Cornish Rex
The Good
- Beautiful curly coat with minimal shedding
- Extremely affectionate and social personality
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Generally healthy with long lifespan
The Real
- Can be overly demanding of attention
- Prone to overeating and weight gain
- Sensitive to temperature extremes
- Higher purchase price due to rarity
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Cornish Rex is truly one of the cat world's most distinctive breeds, instantly recognisable by their soft, curly coat that feels like cashmere to the touch. These elegant felines have earned the nickname "Greyhound of the cat world" thanks to their athletic build, long legs, and graceful tuck-up at the waist. But don't let their refined appearance fool you – these cats are bundles of energy with kitten-like playfulness that lasts well into their senior years.
What sets Cornish Rexes apart isn't just their unique appearance, but their incredibly social nature. Unlike many independent cat breeds, these felines actively seek human companionship and thrive on interaction. They're the type of cat that'll greet visitors at the door with genuine curiosity rather than hiding under the bed. Their intelligence shines through in their problem-solving abilities – many owners discover their Rex has worked out how to open cupboards or drawers, making cat-proofing essential for Australian households.
Perfect for Melbourne apartment dwellers or Sydney families alike, Cornish Rexes adapt well to various living situations as long as they receive plenty of attention and mental stimulation.
History
The Cornish Rex's story begins in 1950s Cornwall, England, with a remarkable twist of genetics. A barn cat gave birth to a litter that included one extraordinary kitten with an unusually curly coat and distinctive body structure. This kitten, named Kallibunker, became the foundation of the entire Cornish Rex breed through what scientists recognised as a spontaneous genetic mutation.
Nina Ennismore, Kallibunker's owner, initially planned to have him neutered, but a local veterinarian recognised the uniqueness of this curly-coated cat and convinced her to use him for breeding. Following the advice of geneticists, Kallibunker was bred back to his mother, producing two more kittens carrying the recessive gene responsible for the distinctive coat.
To develop the breed further and strengthen the genetic pool, these early Cornish Rexes were crossed with Siamese, Burmese, and British Shorthair cats. The breed nearly disappeared from England in the late 1950s, but fortunately, a pair had been exported to the United States in 1957. American breeders continued development by introducing American Shorthair and Havana Brown bloodlines, ultimately preserving and establishing the breed we know today.
The Cat Fanciers' Association officially recognised the Cornish Rex in 1964, and the breed has since gained popularity worldwide, including here in Australia.
Traits & Characteristics
Cornish Rex characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Cornish Rexes are generally robust cats with lifespans ranging from 11-20 years, though they do have some breed-specific health considerations. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is the most significant genetic concern, potentially causing vision loss starting around 3-5 years of age. Reputable Australian breeders test their breeding cats for PRA markers to reduce this risk. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition causing thickened heart walls, can also affect the breed, making regular veterinary check-ups essential.
Their unique single-layer coat makes temperature regulation particularly important in Australia's varied climate. During Melbourne's chilly winters or Canberra's frosty mornings, these cats need warm indoor environments and may appreciate heated beds or sunny window spots. Conversely, during Perth's scorching summers or Brisbane's humid heat, ensure adequate air conditioning and fresh water access, as their minimal coat offers little protection from extreme temperatures.
Australian Seasonal Care:
- Summer: Provide air-conditioned spaces during 35°C+ days, cooling mats, and multiple water sources. Watch for panting or lethargy indicating overheating.
- Winter: Ensure warm bedding and draft-free sleeping areas. Consider pet-safe heating pads for particularly cold regions like the Blue Mountains.
- Humidity: In tropical areas like Darwin or Cairns, maintain good ventilation to prevent skin issues in their delicate coat.
Weight management is crucial, as Cornish Rexes love their food and can easily become overweight, leading to joint problems and diabetes.
Due to their fine, single-layered coat, Cornish Rexes can also be prone to skin issues such as oil buildup or minor irritations. Regular grooming and bathing as recommended not only maintains coat appearance but also helps prevent common skin problems. If you notice persistent redness, bumps, or excessive scratching, a veterinary check is advised.
Cornish Rexes are enthusiastic eaters with hearty appetites that match their high energy levels. These active cats require high-quality nutrition to fuel their playful nature, but their food-motivated personalities mean portion control is absolutely essential. Many Australian owners find success with scheduled meal times rather than free-feeding, as it prevents overeating and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Choose commercial cat food that meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional standards appropriate for your cat's life stage. As obligate carnivores, Cornish Rexes need diets rich in animal protein, whether you choose premium kibble, wet food, or a combination. Their intelligence makes them excellent candidates for puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys, which provide mental stimulation while slowing down eating.
Consider your lifestyle when planning feeding routines. Brisbane shift workers might benefit from automatic feeders for consistency, while work-from-home Sydneysiders can enjoy interactive feeding sessions throughout the day. Multiple smaller meals work better than one or two large ones, helping prevent the gulping behaviour these food-enthusiastic cats often display.
Fresh water should always be available, particularly important during Adelaide's dry summers or Darwin's humid conditions. Some Cornish Rexes prefer running water, making pet fountains a worthwhile investment. Given their tendency toward weight gain, resist those pleading eyes at dinner time – sharing your barbecue leftovers won't do their waistline any favours, no matter how convincingly they beg during your weekend entertaining.
The Cornish Rex's unique coat is both their crowning glory and their most distinctive feature, requiring a different approach to grooming than typical cats. Their single layer of soft, curly down hair feels remarkably like cashmere but needs regular attention to stay healthy and attractive.
Brushing should be gentle and infrequent – once weekly with a soft natural bristle brush is plenty. Their delicate curls can be damaged by over-brushing or rough handling, so test any new brush on your own wrist first to ensure it's gentle enough. The lack of guard hairs means their skin can accumulate oils, particularly around the chin and paw areas, making regular bathing more necessary than with other breeds.
Most Australian Cornish Rex owners find bathing every 2-4 weeks keeps their cat's coat in optimal condition, though cats with very thin coats may need weekly baths. Always use cat-specific shampoos and ensure thorough drying afterward – their minimal coat means they chill easily when wet. A blow dryer on cool setting works well, or simply towel dry thoroughly and keep them warm until completely dry.
Regular ear cleaning is important, as their large ears can accumulate debris. Check ears weekly and clean with veterinary-approved solutions when needed. Their eyes may also need gentle daily wiping due to reduced facial fur protection.
Coat Specifications:
- Coat Length: Short, consisting only of soft undercoat without guard hairs
- Coat Colours: All colours including black, blue, chocolate, cream, red, and smoke varieties
- Coat Patterns: Solid, bicolour, calico, tabby, spotted, and colourpoint patterns accepted
- Hypoallergenic: Partially – reduced shedding may help mild allergy sufferers, but not completely allergen-free
Cornish Rexes are among the most trainable cat breeds, combining high intelligence with genuine enthusiasm for learning. Their dog-like personalities make them responsive to positive reinforcement training, and many Australian owners successfully teach them tricks like sitting, waving, and even walking on a lead – perfect for secure courtyard exploration in inner-city Melbourne or controlled garden time in suburban Perth.
These cats excel at puzzle-solving and need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related mischief. Invest in interactive toys, treat-dispensing balls, and rotating toy collections to keep their clever minds occupied. Their impressive jumping abilities mean tall cat trees and wall-mounted shelves are essential – think vertical territory that takes advantage of those powerful hind legs.
Interactive play sessions should happen at least twice daily, with wand toys and laser pointers being particular favourites. Many Cornish Rexes enjoy fetch games, often bringing toys back like enthusiastic puppies. Their social nature means they prefer interactive play with their humans over solo entertainment, making them ideal companions for families who enjoy active engagement with their pets.
Socialisation is typically easy with this naturally outgoing breed, but early exposure to various people, sounds, and experiences helps ensure they remain confident. Their curiosity means thorough cat-proofing is essential – secure cupboards, drawers, and any small spaces where an adventurous Rex might get stuck. Consider clicker training for more advanced tricks and mental challenges that satisfy their need for stimulation and human interaction.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Cornish Rex owner appreciates having a genuinely interactive feline companion rather than an independent pet. These cats suit households where someone is home frequently – whether that's remote workers in Sydney's inner west, retirees in Gold Coast apartments, or families with school-age children in suburban Adelaide. They're not ideal for FIFO workers or frequent travellers unless reliable pet-sitting arrangements are in place.
Apartment living suits them well, making them excellent choices for Melbourne's high-rise developments or Brisbane's inner-city units, provided they receive adequate mental stimulation and play time. Their social nature means they adapt beautifully to busy family life, handling the chaos of school holidays and weekend barbecues with enthusiasm rather than stress.
First-time cat owners often find Cornish Rexes surprisingly easy to live with despite their high energy – their affectionate, trainable nature makes them forgiving of mistakes. However, they do require commitment to regular grooming and temperature management, particularly important for Australian owners dealing with extreme weather conditions.
These cats thrive with owners who enjoy interactive pets and don't mind being followed around the house by an affectionate shadow. They're perfect for households wanting a cat with dog-like loyalty and social engagement. Families with children particularly benefit from their patient, playful nature, while couples or singles appreciate their devoted companionship and entertaining personalities.
Interesting facts about the Cornish Rex
Interesting Fact
Cornish Rexes have only one layer of fur (the undercoat), unlike most cats who have three layers
Interesting Fact
Their unique coat pattern is called a "marcel wave," similar to the 1920s human hairstyle
Interesting Fact
They're often called the "Greyhound of cats" due to their tucked-up waist and racing build
Interesting Fact
Despite their delicate appearance, they're excellent jumpers with powerful hind legs
FAQ
While both breeds have curly coats, Cornish Rexes are more slender with larger ears and egg-shaped heads, originating from Cornwall. Devon Rexes have a more pixie-like appearance and are generally less active as they age. Cornish Rexes also have only one coat layer compared to the Devon Rex's two layers.
Expect to pay between $1,200-$2,200 AUD for a Cornish Rex kitten from a reputable Australian breeder. Adoption through rescue organisations like Cornish Rex Friends costs significantly less, typically $150-$450 AUD depending on the cat's age and any special needs.
Absolutely! Their moderate size and adaptable nature make them excellent apartment cats, whether you're in a Melbourne high-rise or a Brisbane unit. Just ensure they have climbing opportunities, interactive toys, and adequate climate control for Australia's temperature extremes.
They need careful temperature management during heat waves. Provide air conditioning or fans during 35°C+ days, ensure multiple water sources, and watch for signs of overheating like excessive panting. Their minimal coat offers little heat protection, making cool indoor spaces essential.
Excellent choice for families! They're patient with children, enjoy interactive play, and adapt well to busy household routines. They handle school holiday chaos better than most breeds and often become devoted companions to kids of all ages.
Weekly gentle brushing and bathing every 2-4 weeks typically keeps their coat healthy. Those with very thin coats may need weekly baths. Their unique coat requires more bathing than typical cats but less brushing, making maintenance quite manageable for busy Australian households.
Many owners say yes! They greet visitors at the door, follow their humans around, can learn to walk on leads, and often play fetch. They're much more interactive and social than typical cats, making them perfect for people who want feline companionship with dog-like engagement.
Given their potential for genetic health issues like progressive retinal atrophy and heart conditions, pet insurance is worth considering. Expect to pay $25-$60 monthly for comprehensive coverage through Australian providers, with breed-specific conditions often covered after waiting periods.