Cornish Rex
Also known as: Rex, Corny/Cornies
The Cornish Rex is a pedigreed cat breed with a documented history and breed standard. The Cornish Rex comes from United Kingdom. Individual Cornish Rexs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Other names
- Rex, Corny/Cornies
About the Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a unique cat breed originating from the United Kingdom, known for its wavy, low-shedding coat. Discover its characteristics and history.
Overview
The Cornish Rex is a breed of domestic cat . The Cornish Rex only has down hair . Most breeds of cat have three different types of hair in their coats: the outer fur or " guard hairs ", a middle layer called the " awn hair "; and the down hair or undercoat, which is very fine and about 1 cm long. Cornish Rexes only have the undercoat. The curl in their fur is caused by a different mutation and gene than that of the Devon Rex . The breed originated in Cornwall , Great Britain.
Health
The Cornish Rex typically enjoys a lifespan of 11 to 15 years, with many individuals living into their late teens when provided with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention. This breed is generally robust but is predisposed to certain hereditary conditions, most notably hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a form of heart disease that can lead to sudden cardiac events if undetected. While polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is less commonly reported in Cornish Rex compared to breeds like Persians, screening for renal issues remains advisable due to occasional familial cases. Other concerns include patellar luxation and skin sensitivities stemming from their unique curly coat, which lacks guard hairs and may be prone to irritation or infection if not kept clean and dry. Preventive care is essential: annual cardiac ultrasounds (echocardiograms) are recommended starting at age 2 to monitor for HCM, alongside routine bloodwork and urinalysis to assess kidney function. Maintaining a healthy weight, providing a stress-free environment, and using gentle, hypoallergenic grooming products help mitigate skin issues. Vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental hygiene should also be part of a consistent wellness protocol to support longevity and quality of life.
Origin
The distinctive look of the Cornish Rex is a genetic mutation that originated from a litter of kittens born in the 1950s on a farm in Cornwall , UK . One of the kittens, a cream-colored male named Kallibunker, had an extremely unusual, fine and curly coat; he was the first Cornish Rex. The owner then backcrossed Kallibunker to his mother to produce 2 other curly-coated kittens. The male, Poldhu, sired a female called Lamorna Cove who was later brought to America and crossed with a Siamese , giving the breed their long whippy tails and big ears. The Devon Rex looks similar in appearance to the Cornish Rex but has guard hairs and sheds. The Devon Rex mutation is different from the Cornish Rex mutation in that the Devon has shortened guard hairs, while the Cornish Rex lacks guard hairs altogether.
Genetics
In 2013, researchers identified the mutation that defines the Cornish Rex breed. Genome-wide analyses were performed in the Cornish Rex breed and in 11 phenotypically diverse breeds and two random bred populations. A gene on chromosome A1, the lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 ( LPAR6 ), was identified to have a 4 base pair deletion. This induces a premature stop codon in the receptor that is absent in all straight haired cats analyzed. LPAR6 encodes a receptor essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the hair shaft. In humans, LPAR6 mutations result in a form of ectodermal dysplasia characterised by a woolly hair phenotype.
Appearance
According to the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) standard, the Cornish Rex''s colour is irrelevant — therefore the cat may be any colour. Aside from the distinctive coat, the Cornish Rex is set apart by its ''foreign type'', slender legs and tail, oval eyes, and wedge shaped head. The Cornish Rex''s ears are large and wide at the base with rounded tips and are described as being almost mussel shell shaped. The eyes are medium in size and come in all varieties of eye colour. The body is slender and muscular with small paws.
Hypoallergenic
Despite some belief to the contrary, the Cornish Rex''s short hair does not make it non- or hypo-allergenic . Allergic reactions from cats are not the result of hair length, but from a glycoprotein known as Fel d 1 , produced in the sebaceous glands of the skin, saliva, and urine. Most people who have cat allergies are reacting to this protein in cat saliva and cat dander : when the cat cleans its fur, the saliva dries and is transformed into dust that people breathe in. Since Cornish Rex cats groom as much as or even more than ordinary cats, a Cornish Rex cat can still produce a reaction in people who are allergic to cats. It is, however, widely reported to cause lesser to little allergic reaction.
Characteristics
The coat of a Cornish Rex is extremely fine and naturally curly. Their light coat means that they are best suited for indoor living in warm and dry conditions, as they are sensitive to low temperatures. The breed is sometimes referred to as the Greyhound of the cats, because of the sleek appearance and the galloping run characteristic of the breed.
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Cornish Rex, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average lifespan of a Cornish Rex cat?
Cornish Rex cats typically live between 11 and 15 years, though many can reach 16–18 years with excellent care, genetics, and a healthy lifestyle. Their longevity is influenced by diet, veterinary monitoring, and genetic predispositions.
Are Cornish Rex cats prone to heart disease?
Yes, Cornish Rex cats have a higher predisposition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic heart condition that thickens the heart muscle and can lead to heart failure or sudden death. Regular echocardiographic screening is advised, especially in breeding lines.
Do Cornish Rex cats get polycystic kidney disease (PKD)?
While PKD is rare in Cornish Rex compared to breeds like Persians, isolated cases have been reported, so veterinarians may recommend ultrasound or genetic screening for kidney health, particularly in cats with unknown lineage.
How can I prevent health issues in my Cornish Rex?
Preventive care includes annual vet check-ups, HCM screening via echocardiogram starting at age 2, maintaining a healthy weight, using gentle grooming to protect their delicate coat, and ensuring dental hygiene and parasite control. Early detection through routine blood and urine tests is key.