Cornish Rex cats have soft coats and a very distinctive and unusual look. They tend to be affectionate and loving cats with gentle temperaments. Cornish Rex cats love to play and will demand often attention from their human companions. Cornish Rex cats get along well with other cats, especially active cats. They also get along very well with other pets and with children, making them a good choice for a family cat.
Cornish Rex cats descend from an English cat by the name of Kallibunker. A distinctively wavy-haired kitten, he was born on a Cornish farm in 1950. His mother was straight haired and his father was unknown. Kallibunker was bred with his mother, and the mating produced two more kittens with wavy coats. As the breed was expanded and introduced in the U.S., Siamese and Oriental Shorthairs were included in the breeding process.
Cornish Rex cats have curly coats and very small heads in proportion to their bodies. Their legs are quite long and straight. Because of their physique, they are often compared to the Whippet dog; both have a lithe shape and arched backs, with narrow hips and broad chests. Each hair of the Cornish Rex cat’s distinct coat is individually waved, which gives the overall coat a rippling effect. The coat is very soft to the touch. The Cornish Rex is a small to medium sized cat, weighing around 6 to 10 pounds on average.
Cornish Rex cats do not require much grooming. A weekly brushing with a very soft brush is generally sufficient. Many Cornish Rex owners find that a baby brush works well with the cat’s wavy hair. To emphasize the waves of your Cornish Rex’s coat, firmly stroke the cat with your hand from head to tail.
Cornish Rex cats are not particularly susceptible to any diseases, but have large appetites and are prone to obesity. This can easily be avoided by diligence on the part of the humans in her life. Proper diet, portion control, and regular exercise will keep your Cornish Rex at her ideal weight. The average litter size for a Cornish Rex is around six kittens. The Cornish Rex cat has a life expectancy of 10-14 years.
