Cornish Rex Cat Breed – If you are looking for a cat breed that is strikingly unusual, surprisingly playful, and highly sociable, you might want to consider the Cornish Rex. This cat has a soft, wavy coat and an egg-shaped head with huge “bat ears” that make it stand out from the crowd. It also has a long, slim, and muscular body that resembles a dancer’s physique.
The Cornish Rex is a cat that loves to interact and play with its family, and can act silly as a kitten even when fully grown. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Cornish Rex, including its history, characteristics, care, health, and personality.
History of the Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex originated from a natural mutation that occurred in the 1950s in Cornwall, England. A British shorthair cat named Serena gave birth to a litter of kittens, one of which had an unusually curly coat and a unique body structure. The kitten, named Kallibunker, caught the attention of Serena’s owner, Nina Ennismore, who consulted with a geneticist and decided to breed him back to his mother once he matured.
The result was a litter of three kittens, two of which carried the recessive gene responsible for the curly coat. These early forerunners of the Cornish Rex were bred to Siamese, Burmese, and British shorthair cats to widen the genetic pool and develop the breed further¹.
The Cornish Rex was first recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1964, and by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979. Today, the Cornish Rex is popular in the United States and other parts of the world, and is known for its distinctive appearance and personality.
Characteristics of the Cornish Rex
The most obvious characteristic of the Cornish Rex is its soft, wavy coat, which is the result of a mutation that affects the hair follicles. Unlike most cats, the Cornish Rex has only one layer of hair, called the down hair, which is very fine and short. The coat can come in various colors and patterns, such as black, blue, lilac, brown, chocolate, red, cream, smoke, bicolor, calico, tabby, spotted, and colorpoint². The coat is also hypoallergenic, which means that it produces less dander and allergens than other cats³.
The Cornish Rex has a small, wedge-shaped head with large, wide-set ears that are often described as “bat ears”. The eyes are oval-shaped and can be gold, green, or blue. The nose is slightly Roman, and the chin is strong. The body is long, slim, and highly muscular, with a naturally arched back, a distinct “tummy tuck”, and rear legs that are longer than the front ones. The tail is long and thin, and the paws are small and oval. The Cornish Rex has a graceful and elegant appearance, but also a playful and energetic demeanor.
The Cornish Rex is a medium-sized cat, weighing up to 10 pounds and measuring 18 inches in length. The lifespan of the Cornish Rex is up to 20 years, which is longer than the average cat.
Care of the Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a low-maintenance cat that does not require much grooming. The coat is self-cleaning and does not shed much, so a weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush is enough to keep it in good condition. The coat may also need occasional wiping with a damp cloth to remove dirt and oil.
The ears, however, need regular cleaning with a cotton ball or a soft cloth to prevent wax buildup and infections. The teeth should also be brushed regularly with a vet-approved toothpaste to prevent dental problems. The nails should be trimmed every few weeks to prevent overgrowth and splitting.
The Cornish Rex is a very active and playful cat that needs a lot of exercise and stimulation. It is advisable to provide it with a variety of toys, scratching posts, cat trees, and interactive games to keep it entertained and happy. The Cornish Rex also enjoys learning new tricks and skills, such as fetching, jumping, and opening doors.
It is not uncommon to see a Cornish Rex running, jumping, climbing, and exploring its surroundings. The Cornish Rex is also very social and loves to be around people and other pets. It is not a cat that likes to be left alone for long periods of time, as it may become bored and lonely. It is best to have another cat or a friendly dog as a companion for the Cornish Rex, or to have someone who can spend time with it when you are away.
The Cornish Rex is an indoor cat that should not be allowed to roam outside, as it may face dangers such as predators, cars, diseases, and parasites. The coat of the Cornish Rex is also very thin and does not provide much insulation, so it may be sensitive to cold and heat. It is important to keep the Cornish Rex in a comfortable and safe environment, with access to fresh water, food, litter box, and a cozy bed.
Health of the Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a generally healthy cat breed that does not have any major genetic health issues. However, like any other cat, it may be prone to some common health problems, such as:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
This is a heart condition that causes the walls of the heart to thicken and reduce the blood flow. It can lead to heart failure, blood clots, and sudden death. It can be diagnosed with an echocardiogram, and treated with medication and dietary changes. It is advisable to have the Cornish Rex tested for HCM before breeding, as it may be inherited.
Patellar luxation
This is a condition that causes the kneecap to slip out of place and cause pain and lameness. It can be caused by trauma, congenital defects, or obesity. It can be diagnosed with a physical examination and an X-ray, and treated with surgery, medication, and weight management.
Umbilical hernia
This is a condition that causes a bulge in the belly button area, where the abdominal muscles have not closed properly. It can be caused by genetic factors, trauma, or pregnancy. It can be diagnosed with a physical examination and an ultrasound, and treated with surgery.
The Cornish Rex should be vaccinated against common cat diseases, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), rabies, and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). It should also be spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of reproductive cancers. It should also be regularly checked by a vet for any signs of illness or injury, and given preventive care such as deworming, flea and tick treatment, and microchipping.
Personality of the Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a cat that has a lot of personality and charm. It is often described as a “dog-like” cat, as it is very loyal, affectionate, and interactive. It loves to be around its family and will follow them around the house, sit on their lap, and sleep with them. It is also very vocal and will communicate with its owners with a variety of sounds, such as purring, chirping, and meowing. It may also use its paws to gesture and point at things that it wants or likes.
The Cornish Rex is a very playful and energetic cat that never seems to grow old. It is always ready for fun and adventure, and will enjoy any game or activity that involves running, jumping, chasing, and fetching. It is also very intelligent and curious, and will learn new things quickly and easily.
It can be trained to do tricks, such as opening doors, turning on lights, and fetching objects. It can also be taught to walk on a leash and to use a litter box. The Cornish Rex is a cat that will keep you entertained and amused with its antics and personality.
The Cornish Rex is a very adaptable and friendly cat that can get along well with anyone and anything. It is not shy or aggressive, and will greet strangers and visitors with curiosity and enthusiasm. It is also very tolerant and gentle with children and other pets, as long as they are respectful and kind. The Cornish Rex is a cat that will fit in any household and lifestyle, as long as it is given enough attention, love, and care.
Conclusion
The Cornish Rex is a cat breed that is unique and unforgettable in its appearance and personality. It has a soft, wavy coat and an elegant body that make it look like a work of art. It also has a playful, sociable, and affectionate personality that make it a wonderful companion and family member. The Cornish Rex is a cat that will bring joy and happiness to anyone who adopts it.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Cornish Rex cat breed:
What is the Cornish Rex?
The Cornish Rex is a cat breed that has a soft, wavy coat and a slim, muscular body. It originated from a natural mutation that occurred in Cornwall, England in the 1950s.
What is the personality of the Cornish Rex?
The Cornish Rex is a very playful, sociable, and affectionate cat that loves to interact and have fun with its family. It is also very intelligent and curious, and can learn new tricks and skills easily.
How to care for the Cornish Rex?
The Cornish Rex is a low-maintenance cat that does not require much grooming. The coat is self-cleaning and does not shed much, so a weekly brushing is enough. The ears and teeth need regular cleaning, and the nails need trimming. The Cornish Rex also needs a lot of exercise and stimulation, so it should be provided with toys, games, and companionship. The Cornish Rex is an indoor cat that should not be exposed to extreme temperatures or dangers outside.
What are the health issues of the Cornish Rex?
The Cornish Rex is a generally healthy cat breed that does not have any major genetic health issues. However, it may be prone to some common health problems, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, patellar luxation, and umbilical hernia. The Cornish Rex should be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and checked by a vet regularly.
Where to adopt a Cornish Rex?
The Cornish Rex can be adopted from reputable breeders, rescue groups, or shelters. Some of the resources that can help are the Cornish Rex Breeders Network and the Cornish Rex Rescue.
