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Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex

Curly coat. Playful soul.

The Cornish Rex is known for its soft, wavy coat, large ears, and slender body. They are intelligent, energetic, and love being the center of attention. A playful and affectionate breed that thrives with human companionship.

❤️Affectionate & Social
🧠Intelligent & Curious
🐾Playful & Energetic
🛡️Adaptable
🏠Indoor Cat

Cornish Rex Breed Score

85/100
★★★★★★★★★★
Family Life
80
Trainability
85
Intelligence
90
Apartment Living
75
Grooming Ease
70

How We Score ⓘ

🌍Origin
United Kingdom
🐾Breed Group
Natural
📏Size
Medium
Height
9-12 in
Weight
6-10 lbs
Life Expectancy
12-16 years

Breed Ratings

👪

Family Friendly

★★★★★★★★★★
🧒

Good with Kids

★★★★★★★★★★
🐕

Good with Dogs

★★★★★★★★★★
🐱

Good with Cats

★★★★★★★★★★
🏢

Apartment Friendly

★★★★★★★★★★

Energy Level

★★★★★★★★★★
🧠

Intelligence

★★★★★★★★★★
🎓

Trainability

★★★★★★★★★★
✂️

Grooming Needs

★★★★★★★★★★
〰️

Shedding

★★★★★★★★★★
🔊

Vocal Level

★★★★★★★★★★

Independent

★★★★★★★★★★
❤️

Affection Level

★★★★★★★★★★

Meet the Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex originated in Cornwall, England in 1950, from a natural genetic mutation that gave kittens a unique curly coat. Their soft, wavy fur is due to a recessive gene. They are known for their elegant appearance, playful nature, and love of human attention.

Where It All Began

A curly-coated kitten named Kallibunker was born on a farm in Cornwall, England in 1950. This natural mutation became the foundation of the Cornish Rex breed we know today.

Personality

Playful Affectionate Intelligent Curious Social Active People-Oriented Outgoing

🏃 An Active Lifestyle

Cornish Rex cats are full of energy and love to run, jump, and explore. They enjoy interactive play and climbing to high places.

  • ✓ Loves to climb and jump
  • ✓ Enjoys interactive toys
  • ✓ High energy and playful
  • ✓ Needs daily playtime
  • ✓ Great for active households

✂ Grooming Needs

Their short, curly coat is low-maintenance and generally requires minimal grooming to stay healthy and clean.

  • ✓ Weekly gentle brushing
  • ✓ Bath only as needed
  • ✓ Wipe ears and clean eyes
  • ✓ Nail trimming regularly

❤ Keeping Healthy

A healthy diet and regular vet care help keep your Cornish Rex happy and healthy.

  • • Regular vet checkups
  • • High-quality protein diet
  • • Maintain healthy weight
  • • Provide mental stimulation
  • • Keep warm (sensitive to cold)

$ Cost of Ownership

Cornish Rex cats are moderately priced and have moderate ongoing costs.

Purchase Price: $1,200 - $2,500+

Monthly Cost: $50 - $100

First Year Cost: $800 - $1,500

Lifetime Cost: $12,000 - $18,000+

👍 Pros

  • Unique curly coat
  • Very affectionate
  • Playful and energetic
  • Intelligent and curious
  • Great with people

👎 Cons

  • Can be demanding
  • Needs lots of attention
  • Sensitive to cold
  • Not ideal for long alone time

💡 Did You Know?

Every Cornish Rex traces back to a single curly-coated kitten named Kallibunker, born on a Cornwall farm in 1950 — their wavy coat has no guard hairs at all, just a soft, downy undercoat.

Compare Cornish Rex

See how the Cornish Rex stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.