Do you want an affectionate and active cat—one that loves to play and cuddle? Then a Cornish Rex might be just what you’re looking for. Here, you can read everything about this fun breed (which looks a bit like an alien).
In this blog:
- What is the personality of a Cornish Rex cat?
- What does a Cornish Rex look like?
- How to care for a Cornish Rex?
- How long does a Cornish Rex live?
- The health of a Cornish Rex
- The origin of the Cornish Rex
- How much does a Cornish Rex cost?
And you will also discover:
- Is a Devon Rex the same as a Cornish Rex?
- Is a Cornish Rex friendly?
- Does a Cornish Rex like to cuddle?
1. What is the personality of a Cornish Rex?
Cornish Rex cats are known for their lovely personalities. They are very affectionate, smart, and lively. And they love to play tricks, especially with their fellow cats. 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, fellow cats, and even dogs.
Is a Cornish Rex friendly? Absolutely. But a Cornish Rex can also be stubborn and have a strong will. If you bring a Cornish Rex into your home, you’ll need to train them well and consistently from the start. But this is not difficult, as Cornish Rex cats are smart, and you can teach them many things. And unteach them too, especially if you use games and tasty treats.
These cat tree are perfect for the personality of the Cornish Rex!
2. What does a Cornish Rex look like?
The most striking feature of a Cornish Rex is their coat – it is short and curly. And very soft. These cats are small in size, slender, and finely built. Their fur is short, especially on their head. Their ears are unusually large, as are their eyes. Together with their slim appearance, they make them look a bit like an alien. But definitely a very cute alien!
The fur of Cornish Rex cats is very short and soft. That’s why they always feel nice and warm.
There are actually two different types of Cornish Rex cats: the European Cornish Rex and the American Cornish Rex. The differences are subtle and mostly seen in their appearance – the American Cornish is somewhat smaller and finer, with a thinner coat and looser curls. The nose also differs – the nose of the European Cornish Rex is straighter.
Additionally, Cornish Rex cats have no guard hairs, shed very little, and weigh between 2.5 to 4.5 kilograms. Male cats are usually larger than females. As for coat colors, almost anything goes – red, brown, blue, with stripes, spots, or solid. They can even be white with a Siamese-like pattern.
3. Everything about caring for a Cornish Rex
Caring for Cornish Rex cats is easy because their coat is so soft and short that it only needs a brushing once a week to stay in good condition. But a cat needs more than that, of course. Think of love, attention from their owner, and a safe home. Just like proper care, regular vet check-ups, protection against fleas and other parasites, fresh water daily, and proper nutrition suited to the breed. But also:
- A stable cat tree
- Cat toys
- Litter boxes with good litter
- A cozy cat bed
Since these cats mostly stay indoors and are so lively, a cat tree for active cats is essential. It provides them with a space to play, climb, and scratch their claws
4. How long does a Cornish Rex live?
If you take good care of a Cornish Rex and are kind to them, their life expectancy is the same as that of a regular house cat. On average, that’s between 12 and 18 years.
A Cornish Rex is not the same as a Devon Rex. A Cornish Rex is larger and heavier, and the coat of a Devon Rex is stiffer and more curly.
5. The health of a Cornish Rex
Pedigree cats are bred for unique characteristics. The Cornish Rex also has traits that make it special, such as:
- Short and curly coat
- Small, slim, and finely built
- Large eyes and ears
Do you think a Cornish Rex might be a good fit for you? Then do thorough research on the health of this breed. Many pedigree cats are prone to hereditary conditions. Cornish Rex cats are generally healthy, but they are at a higher risk of developing a heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). It’s important to be aware of this.
If you want to bring a healthy cat into your home, ask for advice from a veterinarian. You can also consult the websites of Dier & Recht and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, as they provide information about the breed’s health, whether it is allowed, and what rules apply to breeders.
Always buy a Cornish Rex from a reputable breeder, preferably one affiliated with a breed association. This ensures that the cat is healthy and well-cared for. Also, ask the breeder for a health certificate or guarantee for extra assurance.
6. The origin of the Cornish Rex
In the 1950s, a litter of kittens was born on a farm in England (Cornwall), and one of the kittens had curly fur. But that wasn’t the only unique thing about this kitten. It was particularly delicate, with a narrow head, and very large eyes and ears. This male cat was named Kallibunker and became the ancestor of what later became the official Cornish Rex breed.
Its appearance likely arose from a spontaneous genetic mutation. And because breeders found it such a lovely and unique animal, they decided to breed with it. The kittens from the next litter were crossbred with various cat breeds, such as the Burmese, Siamese, and British Shorthair. Eventually, the Cornish Rex was created as we know it today.
7. How much does a Cornish Rex cost?
Do you want to buy a Cornish Rex cat? Then go to a certified breeder, preferably one affiliated with a breed association. This way, you can be sure you’re buying a healthy, well-socialized cat that has been bred in a humane manner. Always ask for the papers, a health certificate, and check the kitten’s parents. Also, take a look at their living conditions: is it clean and homely, and are the parents present? That is a good sign. Do not buy cats through platforms like Marktplaats, eBay, or from puppy mills.
A Cornish Rex cat from a good breeder costs around 700 euros. If you’re looking for a cat, but it doesn’t have to be a pedigree, consider checking shelters or adoption agencies. Many loving cats are waiting for a nice home there.
And remember: you’re not getting a cat for a short time, but for its entire life. Are you willing to take good care of the animal and set aside money for its care and vet visits? If so, a Cornish Rex could become your new best friend!
Discover here what the approximate cost of caring for a cat entails
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 don’t shed much.
- A Cornish Rex needs to be able to release its energy and loves to play.
- A Cornish Rex lives between 12 and 18 years.
- Cornish Rex cats originally come from England.
- A Cornish Rex kitten can be bought for around 700 euros from a good breeder.
Also, read more about the beautiful Balinese
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.
