Group Classification: shorthair
Country of Origin: U.K.
Date of Origin: 1950
Weight (M): 8-10 lbs.
Weight (F): 6-8 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

History
A farm cat near Bodmin Moor, Cornwall had a litter with one curly-haired male kitten, Kallibunker. He was a cream classic tabby, with a white chest and belly and closely waved fur. Owner/breeder Nina Ennismore recognized the rex mutation from her experience with rabbits. She bred Kallibunker back to his mother to confirm that this was a recessive trait. From then on, descendants were crossed to British Shorthairs and Burmese.

General Description
Good natured and outgoing, the Cornish Rex is a homebody, preferring the warmth and comforts of the hearth to the rigors of the outdoors. This makes the breed ideal for apartment dwellers and the Rex needs very little space to be content. They are active and playful and excel at creating their own entertainment. Unlike most other cats, a Cornish Rex remains as playful as a kitten throughout its life. People delight in watching the antics of this animated breed.

Color
All, including colorpoints, lavender, chocolate and white

Coat
Shorthair with unique waved patterns.

Notable Features
Waved coat pattern (even the whiskers are curled).

Health and Care
The Cornish Rex is a surprisingly hardy breed and does not require any unusual care. Often mistakenly claimed to be hypoallergenic, the Cornish Rex is NOT recommended for those with such sensitivities. The reason for the misunderstanding is the fact that the breed sheds minimally, and many believe cat fur is the culprit for those who have allergies; however, most allergy sufferers react to dander, not fur.

Cornish Rex fur feels much softer than many other breeds due to the lack of guardhairs. In fact, they are often described as feeling like velvet. The coat, made of down and awn hairs, requires very little grooming.

Potential owners should note this is not a cat that can be caged. Without human interaction and close contact, their coat becomes dull