An outgoing, bright and slightly clownish cat that wants to be part of everything its family does. Cornish Rex tend to shadow their owners, love physical contact and are often nicknamed 'Velcro' cats. They stay curious, mischievous and playful well into old age, enjoy dog-style games like retrieving toys, and some happily learn to walk on a lead. Generally sociable with children, dogs and other cats, and more inclined to act than to talk.52143
Coat and looks how to spot one
very short, curly down-only coat (no guard hairs)
Most cats have three kinds of hair, but the Cornish Rex has only the soft undercoat layer. The result is a short, velvety, silky coat that lies in tight, even ripples (often compared to marcel waves or chenille), most visible along the back, flanks and tail. Even the whiskers and eyebrows are crinkled and a little shorter than usual. The coat can take up to three years to reach its full density. The body is slender, muscular and fine-boned, with a naturally arched back, a tucked-up waist and long legs that lift it high off the ground, giving a greyhound-like outline. The head is a small egg shape with high cheekbones, a Roman nose, oval eyes and very large, high-set ears.65123
Coloursall colours and patterns acceptedsolids such as white, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate and lavendertabby, tortoiseshell, calico and smokebicolour and with-whitepointed patterns1524
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cornish Rex. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingA soft glove or cloth, the coat is delicateevery 2 weeks
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayAbout 60 minutes of play a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. A true athlete that loves running, jumping and chasing, with seemingly bottomless energy. Plan several interactive play sessions a day and provide tall cat trees, climbing shelves, puzzle feeders and a rotating supply of toys to keep this clever cat busy.432
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very little brushing needed. A weekly once-over by hand or with a soft rubber or fine brush removes loose hair; over-brushing can disturb the waves. Because there are no guard hairs to absorb natural oils, an occasional bath keeps the coat fresh, and it dries fast. Clean the ears and check between the toes regularly, where waxy build-up can collect, and keep up with nail trims and tooth brushing.3152
Home where they are happiest
Best kept as an indoor cat in a warm, draught-free home. The thin coat gives little insulation or weather protection, so offer heated or fleece-lined beds and sunny (but not scorching) spots, keep it out of rain and cold, and consider a cat jumper in chilly weather. Plenty of vertical space suits its love of climbing.651
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced cat food suited to age and activity, with fresh water always available. Cornish Rex have hearty appetites and will try surprising foods, so measure meals rather than free-feeding. Their close coat makes any change in body shape easy to spot, which helps keep them at an ideal weight.5243
Company who they like around
Very high. Thrives on steady human company and does not enjoy long hours alone; a home where someone is around a lot, or a playful feline companion, suits it best. Usually friendly with considerate children, dogs and other pets.1523
The story where it all began
On 21 July 1950 a tortoiseshell-and-white farm cat on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall had a litter that included one unusual cream male with a wavy coat. His owner, Nina Ennismore, called him Kallibunker and, familiar with curly-coated Rex rabbits, recognised that the coat was something new. She mated him back to his mother, and the curly kittens that followed showed the trait was a recessive gene. One of those kittens, Poldhu, sired a female called Lamorna Cove. Early breeders widened the gene pool with Burmese, Siamese and domestic shorthairs, which helped give the breed its long tail and big ears. In 1956 Life magazine ran a feature that brought the breed international attention, and in 1956-57 the first Cornish Rex arrived in the United States, including Lamorna Cove, who was bred with Siamese there. CFA accepted the breed for registration in 1962 and championship by 1964, and GCCF granted recognition with championship status in 1967. Early on the Cornish and Devon Rex were assumed to share a mutation, but test matings proved them genetically separate. In 2013 researchers pinpointed the cause: a small deletion in the LPAR6 gene.15624
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The breed's name borrows 'Rex' from Rex rabbits, which also have a curly coat and which founder Nina Ennismore knew well.5
2
The Cornish Rex has only one of the three normal hair types, the soft down hair, with no guard or awn hairs at all.6
Thanks to its arched back, tucked waist and galloping run, it is often called the Greyhound or Whippet of the cat world.3
5
Fans have given it playful nicknames such as 'Con Artist in Fur' and 'Feline Invaders from Outer Space'.2
6
With so little fur between you and the cat, a Cornish Rex feels noticeably warm to the touch.2
7
Although both are curly, the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex coats come from different genes; the Cornish mutation was traced to the LPAR6 gene in 2013.6
8
Many owners find they will happily sample fruit and vegetables alongside their normal food.5
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed is named for its place of origin, Cornwall, England, and for its rexoid (curly) coat, which is caused by a recessive mutation in the LPAR6 gene.6
Famous ones stars of the breed
Ned A Cornish Rex named Ned was a beloved pet of the American actress and singer Eartha Kitt.6
I woke up with a bounce, my curly coat all rumpled. I dashed to the living room, where my human was still in bed. I jumped up, gave their nose a gentle boop, and then raced to the hallway, expecting a chase. They laughed and threw a toy mouse, and I was off, skidding around corners like a little race car. After a good sprint, I decided to help with the laundry, diving into the warm basket and popping out like a jack-in-the-box. My human scooped me up, and I snuggled against their neck, purring like a tiny motor. Later, I performed my best tricks, spin, high-five, and a dramatic flop, for their friends, who clapped and called me a little clown. What a good day!
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
GCCF
Section 4 (Foreign), Group 2; recognised 1967 with immediate championship status1
CFA
Accepted for registration 1962; championship status by 19645
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Cornish Rex, and at what times?
Feed a complete, balanced cat food suited to your Cornish Rex's age and activity. Meal times vary by household, so ask your vet for a schedule that keeps your cat at a healthy weight.5243
What should a Cornish Rex eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Offer a complete, balanced cat food and always fresh water. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol (see ASPCA list). Measure meals to prevent overeating.52438
Does a Cornish Rex need baths?
Yes, an occasional bath can keep the coat fresh since the thin coat lacks guard hairs. Only bathe when needed, and dry quickly.31529
How often does a Cornish Rex need brushing?
Very little brushing is needed. A weekly gentle rub with a soft glove or fine brush is enough; over-brushing can disturb the coat's waves. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every two weeks.3152Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Cornish Rex's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every two to three weeks, using a cat nail trimmer. Start slowly, trimming only the tips. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days.31529Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Cornish Rex need?
Your Cornish Rex needs lots of play, about an hour daily split into several sessions. Provide climbing trees, puzzle feeders, and toys to keep this energetic cat busy.432Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Cornish Rex's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, at least every two days as Pet Wiki suggests. Clean ears regularly with a vet-recommended solution, checking for waxy build-up.3152Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Cornish Rex live?
A Cornish Rex typically lives between 9 and 16 years, with proper care and regular vet check-ups.431
Is a Cornish Rex good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Cornish Rex is generally sociable and friendly with children, dogs, and other cats when introduced properly. They enjoy being part of the family.52143
Can a Cornish Rex be left alone?
Cornish Rex do not enjoy long hours alone. They need company, so consider a feline friend or ensure someone is home often. They can be left for short periods with plenty of enrichment.1523
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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