Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex is a slender, fine-boned domestic cat breed that originated in Cornwall, England, in 1950.

On July 21, 1950, a tortoiseshell barn cat named Serena gave birth to a male kitten with a reddish coat of tight curls at Bodmin Moor. The kitten received the name Kallibunker from owner Nina Ennismore, who consulted British geneticist A. C. Jude. Backcrossing Kallibunker to his dam confirmed the curly fur was caused by a simple recessive gene mutation. In 1957, two offspring were exported to California, establishing lines in North America. The breed received official registration status from the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1964 and full championship recognition from The International Cat Association in 1979.

Adult males typically weigh 3-5 kg (7-11 lb), while females weigh 2-3 kg (5-7 lb). The build features long slender legs, an arched spine, a deep ribcage, an egg-shaped head, and tall upright ears. Unlike standard cats that have guard, awn, and down hairs, the Cornish Rex carries only the short down layer, arranged in tight washboard waves across the body. Its standard calls it energetic, enthusiastic, and devoted to company. The cat runs with galloping bounds, fetches thrown objects, and actively seeks out warm spots like laps and heaters.

Grooming demands stay light because the undercoat sheds very little, though over-brushing risks stripping the delicate hair. Wiping the body weekly with a damp cloth or soft rubber brush manages skin oils, while occasional baths clear excess sebum. The thin coat offers minimal protection against cold environments or intense sunlight, so the breed is suited to indoor life and warm resting places. Key medical vulnerabilities include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, patellar luxation, and feline atopic dermatitis. Malassezia yeast infections of the nail beds and skin folds are also reported.