THESE POSITIVE WORDS RESONATES WITH YOU?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD FREE TIME?

WHICH OF THESE SETTINGS DO YOU PREFER?

FINALLY, WHICH WORD DESCRIBES YOU THE BEST?

QUIZ: WHAT CAT BREED SHOULD I GET?
SIAMESE

YOU'VE GOT ... SIAMESE CAT BREED! USUALLY, SIAMESE CATS ARE ... AFFECTIONATE, LOVING, SOCIAL, SENSITIVE, NERVOUS, ROUTINED, CALM.
ABYSSINIAN

YOU'VE GOT... ABYSSINIAN CAT BREED! ABYSSINIANS ARE... INTELLIGENT, SKILLFUL, ENTERTAINING, CENTER OF ATTENTION, AGILE, TRICKY.
PERSIAN

YOU'VE GOT... PERSIAN CAT BREED! SOME OF THEIR TRAITS ARE... QUIET, SWEET, AFFECTIONATE, PLAYFUL, EXPRESSIVE, RESERVED, DISCRIMINATING.
RAGDOLL

YOU'VE GOT... RAGDOLL CAT BREED! GENERALLY, RAGDOLL CATS ARE... RELAXED, DOCILE, POSITIVE, SMART, QUIET, FRIENDLY, WELL BEHAVED.
SPHYNX

YOU'VE GOT... SPHYNX CAT BREED! SPHYNX CATS ARE... AFFECTIONATE, FRIENDLY, PLAYFUL, INTELLIGENT, REAE, INQUISITIVE, UNIQUE.

Share your Results:

Final Thoughts on the Cornish Rex Cat

The Cornish Rex Cat is highly recommended! They are known to get along well with youngsters and other pets. While some cat breeds, such as the Devon Rex, like to have other animal friends, the Cornish Rex is amiable but generally indifferent—as long as it has enough one-on-one time with human family members.

Despite its exquisite look and petite size, the Cornish Rex is an active cat with a friendly attitude. This breed, like other cats, demands daily care and lots of connection from its owner, and it thrives on cognitively engaging activities, training, and puzzles.

If you bring this loving feline into your house, you will be rewarded with an entertaining and stylish cat. Just be prepared to have a natural snuggle companion since Cornish Rex cats avidly demand their owners’ attention and affection.

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