Cornish Rex

It is a domestic cat breed. They were originated in Cornwall, Great Britain. They lack hair except for down. Curly down hair is very fine and 1cm long. They shed a lot and the coat becomes very thin. Curl in their furl is the result of a mutation and a gene. They have a slender body. It is easily differentiated from other cats by its wavy, soft coat. They have oval-shaped eyes and are medium to large in size. Their eyes look large for the size of their head. Their tail is long and slender. 

Cornish Rex classification

Let’s have a look at its classification: 

Cornish Rex personality

They appear refined and sauve. They have charming personalities and are attention seekers. They are a good sense of humor. They are highly energetic and always ready to play fetch, piano, and perform tricks. They easily open doors and cabinets and destroy anything. They love following people around them. They like to sit in laps. They behave like dogs

and like to retrieve thrown toys. They have high speed and run very fast. They are gentle and affectionate. They are not much talkative and their voice changes from sweet to strident. If they want to express their opinions, they will carry on a conversation. Most of their age, they look like kittens. In short, they are best suitable for homes. 

Cornish Rex rescue

If you are looking for this breed through a rescue organization, you can get this little creature from pet finder, Cornish Rex friends, and specialty Purebred Cat Rescue. These rescue organizations assist in the care of this breed. They share information on care, food, and medical treatment. The information provided by these organizations helps a lot to keep a cat healthy. If you are willing to adopt a Cornish Rex for your home, the best option to have them will be through rescue. 

Cornish Rex vs devon rex

Cornish Rex hypoallergenic

They have short hair but it does not mean that they are hypoallergenic. Cat’s allergic reactions are not the result of hair length or particular coat type. But allergic reactions from cats are the result of a glycoprotein Fel d1 that is produced in the sebaceous glands of the saliva, skin, and urine. When the cat sheds its hair by cleaning fur, the saliva dries and changes into the dust which people breathe in. Because Cornish Rex grooms more than ordinary cats, it can still produce allergic reactions to people. It is reported that they cause lesser allergic reactions. 

Cornish Rex lifespan

Their longevity depends on many factors such as care, diet, and nutrition. If you have one of them, you will wish to live your cat long. Their average lifespan is 12 to 15 years. It is also cited that they can live up to 20 years. 

Cornish Rex weight

Their weight varies among males and females. Male cats have larger weights than females. Males weigh between 8 to 10 pounds (3.5 to 4.5 kg) and females weigh between 5 to 8 pounds (2.0 to 3.5 kg). 

Cornish Rex height

The affectionate, playful breed is a small to medium-sized cat. They possess height ranges from 28-38 cm or 11 to 15 inches.

Cornish Rex adoption

They were bred for their affectionate temperament and unique curly coat. They come in many different colors and patterns. They have attractive eyes that may be gold, blue or green in color. They are not much talkative. Due to these characteristics, they are high in demand. You can adopt your Cornish cat from local animal shelter or through rescue. Adopting this breed is a high responsibility. You need to be very careful because they shed a lot. If you are someone who suffer from cat allergies then this cat is not right for you. 

Cornish Rex allergies

These have curly down hair. They are moderate shedding cats. If you suffer from cat allergies then this breed may not be the right option for you. They release dander which spread all over the floor. You can decrease any possible allergies caused by these cats by taking preventive measures. 

Cornish Rex behavior

They have a very good sense of humor. They are highly active and intelligent. They like to be involved in everything happening in the house. They jump high and climb to the highest points in the home. They love to play fetch. With their outgoing, playful nature, they love to play with children. When they are hungry, they steal food. They can be easily

trained. They are curious about cats and destroy things. They do not feel well in a colder environment. Warmer environments are best suitable for them. They love to sit on your lap. They are social and do well with other pets. 

Cornish Rex colors

They come in many different colors and patterns. The most common colors include black, white, chocolate, dilute blue, orange, cream, lilac, classic tabbies, mackerel tabbies, ticked tabbies, smoke, etc. 

Cornish Rex characteristics

Let’s have a look at its characteristics:

1. They have a fine and curly coat
2. They are sensitive to low temperatures and stay in warm places like light bulbs, laps, shoulders, and computer monitors
3. They do not feel well in colder environments
4. They are also referred to as Greyhound among other cats because of their sleek appearance 
5. They look like a kitten for most of their lives even in the old age
6. They are playful and can be easily trained to play fetch
7. They are excellent jumpers
8. They are very intelligent and highly adaptable to the new surroundings
9. They are attention seekers and are good companions
10. They are social and have clownish personality
11. They are not talkative but are vocal and insistent

Cornish Rex diseases

They do not rock solid. They have no genetic or hereditary health problems. The only problem this breed is prone to be hair loss that is not life-threatening. Hair loss can be severe and can lead to baldness. They are prone to many other general maladies such as kidney and heart diseases.  They are susceptible to various viral and bacterial infections including calicivirus, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, rabies, etc. But these diseases can be cured through vaccination. 

Cornish Rex grooming

It requires low maintenance. They have a woollier or longer coat and need brushing. Brush their coat with a fine-tooth comb or fine bristle brush to keep their coat neat. They do not need regular bathing. Bath your cat once a month or every six weeks. Brush their teeth to prevent them from periodontal diseases. Brush their teeth once a week. Wipe off their eyes corners with a damp, soft cloth. If their ears look dirty, wipe them out with a soft damp cloth or cotton ball. Do not use cotton swabs because cotton swabs can damage the interior of the ear. 

Questions & Answers

Are Cornish Rex cats hypoallergenic?

No, they are not hypoallergenic. The reason is that they release glycoprotein Fel d1 and also shed hair. They can cause allergies to people may be in lesser amounts. They have short hair that’s why most people think that they are hypoallergenic. But, in fact, they are not hypoallergenic. 

What is the difference between Devon Rex and Cornish Rex?

Are Cornish Rex cats affectionate?

Yes, they are highly affectionate. They are one of the active and goofy cats. They throw and catch small toys, like to play fetch. They love following people and also love to be around people. They are attention seekers. They are good companions. 

How long do Cornish Rex cats live?

Their lifespan depends on how much you care for them. If they were well-cared, they can live up t0o 15 years and even more. However, their average lifespan is 12 to 15 years. 

Can Cornish Rex cats be left alone?

If they are kept alone for a long period of time, they become bored and destructive. So it’s recommended to give a feline companion to them. 

Do Cornish Rex cats need baths?

Everyone likes a hygienic environment even cats. They groom more among all other cats. So, they require bathing. Bath your Cornish Rex once a month or every six weeks. There is also some Cornish Rex that requires regular bathing.