Cat Breed · England
Cornish Rex
A whippet-like cat with a soft wavy coat and acrobatic energy.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Cornish Rex is a slender, athletic cat with a soft, wavy coat made up only of fine down, plus a slim greyhound-like body and large ears. Active, agile and affectionate, it stays kitten-like and playful well into adulthood, racing, leaping and seeking out its owner's lap and warmth.
Cornish Rex: At a Glance
| Origin | England |
|---|---|
| Size | Small (2.5–4.5 kg) |
| Weight | 2.5-4.5 kg (5.5-10 lb) |
| Lifespan | 13–17 years |
| Coat | An exceptionally soft, short, wavy coat consisting only of the fine undercoat (down), with no coarse guard hairs, giving a texture often compared to crushed velvet or astrakhan. Shedding is minimal and grooming is very low-maintenance, but the delicate coat should only be stroked gently rather than brushed firmly. Like the Devon, Cornish Rex cats can be prone to oily skin and benefit from occasional gentle bathing and ear cleaning. |
| Temperament | Active, agile, affectionate |
| Good with | A superb match for active, attentive homes, including families with children and households with other cats and friendly dogs. Cornish Rex cats are sociable, playful and people-loving, disliking long hours alone, so they suit owners who are often home or can provide a companion. Their small size makes flats workable, but their high energy and love of climbing and fetching mean they need plenty of play, vertical space and interaction. |
History & Origins
The Cornish Rex began in 1950 on a farm in Cornwall, England, when a curly-coated male kitten named Kallibunker appeared in an otherwise ordinary litter. Breeders recognised the unusual coat as a natural mutation and developed the breed by breeding Kallibunker back to his mother and outcrossing to other cats to widen the gene pool. The breed reached the United States in the late 1950s, where further development gave it its distinctive arched back and fine bone structure. It was officially recognised through the 1960s and remains prized for its plush coat and lively character.
Cornish Rex Fun Facts
- The whole breed began with one curly kitten, Kallibunker, born on a Cornish farm in 1950.
- Uniquely among cats, the Cornish Rex coat is made up only of soft down with no outer guard hairs, giving it a wash-board wave.
- Even their whiskers and eyebrows are often curly or crinkled rather than straight.
- They are sometimes called the 'greyhound of cats' for their arched back, tucked waist and bursts of fast, agile running.
Cornish Rex Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Thickening of the heart muscle that may cause sudden illness or heart failure.
Care: Breeding cats should be screened; affected cats may need lifelong medication under veterinary care.
Patellar luxation
The kneecap slips out of place, causing intermittent skipping or lameness.
Care: Mild cases may need weight control only; severe cases can require surgery.
Dental disease
Plaque and tartar build-up leads to gum infection and tooth loss.
Care: Brush teeth regularly and schedule professional dental cleanings as your vet advises.
Every cat deserves a chance
Whatever breed you love, countless cats live without a home or care. A symbolic adoption or a gift to WARN funds community-cat welfare — neutering, vaccination and treatment for cats most people never see.
