Cat breed · Rex
Cornish Rex
A slender, whippet-like cat with a washboard-wavy coat, famous for sprinting, leaping and staying playful for life.
Small12–16 yearsCornwall, EnglandCan suit apartments
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Rex
- Origin
- Cornwall, England
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 2.5–4.5 kg (6–10 lb)
- Height
- 20–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Very short, soft, marcel-waved undercoat only
- Temperament
- AcrobaticWarm-seekingAffectionateKittenish
History
Started with a curly kitten named Kallibunker born on a Cornish farm in 1950.
Appearance
Arched back, long legs, large ears and a soft rippled coat.
Exercise and activity
High-intensity daily play and plenty of climbing.
Care and grooming
Gentle wiping rather than brushing; provide warm resting spots and sun protection.
Health considerations
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Patellar luxation
- Hereditary hypotrichosis
- Cold sensitivity
- Umbilical hernia
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Cornish Rex
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: High-intensity daily play and plenty of climbing. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Patellar luxation, Hereditary hypotrichosis, Cold sensitivity, Umbilical hernia), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice