June 28, 2025, 1:51 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
The Cornish Rex, despite its unique appearance, is a cat breed that is relatively rare in this country. With its friendly nature and distinctively curly coat, it makes for a loving and affectionate pet. However, particularly extreme breeding forms of Rex cats are sometimes considered unethical breeding practices.
Delicate, intelligent, and playful–the Cornish Rex is a cat that quickly captures the hearts of its owners with its extraordinary appearance and lively nature. However, what many don’t know is that the breed is considered controversial in Germany because its characteristic curly coat is associated with a genetic mutation that can have significant impacts on the animal’s welfare. Among other things, the whiskers–a central sensory organ for cats–can be shortened or severely deformed, significantly impairing their perception of their surroundings. Additionally, the Cornish Rex’s coat is particularly thin, making them very sensitive to temperature. Despite these health challenges, the Cornish Rex is popular due to its charming nature. Those considering this cat should be aware of not only its appearance but also its needs and potential health risks.
Origin
As the name suggests, the Cornish Rex originates from Cornwall in the southwest of England. Although its curly coat draws attention at first glance, its origin is rather ordinary: The breed comes from one of the many farms in the countryside. The first male cat with the typical curly hair and delicate build was born there in the 1950s and was chosen for breeding because of its unique appearance.
The distinctive curl of the coat was caused by a random mutation, which was then established through breeding in the following years. The descendants of the first curly kitten from Cornwall were crossed with Siamese cats and British Shorthairs, among others. It quickly became apparent that the gene is recessively inherited, meaning not all carriers of the gene necessarily have a curly coat. Once the breeding of the Cornish Rex was established within a few years, the breed quickly spread in Great Britain and beyond–and was recognized by the Fédération Internationale Féline in 1968.
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Appearance & Coat
With their medium-sized and rather slender build, Cornish Rex cats are very delicate animals, weighing at most around five kilograms. Their legs are long and muscular, and their tail and head are particularly slim. Typical eye colors for this breed are green, blue, or gray. The ears are especially prominent, being relatively large and wide, creating a cute and expressive overall impression.
The hallmark of the Cornish Rex cat is its coat. As with all Rex breeds, a specific gene segment is mutated. The altered production of keratin in the hair creates the typical curly appearance, which can even affect the whiskers. This poses a significant problem for the affected animals, as the whiskers cannot perform their natural function properly. Rex cats lack an important sensory organ to navigate their environment, which is why they are considered torture breeding in Germany.
Additionally, the coat is often very thin or even sparse, making the animals susceptible to extreme weather conditions. However, because the wavy coat is as soft as a rabbit’s, these cats are popular pets. According to breed standards, all coat colors and patterns are allowed for the Cornish Rex. The most well-known include solid colors like black, blue, lilac, cream, or chocolate. Any color can be combined with white. Tabby patterns in the coat are also very common, whether striped, marbled, or spotted.
Character & Temperament
Cornish Rex cats are considered sociable, people-oriented, and intelligent. These traits make the breed a popular pet. True to their origin as farm cats, the Cornish Rex also has a high need for activity and is very lively. Nevertheless, they are friendly and affectionate animals that actively seek the company of their family. The Cornish Rex adapts to the daily routine of its human companions and enjoys any form of attention from its two-legged friends. Being very clever and confident, they often have a mind of their own.
Training & Activity
Thanks to their intelligent nature, Cornish Rex cats are easy to train. With caring guidance, they quickly become house-trained and well-socialized pets. Due to their pronounced stubbornness, consistent training is essential. This can be well complemented with exercise and play. Clicker training is ideal for tiring out and mentally stimulating these pets. In addition to training, Cornish Rex cats enjoy plenty of play and hiding opportunities. Owners should provide their pets with a climbing tree, playhouse, or tunnel so the cat can play or retreat independently.
Proper Care & Maintenance
Due to their fine coat, Cornish Rex cats are very sensitive to cold, which is why they are generally kept as indoor cats. In this country, they are only suitable as outdoor cats to a limited extent, as both cold winter air and excessive sunlight can be harmful. This breed feels most comfortable at home with its family, which provides love, variety, and a warm place to sleep. They dislike being alone, so keeping two cats is recommended, especially for working individuals. Aside from their need for exercise and attention from their human companions, the Cornish Rex is very low-maintenance. Their thin coat requires little grooming and should only be gently brushed occasionally with a soft brush.
Diet
Like all other cat breeds, the Cornish Rex is a carnivore. They need a protein-rich diet with all essential nutrients. Due to their thin coat, their food requirement is generally slightly higher than that of their peers, so individual portions can be a bit larger. For a long and healthy life, these pets benefit from a balanced diet tailored to their needs and activity level. Whether dry or wet food, it should have a healthy combination of protein and fat. Carbohydrates should be minimal or absent. Additionally, the food should contain as many natural ingredients and as few additives as possible.
Susceptibility to Certain Diseases
Unfortunately, Cornish Rex cats are still often affected by inbreeding, which can lead to a shortened lifespan, hereditary diseases, and a weaker immune system. Additionally, the specific mutation can cause hair to break more easily or whiskers to fall out. To avoid supporting the breeding of such cats, it is preferable to adopt this breed from animal shelters or rescues.
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The Cornish Rex at a Glance
- Character: intelligent, loyal, and loving
- Size: medium-sized
- Weight: 4.5–5.5 kg for males, 3.5–4.5 kg for females
- Coat: curly, short-haired, various colors possible
- Care: easy
- Special Features: child-friendly, playful indoor cat