the cornish rex, reviewed

that is my verdict. now see if you can even recognise this breed →

The Cornish Rex is the greyhound of the cat world, a lean, arched, athletic animal with a short, soft, tightly curled coat and a permanent look of gentle surprise. It is playful, warm to the touch, and endlessly active, and it is often confused with the Devon Rex, though the two are quite different. It scores high on gremlin energy. Here is the review.

what is a cornish rex

The Cornish Rex began with a curly kitten born on a farm in Cornwall in the 1950s, carrying a natural mutation that produces its unique coat. Unlike almost every other cat, it has only the soft, fine undercoat, with none of the coarser guard hairs, which is why its fur is so short, soft, and tightly waved. It is a slender, athletic, playful cat, and although it shares the curly look with the Devon Rex, the two mutations are genetically different and the cats have distinct builds and faces.

the look

The Cornish Rex is all elegant curves. It has a slim, arched body on long legs, giving it a greyhound-like silhouette built for speed, a small egg-shaped head with large ears and eyes, and that signature short, tightly curled coat that feels soft and warm, like crushed velvet. Because there are no guard hairs, there is very little coat at all, which is why the fluff score is so low. The overall look is sleek, curved, and slightly startled, and it is a genuinely distinctive cat.

temperament: the perpetual kitten

The Cornish Rex stays kittenish, playful, and mischievous for life. It is fast, agile, and acrobatic, forever leaping, climbing, and racing about, and it loves games, heights, and attention, which is where the high gremlin score comes from. It is also warmly affectionate and social, bonding closely with its people, riding on shoulders, and seeking out laps and warm spots, since its thin coat means it feels the cold. It is intelligent and can learn tricks and fetch. In short, it is an active, involved, entertaining companion rather than a placid lap ornament.

care and health, the honest part

The curly coat needs almost no brushing, and gentle handling is best to protect the fine hairs, though the skin can get a little oily and benefit from the occasional bath. Because the coat is so sparse, the Cornish Rex feels the cold and needs a warm home, and it should never be left chilly. It sheds very little, which keeps airborne allergen a touch lower, but it still produces Fel d 1 and is not truly hypoallergenic. On health, the breed is generally healthy but can carry certain inherited concerns, including a heart condition, that responsible breeders screen for. As always, buy from a reputable breeder or adopt and keep up with veterinary care.

is a cornish rex right for you

If you want an athletic, playful, affectionate, low-shedding cat that stays kittenish for life and will keep you entertained, the Cornish Rex is a wonderful choice for a warm, engaged home. It is not for someone who wants a calm, independent cat or one that can be left cold and alone, since it needs warmth, company, and stimulation.

the chairman's verdict

Seventy-six. The Cornish Rex is a sleek, curly, tireless athlete with a warm coat and a warmer nature, scoring high for energy and charm while losing all the fluff points its wisp of a coat cannot claim. A delightful, active companion for a warm home. High marks, awarded as it laps the room.

Related reading from my desk: the curly-cousin Devon Rex, more breeds in the cat breeds guide, and the hypoallergenic cat breeds.

Scores are the Chairman's opinion, offered in good fun. For real advice on a Cornish Rex's needs, warmth, health, or suitability, speak to a reputable breeder, a rescue, or your vet. I am a cat with opinions, not a veterinarian.