Cornish Rex
Slim, curly-coated cats with greyhound looks and clown-like energy.
Cornish Rex cats have a unique short, wavy coat consisting only of soft down hairs — they have no guard hairs. Slim, athletic, and acrobatic, they remain playful into old age and form intense bonds with their humans. They are warm to the touch and seek out heat sources.
Key facts
| Origin | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 5–10 lbs |
| Lifespan | 11–15 years |
| Energy | High |
| Vocality | Medium |
| Grooming | Stroke gently weekly — no brushing needed |
| Shedding | Low |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Minimal shedding
- Playful into old age
- Affectionate with whole family
- Distinctive look
✗ Things to know
- Sensitive to cold
- Need warmth in winter
- High energy demands
Ideal owner
A Cornish Rex may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Enjoy interactive play and can dedicate daily activity time
- Have mild cat allergies and need a more allergy-friendly option
A Cornish Rex may not suit you if you:
- Have a busy schedule with little time for interactive play
Health considerations
Cornish Rexs are generally considered a robust, healthy breed with no well-documented breed-specific conditions at this time. As with all cats, annual vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention are the best health investments you can make.
Is a Cornish Rex right for you?
The best way to find out if a Cornish Rex suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Cornish Rex a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Cornish Rexs are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: playful, athletic, and intensely social.
Are Cornish Rexs good for apartments?
Yes — Cornish Rexs adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Cornish Rexs good with children?
Cornish Rexs are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Cornish Rexs hypoallergenic?
Cornish Rexs are considered more allergy-friendly than most breeds. Lower shedding from coat structure makes them tolerable for some allergy sufferers; still produce Fel d 1.
Does a Cornish Rex suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Cornish Rex on Wikipedia