8 Intriguing Details About Cornish Rex Cats

Think of a Whippet morphing into a cat and choosing to sport a curly coat along the way. That’s the essence of a Cornish rex, a slender feline with wavy fur that originated in Cornwall, located in southwest England. Discover eight fascinating facts about this uniquely charming cat breed.

1. The origin of the Cornish rex traces back to a farm cat named Kallibunker.

In 1950, Nina Ennismore, a resident of Cornwall, England, noticed that her British shorthair had birthed an unusual male kitten with distinctive curly fur. As he matured, the kitten developed oversized, bat-like ears and a slender build, similar to that of an English Greyhound.

Speculations arose that radiation from nearby tin mines might have caused the kitten’s unusual look. However, Ennismore, who named the kitten Kallibunker, sought advice from a geneticist. The expert explained that Kallibunker’s unique appearance was due to a genetic mutation and suggested breeding him with his mother to preserve the trait. Kallibunker fathered more curly-coated kittens, marking the birth of a new breed. Inspired by her curly-haired rex rabbits and their origin, Ennismore named the cats Cornish rex.

Over time, breeders have crossbred Cornish rex cats with other breeds, such as Siamese, Burmese, Russian Blue, and British Shorthairs, to enhance their health and vitality.

2. Researchers have studied the genetics of the Cornish rex.

Scientists at the Lyons Feline Genetics Research Laboratory identified the recessive mutation responsible for the Cornish rex’s curly coat. This mutation impacts a gene involved in hair formation and maintenance. The lab also provides a DNA test to help breeders ensure their cats carry this specific gene.

3. The Cornish rex boasts curls across its entire body.

The Cornish rex’s fur resembles the tight waves of a vintage hairstyle known as Marcel waves, earning them the nickname Marcel cats. But the curls aren’t just on their bodies—these cats also have curly whiskers and eyebrows. Move over, poodles!

4. The Cornish rex is not a hypoallergenic breed.

Unfortunately for allergy sufferers, the Cornish rex’s short, soft fur doesn’t make it hypoallergenic. If you sneeze or tear up around cats, it’s not their fur causing the reaction. The real culprit is the Fel d 1 glycoprotein, which cats produce in their skin, saliva, and urine. While some allergy sufferers may find relief with cats that shed less, the Cornish rex isn’t a guaranteed fix.

5. The Cornish rex boasts a uniquely proportioned physique.

Often likened to a Greyhound, the Cornish rex features a tucked abdomen, arched spine, slender legs, and a narrow waist. Its head is distinctively large and egg-shaped, measuring about one-third longer than its width.

6. Cornish rex cats are highly sensitive to temperature changes.

While most cats have a three-layered coat—outer, middle, and undercoat—Cornish rex cats only possess the soft undercoat. This makes them far more sensitive to temperature changes compared to other cats. Ensure they have warm spots to rest in during colder months, but be cautious as they can also overheat in excessively warm environments.

7. Cornish rex cats display a variety of colors.

Cornish rex cats can have eyes in shades of blue, gold, green, or blue-green. Their coats come in numerous solid colors like white, black, chocolate, orange, blue, and lilac, as well as patterns such as tabby, tortoiseshell, bicolor, and shaded silver or gold [PDF].

8. Cornish rex cats exhibit dog-like traits.

If you’re seeking a lively companion that enjoys playing fetch, cuddling, and shadowing you around the house, the Cornish rex might be your ideal choice—especially if you prefer cats over dogs.