A curly-coated, greyhound-lean bundle of energy.
Origin
United Kingdom (Cornwall)
Weight
6–10 lb (2.7–4.5 kg)
Lifespan
11–16 years
Coat
Short, soft, wavy “rexed” coat — no guard hairs
Energy
High
Where it comes from
United Kingdom (Cornwall)
Highlighted in the Cornish Rex's coat color on the map.
Overview
The Cornish Rex is instantly recognizable by its soft, wavy coat, arched back, and slender, greyhound-like build. Lacking the coarse guard hairs of most cats, its coat feels like plush velvet or crushed silk to the touch.
Playful, energetic, and endlessly social, the Cornish Rex keeps a kitten's antics for life, racing, leaping, and performing acrobatics. It is warm-seeking and affectionate, bonding closely and thriving on interaction and attention.
History
The Cornish Rex began in 1950 in Cornwall, England, when a curly-coated kitten appeared in a farm litter due to a natural mutation. Breeders developed the distinctive wavy coat and slender build into a recognized breed.
Temperament
The Cornish Rex is lively, interactive, and clever, thriving on play and companionship. It bonds closely with its family, seeks out warmth and laps, and stays kitten-like and active well into adulthood.
Health to watch
This common feline heart disease occurs in the breed; periodic cardiac screening helps catch it early.
The thin, guard-hairless coat offers little insulation; the breed feels cold easily and needs warmth.
Kneecap slipping occurs in some cats; maintaining a lean weight helps reduce joint strain.
General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every cat is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.
Care essentials
With little insulating coat, the Cornish Rex seeks warmth and needs a cozy environment in cool weather.
The coat needs minimal brushing, but the skin can be oily; occasional gentle bathing may help.
This energetic breed needs interactive play and climbing to satisfy its athletic, playful nature.
XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.