Cornish rex cats are certainly not a breed you will easily mix up. With their bat-like ears and distinctive curly coats, they are a breed that stands out from the rest.
They are filled with kitten-like energy that stays throughout their adult life, so cat parents of this breed must have plenty of the best cat toys to keep them occupied. This breed loves spending time with their pet parents and does not enjoy being left alone for long periods.
Let's dive into some more interesting facts about Cornish rex cats.
32 interesting facts about Cornish rex cats
1. Very athletic
Cornish rex cats are impressive athletes. They are known for their high jumping abilities, love of climbing and even running!
2. A playful cat
This breed loves to spend time playing around. They enjoy even more playing with their pet parent. If you know that your cat is going to have to spend some time at home alone invest in some of the best interactive cat toys to keep them occupied.
3. Very social
This is a breed that will thrive with lots of interaction and playtime. They are very affectionate so will enjoy spending their day wherever you are.
4. Originate from England
The first Cornish rex cat was born in England in 1950. His name was Kallibunker and he was the only kitten in his litter of four that had curly hair.
5. Oldest of all the rex breeds
The Cornish rex cats are considered to be the oldest of all the different rex breeds. This includes the Devon rex and the Selkirk rex.
6. Sensitive to temperatures
Their gorgeous curly coat is actually quite thin. This makes them very sensitive to temperatures in their environment. They can easily become sunburned so take care if your cat is spending time outdoors. Just as easily, they can become too cold, so having one of the best cat beds at home so they have a cozy spot to stay warm is a good idea.
7. Greyhounds of the cat world
The Cornish rex is often referred to as the greyhound of the cat world. This is down to their slender and athletic build.
8. Over 40 patterns
The Cornish rex can come in over 40 different patterns and colors. The general colors you may see are black, blue, lilac, red, cream and chocolate.
9. Can be a good option for allergy sufferers
While no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, there are some breeds that shed less which can be helpful to those with allergies. The Cornish rex are just one of the hypoallergenic cat breeds that could be a good fit for pet parents with allergies.
10. Healthy breed
It is always worth reading up on the most common illnesses in cats, however the Cornish rex is generally considered a healthy and robust breed. So cat parents of this breed can rest easy.
11. Can live up to 20 years old
The Cornish rex has a general lifespan of between 15-20 years. Owners of this breed will be happy to know that their furry friend will be around for a long time.
12. Very vocal
This is a breed with a lot to say. They are very vocal and are not afraid to let you know if they feel like you aren't paying them enough attention.
13. Require moderate levels of exercise
Due to their high energy levels, this cat will need plenty of time to burn it off. Exercise can take on the form of play or if you're looking for reasons to train your cat, this is one. Training will tire them out both physically and mentally.
14. Easy to train
The Cornish rex cat loves to spend time with their pet parents and is also super intelligent. This makes them one of the easiest cat breeds to train. They are also always up for learning something new and will enjoy the social interaction with you.
15. Big appetite
It makes sense, with all the climbing, jumping, and playing they do. The Cornish rex works up a big appetite to replace all the energy they are burning. Serving up the best cat food will ensure that they are eating enough to be able to do all the things they love.
16. Great family pet
The Cornish rex is a great option for families with children. While they are super friendly and always looking for a new playmate it is important to teach kids how to pick up a cat correctly, so that everyone stays safe.
17. Prone to separation anxiety
Knowing how to navigate separation anxiety in cats is super important with this breed. They are one of the cat breeds most likely to suffer from separation anxiety. Cornish rex cats do not like being left alone for long periods.
If you are going to be out of the house for a while, be sure to leave out some of the best automated cat toys to keep your cat entertained.
18. Center of the attention
The Cornish rex is no shy cat and will relish being in the spotlight. They will happily lap up all the attention you have to offer them.
19. A curious cat
Due to their high levels of intelligence, the Cornish rex is an inquisitive cat indeed. Don't be surprised if they follow you around the house and try to get in the middle of whatever you are doing.
20. Veggie lovers
This fact was the most surprising to us, but Cornish rex cats are big on veggies. Luckily there are many foods that cats can eat that include various vegetables, just be sure you are serving them as a treat here and there and not replacing their standard cat food meals with them.
21. Better suited to more experienced owners
While the Cornish rex are more low maintenance when it comes to grooming, they do require more interaction and time for exercise. They may be better suited to more experienced cat owners for these reasons.
22. Avid climbers
The Cornish rex cat is all about adventure. This includes climbing on any and everything that will give them different heights to see the world. We recommend investing in some of the best cat trees to give your kitty the space to engage in safe climbing fun.
23. Love the outdoors
While they are not necessarily well-suited to being outside all the time, this doesn't mean they don't enjoy the outdoors. You can add one of the best outdoor cat houses to your backyard to offer your feline a place to play while staying safe from the sun.
24. A great option for the active pet parent
If you are looking for a high energy cat breed, this may just be the breed for you. With their endless bounds of energy, they will always be up for adventure with you, whether that's a walk around the block or playing games at home.
25. Weekly brushing
The Cornish rex do not shed as much as other cat breeds. However, they still require weekly brushing with one of the best cat brushes to keep their curls looking their best.
26. Frequent baths
The Cornish rex has a single layer of fur. Due to this, oil can build up on their coats easily. It is recommended to bath your cat once a week to keep excess oil at bay.
27. Can be prone to hypotrichosis
Hypotrichosis causes thinning of the hair and even baldness in animals. It can be seen in patches or patterns on the head or stomach. If you notice thinning of the hair or patches of baldness, make an appointment with your vet.
28. Sensitive whiskers
These whiskers are no ordinary whiskers, they are very delicate. They are prone to breakage so be sure to handle them with care when cleaning your cat's face.
29. High jumpers
Due to their long legs and slender bodies, the Cornish rex cat can jump to impressive heights. It is said that they can jump between five to eight feet high!
30. Medium-sized cats
The Cornish rex is a medium-sized cat, most weighing between 10-15lbs. As they have big appetites it is easy to overfeed them, which can lead to obesity. It is best to make a plan with your vet to ensure they stay at a healthy weight.
31. Big runners
Climbing, jumping, running, is there anything this cat can't do? The Cornish rex loves to run. Ensure they have plenty of space to work on their cat zoomies around the house. You may even want to invest in one of the best cat harnesses so your cat can run around outdoors safely.
32. Curly lashes and whiskers
Their curls don't just stop at their coat. The curly gene extends to their whiskers and even their eyelashes.
