Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a breed originating from a natural mutation discovered in a litter of barn cats in Cornwall, England in 1950.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
11–15 years
Weight
2.5–4.5 kg (5.5–10 lbs)
Height
28–35 cm (11–14 in)
Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality food in appropriate portions. Cornish Rex have remarkably high metabolisms — they often eat more than expected for their size. Monitor weight.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Cornish Rex is a breed originating from a natural mutation discovered in a litter of barn cats in Cornwall, England in 1950. The founder was a curly-coated kitten named Kallibunker, who was bred back to his mother to establish the line. The Cornish Rex has only a wavy undercoat — the guard hairs and awn hairs are absent, leaving only the down hairs which wave in tight Marcel waves close to the body. The breed is extraordinarily active and playful well into old age — they are often described as "the Peter Pan of cats," retaining kitten energy throughout their lives.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Cornish Rex has an extreme body type — a very long, slender, arched body resembling a greyhound, with long slender legs, a small, oval egg-shaped head, and large, high-set ears. The coat is unique — short, silky, wavy, and forms tight Marcel waves all over the body. It has no guard hairs. The texture is incredibly soft — like crushed velvet or warm silk. The profile shows a marked concave curve from nose to brow.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Coat Length
rex
Coat Type
wavy
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-2-3-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Cornish Rex are perpetual kittens — highly active, acrobatic, and playful well into old age. They love fetch, climbing, and running at high speed. They are sociable and enjoy company. Their high metabolism means they run warm — they seek warmth like the Devon Rex. They are excellent with children and other pets.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Ideal Weather
15°C to 28°C
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor-Only
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Vocal Profile
chatty
Stress Signals
clinginess, food obsession, over-grooming, excessive energy
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •The wavy undercoat requires minimal grooming — occasional gentle brushing. Sensitive to cold — provide warm sleeping spots. High activity needs — interactive toys and play sessions essential. Monitor food intake as high metabolism can lead to both obesity (from overeating) or underweight (if underfed).
Nutrition Notes
Higher metabolism than normal-coated cats. No guard hairs — only undercoat (different gene from Devon). Voracious appetite. Sensitive stomachs in some lines.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
HCM. Luxating patella. Hypokalaemia. Greyhound body type — lean, arched back, athletic. Different gene from Devon Rex. No guard hairs — only soft, wavy undercoat. Warm to the touch. 11-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
400 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Patellar luxation. Some Cornish Rex are prone to skin conditions without the guard hairs that normally protect the skin. Dental disease.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Different gene from Devon Rex. Greyhound of the cat world. India: warm climate suits.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$75 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Cornish Rex's wavy coat is caused by a recessive mutation that eliminates the guard hairs and awn hairs — leaving only the down hairs, which form tight waves. This mutation is different from the Devon Rex mutation.
The Cornish Rex was named after the Astrex rabbit, whose curly fur the breed's wavy coat was said to resemble — "Rex" in the breed name refers to this curly rabbit type.
Cornish Rex are known as the "greyhounds of the cat world" for their slim, arched, aerodynamic body — they are among the fastest of all domestic cat breeds.
