Cornish Rex

Slender, ultra-curly cat. Athletic, sociable and warm to the touch.

GroupShort Hair
OriginEngland (1950)
Weight2.5–4.5 kg
Height20–28 cm
Lifespan11–15 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

The Cornish Rex began with a single mutation in a Cornwall barn cat in 1950. They have only the soft down-hair (not the guard or awn hairs of typical cats), giving an ultra-soft, curly coat. Athletic, slim and intensely social.

Temperament

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

Exercise needs

Highly active. Need climbing, toys, food puzzles.

Grooming

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

Common health issues

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

👍 Best for

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

👎 Not best for

Cold homes, owners away all day.

🎯 Take the breed match quiz → 💰 Cost calculator

Products for Cornish Rex owners

3-in-1 Electric Steam Pet Brush – Anti-Static Cat & Dog Grooming Comb

$24.99
Choose options

Perfect Cat & Dog Macroneedle Comb

$14.99
Choose options

Summer Cat Sleeping Pad Pet Supplies

Price range: $24.99 through $29.99
Choose options

Compare Cornish Rex with…

Cornish Rex vs Devon Rex Cornish Rex vs Sphynx Cornish Rex vs Siamese Cornish Rex vs Oriental Shorthair

Similar breeds

Devon Rex

Pixie-faced curly-coated cat. Elf-like, playful, often well-tolerated by allergy sufferers.

Sphynx

Hairless, warm, intensely social. Not low-maintenance despite the lack of fur.

Siamese

Talkative, intelligent, intensely bonded. The vocal aristocrat of the cat world.

Oriental Shorthair

Siamese in 300+ colours and patterns. Talkative, slim, intensely social.
Free DeliveryOn orders over $100
Secure CheckoutStripe & Apple Pay
Easy Returns14-day return window
Real Human SupportMon–Fri 7am–10pm