Have you seen those curly cats with big ears? Have you thought of maybe getting one some day and wondered whether they need any special care? If you have, you will find this article helpful.
Cornish Rex is one of those breeds that you either love or hate from the first sight. “Oh, what a cutie!” and “Oh, what an ugly cat!” are the two most common reactions, and it is usually impossible to make the holders of these two opinions understand each other.
Cornish Rex cats are famous for their curly (wavy) fur, very short and extremely soft to the touch. Their whiskers are short and curly as well. Another prominent feature is the cats’ very large ears, which, combined with the egg-shaped head, long nose, and big, thoughtful eyes, make them look like aliens from the outer space. Their lean bodies are strong and muscular. Some compare them to the long-necked cats depicted on old Egyptian drawings, but no, Cornish Rex do not come from Egypt.
Cornish Rex Breed History
Cornish Rex cats originated in Cornwall, England, in 1950. Despite seeming similarities, they are different from and not related to the Devon Rex breed. On July 21, 1950 an unusual kitten was found in a litter of barn cats: his short orange and white coat was curly. Unlike the other four kittens in the litter who were the common round-faced, stocky domestic shorthairs, the curly one had a long, slim body, long legs, narrow face, and large ears. Nina Ennismore, the owner of the mother cat, had found the odd mutation attractive and decided to try breeding such cats. Her attempt was successful.
In 1957 two Cornish Rex cats were imported to the United States. One had died, but the other, a pregnant female, survived and became the mother of the breed in North America. Initially, Cornish Rex cats had been crossed with some other breeds, like American Shorthair, which resulted in a variety of colors. Cornish Rex cats come as orange, black, white, gray, tortoiseshell, calico, and in all other possible combinations.
Cornish Rex Personality and Temperament
There are two things you need to know about these cats: they are very active and energetic and very people-oriented.
Despite their skinny, delicate look, Cornish Rexes are no weaklings, they are physically strong and they love using their muscles. Your Cornie will jump and run and play and run and jump until he is exhausted, then he’ll be out cold for a while, and then back to his games with renewed vigor. And he will never grow out of it. Cornish Rexes always remain kittens in their heart, they will entertain you with their kitten-like antics for the rest of their life. Cornish Rexes are known to play fetch, open doors and cabinets, do back flips off the walls, race around the house and ambush their owners and other pets. Have you ever been around a British Shorthair who is the embodiment of dignity? Cornies are the opposite, they are the embodiment of fun.
With all their energy and agility, Cornish Rexes are also very affectionate. Their very short fur makes them appreciate a warm lap, and, as I’ve already mentioned, they are very friendly and people-oriented by nature. They love to be held and love to cuddle next to their owner, especially under the blanket. They enjoy interacting with humans, they will follow you everywhere and try to participate in everything you do. You don’t have to do “cat” activities to get their attention: toys and strings are of course a lot of fun, but watching you wash the dishes is no less fascinating for them. If you don’t think you have enough time for regular fellowship with your Cornie, you shouldn’t be getting one. When it comes to fellowship, Cornish Rexes can be described as “needy.” Yes, they need you to be there for them, love them, hug them, and talk to them. They also like the company of other cats and, if properly introduced, will get along well with dogs.
Basic Care
On the whole, Cornish Rex cats do not require high maintenance, but there are some things to remember.
Feeding. Cornish Rexes have good appetite and may become overweight if their food isn’t rationed. Of course, every cat is different, some can be trusted with eating only as much as they need and then leaving that bowl alone, but some can’t. It is always good to monitor the cat’s food intake.
Grooming. Because of their very short fur Cornish Rexes do not shed much and require little grooming. However, they may need to be bathed because skin oils tend to collect on their skin. How often it has to be done depends on the cat, some cats can be bathed only once a month, others will need their bath every week.
Ears. Just like with any other cat, Cornish Rexes ears need to be regularly checked for wax.
Teeth. It is good to have your cat’s teeth brushed once in a while. If the cat is introduced to teeth brushing at a young age, it should allow you to do it.
Claws need to be occasionally clipped. I know of a case when a neglected Cornish Rex cat had its claws grow so long that they reached the inner side of the paw and bit into it.
Aging. The average lifespan of Cornish Rex cats is 9-15 years. Regularly veterinary checks are advisable after the age of 8, as well as yearly blood tests to detect possible kidney problems.
Hypoallergenic?
Some think that because of their very short fur and minimal shedding Cornish Rex cats are hypoallergenic, i.e. safe to be around for people who are allergic to cats. Generally speaking, that is not true. What most people are allergic to is not the cat’s hair, it’s the dander (specks of dead skin) and the saliva. Both elements are present in any cat’s fur, and Cornish Rexes are no exception. Their skin cells are being renewed, and they groom themselves by licking. However, their extremely short coat will hold less dander and saliva than a normal coat would, so some people allergic to cats may be able to tolerate Cornish Rexes. It is recommended that those with allergies spend some time visiting breeders and handling the cats to check and see whether the particular breed is safe for them. Never just buy a Cornish Rex, or any other breed, assuming that you will be fine.
Getting a Cornish Rex
You can find a reputable breeder in your area at www.breedlist.com. Most Cornish Rex breeders have waiting lists, so you should contact them well in advance and be prepared to wait a bit for your curly wonder. Kittens are usually available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. By this time, a good breeder will have the kitten trained and socialized well enough to be moved to a new home.
Prices on Cornish Rex cats depend on the type, bloodline, gender, and a few other things like pattern and color. If you don’t want a show quality animal but just a pet, it will cost you less. Also, you can usually get an adult cat cheaper than a kitten, especially if it’s a “retired” momma cat that can no longer be used for breeding. Another option is to adopt a Cornish Rex cat through special rescue programs, like www.cornishresfriends.org. You will still have to pay some fees, but usually not the full price of a purebred Cornish.