Do you want an affectionate and active cat? One that loves to play and cuddle? Then a Cornish Rex might be for you. Here, you can read everything about this delightful breed (that looks a bit like an alien).
In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you want to know about Cornish Rex cats, such as:
- What is the character of a Cornish Rex cat?
- What does a Cornish Rex look like?
- How to care for a Cornish Rex?
- How old can a Cornish Rex get?
- Health issues of Cornish Rex cats
- The origin of the Cornish Rex
- How much does a Cornish Rex cost?
And we’ll also tell you:
- Is a Devon Rex the same as a Cornish Rex?
- Is a Cornish Rex friendly?
- Does a Cornish Rex like cuddling?
What is the character of a Cornish Rex?
Cornish Rex cats are known for their lovely character. They are very affectionate, intelligent, and lively. And they enjoy playing pranks, preferably with their fellow cats. So, a Cornish Rex is quite mischievous. These cats are also temperamental and have an excellent sense of humor. They get along well with everyone – their owners, their fellow cats, and even with dogs.
Is a Cornish Rex friendly? Definitely. But a Cornish Rex can also be stubborn and has a strong will of its own. If you bring a Cornish Rex into your home, you should train them well and consistently from the beginning. However, it’s not difficult because Cornish Rex cats are smart, and you can teach them almost anything. And unteach. Especially if you use games and tasty treats.
Because these cats mostly stay indoors and are so lively, a scratching post for active cats is essential. That way, they can play, climb, and scratch their nails.
What does a Cornish Rex look like?
The most striking feature of a Cornish Rex is their coat – it’s short and curly. And very soft. Furthermore, these cats are small in size, slim, and finely built. Their coat is short, especially on the head. Their ears are exceptionally large, as are their eyes. This, along with their slender appearance, makes them look a bit like an alien. A very cute alien, though!
The coat of Cornish Rex cats is very short and soft. That’s why they always feel pleasantly warm.
By the way, there are two different types of Cornish Rex: the European Cornish Rex and the American. The differences are subtle and are mostly seen in appearance – the American Cornish is somewhat smaller and finer, with a thinner coat and looser curls. The nose also differs. That of the European Cornish Rex is straighter.
Furthermore, Cornish Rex cats have no guard hairs, hardly shed, and weigh between 2.5 to 4.5 kilograms. Male cats are usually larger than females. As for coat color, almost anything goes – red, brown, blue, with stripes, spots, or without. They can also be white with Siamese markings.
All about the care of a Cornish Rex
Taking care of Cornish Rex cats is easy because their coat is so soft and short that it only needs a weekly brush to stay in good condition. But a cat needs more than that, of course. Think of love, attention from the owner, and a safe home. Just like good care, regular visits to the vet for check-ups, protection against fleas and other parasites, fresh water daily, and proper breed-appropriate food. But also:
- A sturdy scratching post
- Cat toys
- Litter boxes with good cat litter
- A comfy cat bed
How old does a Cornish Rex get?
If you take good care of a Cornish Rex and are affectionate to them, their life expectancy is the same as that of an ordinary domestic cat, which is an average of 12 to 18 years.
A Cornish Rex is not the same as a Devon Rex. A Cornish Rex is larger and heavier, while the Devon Rex has a stiffer and more curly coat.
Health issues in Cornish Rex cats
Cornish Rex cats generally do not have any specific deviations or suffer from diseases or conditions. It is, therefore, a healthy cat breed. However, they can be susceptible to certain hereditary conditions, such as:
- A heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).
- Hypertrichosis, a condition that causes the cat to have little or no hair.
- ADPKD, a polycystic kidney disease that results in the formation of many cysts in the cat’s kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure.
- An eye condition called Progressive Retina Atrophy (PRA), which deteriorates the cat’s retinas, ultimately causing blindness.
- Patellar luxation, a condition in which the cat’s kneecaps dislocate more easily.
- An infectious peritonitis called FIP caused by a type of coronavirus (not contagious to humans).
If you want to ensure that you’re buying a healthy Cornish Rex, always ask the breeder for a health guarantee or statement.
Now you know everything about the Cornish Rex. And you’d probably like to know how this breed originated and where. You can read that below!
The origin of the Cornish Rex
On a farm in the 1950s in England (Cornwall), a litter of kittens was born, including a male kitten with a curly coat. But that wasn’t the only remarkable thing about the kitten. He was particularly slender, had a narrow head, and very large eyes and ears. This male was named Kallibunker and is the progenitor of what later became the official Cornish Rex breed.
His appearance likely resulted from a spontaneous gene mutation. Because breeders found it to be such a charming and unique animal, they decided to breed with it. The kittens from the next litter were crossbred with different cat breeds, such as the Burmese, Siamese, and British Shorthairs, until the Cornish Rex we know today eventually emerged.
How much does a Cornish Rex cost?
If you like the Cornish Rex and would like to buy a kitten, you’ll need to save up because a healthy kitten from a reputable breeder or a cattery affiliated with a breed association costs around €700.00 or more. But you can be sure you’re getting a healthy pet. Always ask for papers, a health statement, and if you can see the environment where the kitten was raised.
If a purebred cat is too expensive for you or you don’t care much about appearance, consider looking in an animal shelter or through a pet adoption agency. There, you’ll find many lovely cats looking for a caring owner and a new home. And remember, never buy a purebred cat from a backyard breeder, eBay, or Marktplaats!
The Cornish Rex in a nutshell:
- Cornish Rex cats are mischievous, active, and affectionate.
- The coat of a Cornish Rex is curly and very soft.
- Cornish Rex cats do not shed much.
- A Cornish Rex needs to expend its energy and loves to play.
- A Cornish Rex can live to be 12 to 18 years old.
- Cornish Rex cats originate from England.
- You can buy a Cornish Rex kitten starting from 700 euros from a good breeder.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or a behavior expert: all content, information, and tips on this blog are meant to inspire you and are for informational purposes. If your cat has issues or problems and you’re unsure about your cat’s health, always consult a veterinarian or a behavior expert.