Cornish Rex vs Siamese

Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.

Cornish Rex vs Siamese — at a glance

The Cornish Rex (2.5–4.5 kg, 11–15 years) and the Siamese (2.5–5 kg, 12–15 years) sit in different — or sometimes overlapping — corners of dog ownership. Here's how they really compare for an everyday Irish or UK family.

Energy levels are well-matched between the Cornish Rex and Siamese — both need similar daily exercise.

For allergy sufferers, the Cornish Rex is the lower-shed, more hypoallergenic option.

Insurance premiums for breeds with brachycephalic, joint or cancer predispositions run 20–40% above average — check before you commit. We have a free quote calculator here.

	Cornish Rex	Siamese
Group	Short Hair	Short Hair
Origin	England (1950)	Thailand (Siam)
Weight	2.5–4.5 kg	2.5–5 kg
Height	20–28 cm	20–25 cm
Lifespan	11–15 years	12–15 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

Cornish Rex

Temperament

Active, social, playful, sometimes mischievous. Cornish Rex love attention and don't do well alone.

Exercise

Highly active. Need climbing, toys, food puzzles.

Grooming

Almost no shedding. Weekly gentle brush. Bathe when greasy.

Health

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Patellar luxation. Hereditary baldness in some lines.

Full Cornish Rex profile →

Siamese

Temperament

Vocal, social, intelligent, demanding. Siamese cats want to be involved in everything you do and will tell you about it loudly. They bond closely with one or two people and don't do well alone all day.

Exercise

Highly active and play-driven. Need interactive toys, vertical space, food puzzles. Many do well with a feline companion to play with.

Grooming

Short, fine coat. Weekly brushing is plenty.

Health

Generally healthy. Watch for: amyloidosis, asthma, dental disease, glaucoma, eyes (some lines have crossed eyes which is harmless), separation anxiety.

Full Siamese profile →

Which is right for you?

Pick the Cornish Rex if

Families, multi-pet homes, allergy-sensitive owners.

Pick the Siamese if

Owners who are home a lot, families with older children, multi-cat households.

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