Cornish Rex Cat: Breed Profile
A racy, curly-coated athlete that stays kitten-like for life.
- Origin
- United Kingdom (Cornwall)
- Size
- Small
- Typical weight
- 2.5–4.5 kg (5–10 lb)
- Life expectancy
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Curly coat
- Best for
- Active, playful homes
Temperament and personality
Cornish Rex cats are energetic, playful and social. They love fetch, climbing and being where the action is, and they stay kitten-like well into adulthood. They enjoy people and are usually friendly with children and other pets.
They need plenty of interaction and don't enjoy long periods alone.
Size and appearance
Slender and arched like a greyhound, with long legs, big ears and a very short, tightly curled coat with no guard hairs.
Activity and enrichment
Very active. Multiple play sessions a day and lots of vertical space.
Coat care and grooming
Very gentle hand grooming only; occasional baths for oily skin. They get cold easily.
Typical health concerns
Every cat is an individual, and most cats of any breed live long, healthy lives with good preventive care. These are the conditions most often discussed for this breed — ask a breeder for health-testing results and discuss screening with your vet.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
- Patellar luxation.
- Skin sensitivity and sunburn.
Who is the Cornish Rex right for?
A good match if you…
- want a lively, playful cat
- have time for daily games
Think twice if you…
- want a calm, lazy cat
- live in a cold home
Featured in: Low-Shedding Cat Breeds, Cat Breeds for Allergy Sufferers: What Actually Helps.
