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    Hairless & Rex Group

    Cornish Rex

    A slim greyhound-like cat with a marcel-waved curly coat. Cornish Rex are athletic, affectionate and warm to the touch — they have only the soft 'down' undercoat without guard hairs. They're high-energy, social and need warm indoor environments. Generally healthier than Devon Rex.

    Cornish Rex cat with curly white coat and slender greyhound-like body standing on a wooden floor

    Quick Facts

    Origin
    Cornwall, England (1950)
    Weight (M / F)
    8–10 / 5–8 lb
    Lifespan
    11–16 years
    Coat
    Very short curly down coat (no guard hairs)
    Shedding
    low
    Hypoallergenic
    Often tolerated
    Energy
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Affection
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Vocal
    ●●●○○ (3/5)
    Grooming need
    ●○○○○ (1/5)
    Climber
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Kid-friendly
    ●●●●○ (4/5)
    Apartment OK
    Yes
    Indoor only
    Recommended
    Multi-pet OK
    Yes

    History & Origin

    The Cornish Rex began in 1950 with a curly red kitten named Kallibunker born to a Cornwall barn cat. Backcrossing to the mother fixed the trait. The breed reached the U.S. in 1957.

    Temperament & Personality

    Active, playful, social. Cornish Rex are athletic acrobats who love to climb and run.

    Health Watchouts

    Top conditions reported by CFA/TICA parent clubs, AAFP, the Winn Feline Foundation, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

    Breed-elevated risk

    Thickening of the left ventricular heart wall — the most common heart disease in cats. Lower than Devon Rex but still recommended to screen.

    Screening: Annual echocardiogram from a board-certified cardiologist; DNA test where available (Maine Coon, Ragdoll)

    Hypotrichosis

    Rare

    Bald patches in some lines.

    Screening: Pedigree review

    Patellar luxation

    Slight elevation

    Kneecap dislocation.

    Screening: Veterinary palpation

    Periodontal disease

    70%+ of cats by age 3

    Plaque hardens to tartar and inflames gums, leading to tooth loss and bacteremia.

    Screening: Annual oral exam; daily brushing or VOHC-approved dental treats; professional cleaning every 1–2 years

    Obesity

    ≈60% of indoor cats (AAHA)

    Excess weight increases risk of diabetes, arthritis, hepatic lipidosis and shortens lifespan by ~2 years.

    Screening: Monthly body condition score (target 4–5/9); measure all food; structured play 2× daily

    Enrichment & Play

    Need significant athletic outlets.

    • Tall cat trees
    • Wall shelving
    • Wand toys 2× daily
    • Puzzle feeders
    • Heated beds
    • Companion cat

    Nutrition

    Daily calories: Adult: 220–290 kcal/day.

    Higher metabolism due to thin coat.

    Common allergens to watch: Beef.

    ⚠ Slim breed — body-score monthly.

    Grooming & Coat Care

    Wipe weekly with a soft damp cloth.

    Cost of Ownership

    Lifetime cost depends on lifespan, vet care, and litter/food choices. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →

    Cost band for Cornish Rex: medium.

    How insurance, vet care & grooming connect for the Cornish Rex

    These three costs move together. The Cornish Rex’s coat, energy, and breed-specific health watchouts shape each one — here’s how they line up.

    Insurance band

    Moderate

    Multiple breed-specific health watchouts

    Vet service load

    Above average

    High activity raises orthopedic & injury visits

    Grooming demand

    Above average

    Professional clipping every 6–8 weeks

    Hands-on care is the headline — frequent grooming and vet touchpoints, with mid-band insurance.

    Estimated monthly spend (typical adult)

    Insurance

    $60

    Routine vet

    $50

    Grooming

    $60

    Combined estimate

    ~$170/mo(±20%, US averages)

    * Estimates derived from breed traits (coat, energy, health watchouts, lifespan). Actual costs vary by location, age, and provider.

    Living Situation Fit

    Active warm households.

    Choosing a Kitten

    Pet-quality kittens $800–$1,500.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why does the Cornish Rex feel warm?

    Their coat is just a thin layer of down — body heat radiates through more easily than coated cats. They're often called 'velvety hot water bottles.'

    Related breeds

    Devon Rex cat with curly soft coat and very large ears perched on a high bookshelf

    Devon Rex

    The pixie cat. Devon Rex have an elf-like face with huge low-set ears, big eyes and a soft wavy coat that feels like crushed velvet. They are mischievous, agile climbers who treat ceiling-height as natural terrain. Health watchouts include hereditary myopathy and HCM.

    Hairless Sphynx cat with wrinkled skin and large ears wrapped in a knit blanket

    Sphynx

    The hairless cat. Sphynx have no real coat — just a fine peach-fuzz over wrinkled skin — and feel like warm suede when held. They are extroverted, intensely affectionate and demand human company. Care is high: weekly bathing for skin oils, ear cleaning, sweaters in cold rooms, and HCM screening are non-negotiable.

    Seal-point Siamese cat with sleek cream coat and bright blue almond eyes sitting on a hardwood floor

    Siamese

    The original talking cat. Siamese are slender, vocal, intensely social and dog-like in their bond with humans. They invented the colorpoint pattern (warm body, dark face/ears/legs/tail) and most modern oriental breeds descend from them. Loud, opinionated and unsuitable for households that want a quiet pet.

    Reviewed by PetHelpAnswers Editorial Team

    This profile is shared for informational and educational purposes only. Individual cats vary — always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical guidance.