cornish-rex
Extroverted, comical, affectionate, inquisitive
Overview
Origin
United Kingdom
Life Span
9-13+ years
Height
12"-14"
Weight
6-9 pounds
Group
Small to medium-sized shorthair
Price
$800-$1,300
History
The Cornish Rex cat breed is the product of a natural genetic mutation. The breed got its start in Cornwall, England, when a barn cat gave birth to an unusual kitten in 1950. The kitten, later named Kallibunker (Kalli for short), had a short, curly, red-and-white coat. His owner, Nina Ennismore, bred him back to his mother twice. Both of the resulting litters contained curly-haired kittens.
Later, feline geneticists discovered that Rex cats are produced only when both parents have the recessive gene. Other breeds were eventually introduced into the breeding program, including Burmese, Siamese, and British Shorthair cats. Even though the resulting kittens had short coats with normal hair, they all carried the recessive gene and subsequent breedings typically produced kittens with the short, curly coats that make these cats so remarkable.
Cornish Rex cats were brought to the United States in 1957. The breed was granted official recognition by the American Cat Fanciers' Association and the Canadian Cat Association in 1963. The Cat Fanciers' Association gave the breed its stamp of approval in 1964. Today, the Cornish Rex has gained worldwide popularity and is recognized by all cat registries.
Care
Nutrition
Cornish Rex cats have no special nutritional needs. We recommend feeding a high-quality diet with real meat as the number one ingredient.
Grooming
You might think that Cornish Rex cats require minimal care due to their ultra-short coats. It's true that these fascinating felines shed very little, but they require bathing as their coats do not absorb the oils from their skin the same way the average cat's coat does.
Exercise
These cats are extremely athletic with long, lithe bodies. They're naturally playful, with an appreciation for running, jumping, and climbing. Treat them to a cat tree, a window seat, and a wide selection of toys. Without these essentials, the Cornish Rex will find their own fun, climbing furniture and stealing small objects to bat about the house.
Health
Cornish Rex cats enjoy good health in general. Skin conditions can develop without proper care and some of these cats are prone to developing bald spots.
Breed Standard
Body
The Cornish Rex cat is small to medium-sized, with a long, slim body. Despite their smallish stature, these cats are well muscled, with rounded rumps and slim shoulders.
Head
The head is medium and egg shaped, rising from a medium, slender neck. High, prominent cheekbones and a strong, well-developed chin complement the cat's narrow muzzle. Cornish Rex cats have a Roman nose that is one-third the length of the head.
Eyes
The eyes are oval shaped with a slight upward tilt. They are medium to large in size, and set a full eye's width apart.
Ears
The ears are large and alert. They are positioned high on the head.
Color
Cornish Rex cats may be any color. Eye color, nose leather, and paw pad color complement the coat color.
Coat
The Cornish Rex cat has a unique coat with very short down hair and awn hair. Their coat lacks the outer guard hairs found on most other breeds. The entire coat is tightly curled, and lies close to the body. Even the whiskers are curled!
Tail
A Cornish Rex cat's tail is long and slender, with a distinct taper toward the end. It complements the cat's overall structure.
Legs & Paws
The legs are long, slender, and fine-boned. The paws display dainty character and are oval shaped.