Breed History & Behavior
Cornish Rex is a breed of domesticated cat that emerged from Cornwall, UK in the 1950s. Characterized by it’s sleek stature and unique down coat, Cornish Rex is widely known as the Sighthound of cats.
What makes Cornish Rex most notable, is it’s curly down coat. Although other cat breeds possess three layers of fur in their coats (guard hair, awn hair, and down hair or undercoat), Cornish Rex has only it’s undercoat. This mutation has since become the breed standard for Cornish Rex, and makes for one unique looking kitty.
Is Cornish Rex Hypoallergenic?
Although Cornish Rex sheds very little, there is no such thing as a non-allergenic or hypoallergenic cat. Contrary to popular belief, cat allergens are actually not produced in the coat of the animal, but rather in the sebaceous glands. Therefore, cat allergies are caused by a cat’s saliva, skin, and urine.
Cornish Rex
Personality
The personality of Cornish Rex is both lively and affectionate. CRX is known for it’s love for play and undying kitten-like energy. Cornish Rex is best suited for a homeowner with a sense of humor and active life. Although Cornish Rex is unwaveringly loyal and loving to it’s human(s), it is also always on the lookout for it’s next adventure!
Inviting a Cornish Rex into your home is guaranteed to add love and laughter to your life.
Soft Wavy Coat
Curly, short, and extremely soft. Dense and free of guard hairs. A tight marcel wave, laying close to the body.
Roman Nose
Makes up approximately 1/3 of the length of Cornish Rex's head. Space between nose and chin is linear and square-like.
Oval eyes
Medium to large oval shaped eyes with slight upward slant.
High Cheek Bones
Well defined cheek bones, high and prominent.
Cornish Rex Physical Traits
Although Cornish Rex’s coat is its’ most notable physical characteristic, its’ form is also quite unique to other cat breeds. The qualities which make up Cornish Rex’s breed standard includes: Eyes, Ears, Body, Cheeks, Color, Coat, Nose, And Head.
Egg Shaped Head
Comparatively small and curved. Profile consists of two convex aches. Bridge of nose is prominent and high.
Coat Colors
Available in a myriad of standard colors.
Sleek Body
Athletic and muscular, with clearly defined arches and curves. Small to medium stature.
Erect Ears
Large and full ears, always on alert.
What's in a name?
The name Cornish Rex is said to be derived from the breed’s place of origin in Cornwall, UK. The latter part of the name if influenced by the Astrex rabbit, which is seen prevalently throughout this area. Cornish Rex’s curly coat was noted to be similar to that of the Astrex, thus how the name came to be.
It is important to also note that despite similarities between the coats of Cornish Rex and Devon Rex, the genetic mutation in these two breeds are unique to one another.
Fun Fact: ‘Rex’ is Latin for King!