MediumUnited Kingdom (Cornwall)

Cornish Rex

"The Cornish Rex is a fascinating, curly-coated cat with an athletic build. Known for its friendly, playful, and extremely people-oriented nature, it brings plenty of life into the home. Its unique, soft coat and lively spirit make it an unforgettable companion for active cat lovers."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 28 cm

Age12-15 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Body Length

35-45cmBack Height: 25-30cm

Body length from nose to base of the tail.

Weight3.5-4.5 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€60+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

Extremely lively, playful, and energetic well into old age.

Affection Level

How cuddly and attached the breed is – some cats constantly seek physical contact, others are more aloof.

Very people-oriented, constantly seeking the company of its owners.

Independence

How well the cat can cope on its own. Independent breeds need less attention.

Struggles to be alone and requires a lot of attention.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

Very child-friendly and generally gets along well with other pets.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

Only moderately suitable for beginners due to the high need for enrichment.

Apartment Friendly

Considers space requirements, the general need for rest, and how well the cat can cope with indoor living.

Due to poor heat retention, it is ideal for indoor living.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

The fine coat, almost lacking undercoat, requires minimal grooming.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Sheds very little due to the absence of guard hairs.

Vocalization

How talkative the breed is. Some cats meow frequently and loudly, while others are rather quiet.

Communicative, though usually not as extreme as Siamese cats.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

The Cornish Rex is considered highly intelligent, curious, and playful. It is extremely people-oriented and often follows its owner around the house. Many individuals are easy to train and even enjoy fetching toys. They are true bundles of energy that require as much mental stimulation as physical exercise. Despite their lively temperament, they are very affectionate and love to cuddle on laps. They are rarely aggressive and are very compatible with children and other pets.

Living & Exercise

Because they chill easily due to their fine coat, they are predestined for indoor living. A warm, draft-free place is essential for them. They need plenty of variety, climbing opportunities, and interactive toys to avoid boredom. They are very acrobatic and love to observe their surroundings from high shelves. A secured balcony or garden can be used in summer as long as temperatures are comfortably warm.

Health & Grooming

The Cornish Rex is a robust breed, but due to its fine coat, it can be sensitive to drafts and cold. Regular, gentle grooming with a soft brush is sufficient to remove loose hair. Due to its genetic history, attention should be paid to breed-specific hereditary diseases such as HCM (heart disease). A high-quality, protein-rich diet is important as these active cats have high energy requirements. Ears should be checked regularly for cleanliness.

History

The history of the Cornish Rex began in 1950 in Cornwall, England, when a kitten with wavy fur was discovered in a litter of farm cats. This kitten, named Kallibunker, became the progenitor of the breed. Through selective breeding and backcrossing, the gene for the curly coat was established. The name 'Rex' was chosen in reference to Rex rabbits, which have a similar coat structure. Since then, the Cornish Rex has established itself as a distinct and popular cat breed worldwide.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.

Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is an enchanting, pixie-like cat with her unmistakable curly coat and large ears. She captivates with her extremely affectionate, playful, and active nature. Anyone looking for a loyal, communicative companion who wants to share every moment with their humans will find the perfect, lively family member in her.

To Breed Portrait→

Korat

The Korat is a fascinating, silvery-blue beauty from Thailand. Known as a bringer of good luck, she captivates with her heart-shaped face, large green eyes, and an extremely affectionate nature. This intelligent and sociable cat is the perfect companion for those seeking a close bond with their animal friend.

To Breed Portrait→

Tonkinese

The Tonkinese combines the best of two worlds: the elegance of the Siamese and the gentle nature of the Burmese. As an intelligent, extremely people-oriented, and playful companion, she enriches her owners' lives. If you have time for daily interaction and shared play, you will find a loyal, chatty partner for life.

To Breed Portrait→