Cornish Rex

England · 1950

Curly, sleek and racing-fast

SizeSmall6–10 lb
Life span11–15 years
CoatShort, curly
Typical price$1,000–$2,000

Cornish Rexes have a coat of tight, soft waves, a slim body and long legs. They are energetic, playful and outgoing.

At a glance

EnergyNon-stop
Cuddlylikes touch and being heldCuddly
TalkativeSome talk
GroomingEasy
SheddingAlmost none
With kidsGood
With petsGood
Alone timehow long they’re happy aloneShort gaps

Life with a Cornish Rex

They play fetch, race around the house and stay kitten-like for years. They love warmth, so expect them on laptops, radiators and under blankets. Very social, they greet guests and follow you everywhere.

Great for
  • Active, playful households
  • Families with older kids
  • People who want minimal shedding
Think twice if
  • You want a calm cat
  • Your home is cold
  • You expect hypoallergenic — they aren’t

Often suggested for people with allergies — but no cat is allergy-free. All cats make the main allergen (Fel d 1), and the amount varies from cat to cat. Spend an hour or more with the kitten and its parents before you pay.

Care tips
  • Very little grooming: a soft cloth, or a bath if the skin gets oily.
  • Give them warm beds.
  • Lots of play and climbing.

Health

Generally healthy. HCM and loose kneecaps (patellar luxation) occur, and they feel the cold.

Ask the breeder for
  • Heart scan (echocardiogram) of the parents
  • Kneecap (patella) check
  • Parents’ blood type
Typical US price$1,000–$2,000
RegistriesCFA · TICAAsk for both parents’ papers

Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.

See Cornish Rex kittens

Similar breeds

Devon RexActive · Very cuddlyOrientalVery active · CuddlySiameseVery active · Cuddly
Compare with similar breeds

Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.