Cornish Rex: The Curly-Coated Acrobat

Cornish Rex cats have soft, curly coats, enormous ears, and acrobatic personalities. They are the gymnasts of the cat world - jumping, climbing, and performing stunts from dawn to dusk.

With their alien-like appearance and kitten-like energy well into adulthood, Cornish Rex are unlike any other breed.

Do not expect a calm lap cat. Cornish Rex are perpetual motion machines who need constant interaction and warmth.

Quick Facts

  • Weight: 6-10 pounds (females smaller)
  • Lifespan: 11-15 years
  • Temperament: Playful, energetic, social, mischievous, extroverted
  • Grooming needs: Low brushing, occasional bathing
  • Energy level: Very high
  • Intelligence: Very high
  • Vocal level: Moderate
  • Good with kids: Excellent (if kids are active)
  • Good with other pets: Excellent
  • Temperature sensitivity: High (they get cold easily)

What Makes Cornish Rex Special

The Curly Coat Mutation

Cornish Rex coats are the result of a natural genetic mutation discovered in Cornwall, England in 1950.

A curly-coated kitten appeared in a farm litter. Breeders recognized the unique trait and developed it into a distinct breed.

The coat is:

  • Short and wavy (looks like crushed velvet)
  • Soft to the touch
  • Lacking guard hairs (the outer coat layer most cats have)
  • Low-shedding

Cornish Rex only have the downy undercoat, creating their signature wave pattern.

Unique Appearance

Cornish Rex look like aliens or greyhounds with cat faces. They have:

  • Large, bat-like ears
  • High cheekbones
  • Roman noses
  • Oval eyes
  • Slender, elegant bodies
  • Long legs
  • Arched backs
  • Whip-like tails

Their appearance is polarizing - people either love it or find it strange.

Athletic, Acrobatic Builds

Cornish Rex are built for jumping and climbing. They have:

  • Long, powerful hind legs
  • Muscular builds despite looking delicate
  • Excellent balance
  • Incredible leaping ability (they can jump 6+ feet from a standstill)

Watching a Cornish Rex leap is like watching a tiny kangaroo.

High Energy and Playfulness

Cornish Rex stay kitten-like throughout their lives. They:

  • Race around the house at top speed
  • Perform aerial stunts
  • Climb everything
  • Play fetch
  • Steal objects and hide them

If you want a cat who entertains you constantly, Cornish Rex deliver.

Dog-Like Personalities

Cornish Rex are more dog-like than cat-like. They:

  • Play fetch
  • Walk on leashes
  • Follow you everywhere
  • Greet you at the door
  • Want to be involved in everything

They are extroverts who love interaction.

Temperament

Cornish Rex cats are:

  • Energetic - They are in constant motion. Sitting still is not in their vocabulary.
  • Playful - They maintain kitten energy well into old age. Daily play is mandatory.
  • Social - They love people and want to be part of everything you do.
  • Intelligent - They learn tricks quickly, solve puzzles, and figure out how to open doors and cabinets.
  • Mischievous - They are known for stealing small objects and hiding them.
  • Affectionate - They love cuddling - especially under blankets because they get cold.
  • Curious - They investigate everything. Closed doors are unacceptable.
  • People-oriented - They do not do well alone. They need constant companionship.

Cornish Rex are extroverts who demand attention.

Living with a Cornish Rex

They Are Always Cold

Cornish Rex lack the outer coat layer that insulates most cats. They get cold easily.

How to keep them warm:

  • Provide heated cat beds
  • Let them burrow under blankets
  • Keep your home temperature at 70°F or higher
  • Provide cat sweaters for cold climates (yes, really)
  • Expect them to sleep under covers with you

If your Cornish Rex is shivering, they are too cold.

They Are Climbers

Cornish Rex love vertical space. Provide:

  • Tall cat trees (ceiling height)
  • Wall-mounted shelves
  • Cat walkways
  • High perches

If you do not provide climbing space, they will scale curtains, bookshelves, and your body.

They Are Food Obsessed

Cornish Rex have high metabolisms and are always hungry. They will:

  • Steal food off your plate
  • Open cabinets to access food
  • Beg constantly
  • Counter-surf

Store food securely and feed them high-quality, calorie-dense food.

They Are Velcro Cats

Cornish Rex want to be with you constantly. They:

  • Follow you from room to room
  • Sit on your lap or shoulders
  • Sleep under the covers with you
  • “Help” with everything you do

They are not cats for people who want independence.

They Are Mischievous

Cornish Rex are notorious troublemakers. They:

  • Knock things off counters and shelves
  • Open drawers and cabinets
  • Steal small objects (hair ties, pens, jewelry) and hide them
  • Unroll toilet paper
  • Get into everything

Cornish-Rex-proof your home or embrace the chaos.

Care Requirements

Grooming

Cornish Rex need minimal brushing but occasional bathing.

Grooming routine:

  • Brush gently once a week (their coats are delicate)
  • Bathe every 2-4 weeks (they produce skin oils that need washing)
  • Clean ears weekly (large ears accumulate wax)
  • Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
  • Brush teeth regularly

Their skin can feel greasy without regular bathing.

Bathing

Cornish Rex need baths more often than most cats because:

  • They produce natural skin oils
  • Without guard hairs, oils accumulate on the skin
  • This can make them feel greasy and attract dirt

How to bathe:

  • Use a gentle cat shampoo
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Towel dry and keep them warm
  • Many Cornish Rex tolerate baths well

Bath frequency depends on the individual cat - some need monthly baths, others every 2 weeks.

Exercise and Play

Cornish Rex need at least 30-60 minutes of active play daily.

Best activities:

  • Feather wand hunting (their favorite)
  • Fetch (many love it)
  • Laser pointer chase (end with a catchable toy)
  • Puzzle feeders
  • Agility courses
  • Cat wheels (yes, they will use them)
  • Training sessions

Without exercise, Cornish Rex become destructive.

Diet

Cornish Rex have fast metabolisms and burn calories quickly. Feed high-quality, calorie-dense food.

  • Choose protein-rich, meat-based food
  • Feed 2-3 meals per day (or use puzzle feeders)
  • Monitor weight - they should feel muscular, not bony
  • Provide fresh water at all times

Cornish Rex may eat more than other cats their size.

Warmth

Cornish Rex need warm environments. Provide:

  • Heated cat beds
  • Blankets they can burrow under
  • Access to sunny spots
  • Sweaters for cold climates

Never let a Cornish Rex outside in cold weather.

Companionship

Cornish Rex are social and need interaction. They do not like being alone.

If you work full-time:

  • Get a second Cornish Rex or playful cat breed
  • Consider a dog
  • Hire a pet sitter for midday visits

Cornish Rex are happiest with companions.

Health Considerations

Cornish Rex are generally healthy but watch for these conditions:

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a heart condition where the heart walls thicken.

Signs:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite

Prevention: Ask breeders for HCM screening results. Annual vet checkups help catch it early.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is when the kneecap dislocates.

Signs:

  • Limping
  • Skipping steps while walking
  • Reluctance to jump

Prevention: Ask breeders about screening. Mild cases do not require treatment, severe cases may need surgery.

Umbilical Hernia

Some Cornish Rex are born with umbilical hernias (a protrusion at the belly button).

Signs:

  • Visible bump at the navel
  • Soft to the touch

Treatment: Many close on their own. Severe cases may need surgical repair.

Sunburn

Cornish Rex have minimal fur and can sunburn easily.

Prevention:

  • Limit direct sun exposure
  • Provide shaded areas
  • Use pet-safe sunscreen on ears if needed

Hypothermia

Cornish Rex get cold easily. Monitor for signs of hypothermia in cold environments:

  • Shivering
  • Lethargy
  • Cold ears and paws

Keep them warm and indoors in cold weather.

Are Cornish Rex Good with Kids?

Yes. Cornish Rex are excellent family cats. They:

  • Match kid energy levels
  • Love interactive play
  • Tolerate handling well (as long as kids are gentle)
  • Enjoy being part of family activities

Teach kids to:

  • Play gently
  • Respect the cat’s space
  • Use toys, not hands, for play

Cornish Rex and active kids are a great match.

Are Cornish Rex Good with Other Pets?

Yes. Cornish Rex are social and do well with other animals.

With other cats:

  • Choose playful breeds that can keep up
  • Provide separate resources (food, litter, beds)
  • Supervise introductions

With dogs:

  • Choose cat-friendly breeds
  • Cornish Rex often play with dogs like they are other cats
  • Supervise until they establish boundaries

With small pets:

  • Moderate prey drive
  • Supervise interactions with birds, hamsters, or fish

Common Mistakes

Not Keeping Them Warm Enough

Cornish Rex get cold easily. Provide heated beds, blankets, and keep your home warm.

Expecting a Low-Maintenance Cat

Cornish Rex need daily play, interaction, and mental stimulation. They are not cats you can ignore.

Underestimating Their Intelligence

Cornish Rex are too smart for passive ownership. They figure out how to open doors, cabinets, and containers.

Leaving Them Alone Too Long

Cornish Rex become anxious and destructive when left alone. They need companionship.

Skipping Baths

Cornish Rex produce skin oils that need regular washing. Without baths, they become greasy.

Are Cornish Rex Hypoallergenic?

Cornish Rex are sometimes marketed as hypoallergenic, but this is misleading.

They produce the same allergens as other cats (primarily Fel d 1 protein in saliva and skin). However:

  • They shed less due to their unique coat
  • Less shedding means fewer allergens in the environment
  • Some allergy sufferers tolerate them better

Bottom line: Cornish Rex may be better for mild allergies but are not truly hypoallergenic. Spend time with the breed before committing.

Finding a Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex are moderately popular, so finding breeders is easier than rare breeds.

Adoption

Check breed-specific rescues and shelters. Cornish Rex occasionally end up in rescues.

Where to look:

  • Cornish Rex rescue organizations
  • Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet (search “Cornish Rex”)
  • Local shelters (rare but possible)

Reputable Breeders

Expect to pay $800-$1,500 for a purebred Cornish Rex from a reputable breeder.

What to ask:

  • Are parents HCM tested?
  • Are parents screened for patellar luxation?
  • Can I meet the parents?
  • How are kittens socialized?
  • What health guarantees do you offer?

Red flags:

  • Breeders with constant availability
  • No health testing
  • Unwilling to let you visit
  • Selling kittens under 12 weeks old

Waitlists Are Common

Quality breeders often have waitlists. Be prepared to wait 3-6 months for a kitten.

What To Do Next

  • If you want a playful, acrobatic, social cat who entertains you constantly, Cornish Rex are perfect
  • If you want a calm, independent lap cat, choose a different breed
  • If you keep your home warm and have time for daily interaction, Cornish Rex thrive
  • If you work long hours or prefer low-maintenance cats, Cornish Rex are not the right fit
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