Cornish Rex Cats

Cornish Rex cats are a small to medium size breed with a distinctive look. Though they appear similar in body type to the ancient Egyptian breeds, Cornish Rex cats originated in Cornwall, England. The Cornish Rex breed is much more recent than the ancient breeds it resembles.

Cornish Rex cats were initiated by one cat with unique characteristics among a litter of barn cats born in 1950 in Cornwall. The cat owner was intrigued by the cat’s unusual characteristics and consulted a geneticist. From that cat that was bred with its mother to produce more cats with its characteristics, the Cornish Rex breed was born.

The coat of a Cornish Rex is unique. It is very short and lies close to the body in washboard waves. The hair is extremely soft and often compared to cut velvet or angora. The short coat shows off its distinctive body features.

Though these cats are obviously not of Egyptian lineage, one must admit that the Cornish Rex bears a striking resemblance to the ancient Egyptian breeds. They are thin and muscular. Cornish Rex cats have long, thin legs and long tails. Their backs are arched. Cornish Rex cats have long, slender necks. They have large ears that sit high on the head. The head of the Cornish Rex is small and egg-shaped though it has a strong chin.

The coloring of the Cornish Rex has a lot of accepted variations. The coloring of a Cornish Rex can be a solid color, bi-color, calico, tabby, tortoiseshell, smoke, shaded, or pointed. The solid colored cats can be white, black, red, cream, or blue. A Cornish Rex cat with pointed coloring has a pale body with darker coloring on the legs, head, tail, and ears. Most Cornish Rex cats have gold eyes. A Cornish Rex cat that is point-colored has blue eyes. A calico, patched tabby, or tortoiseshell and white colored Cornish Rex may have blue eyes. Silver colored cats may have green, blue-green, or hazel eyes.

The Cornish Rex has a playful, kitten-like personality that lasts through its lifetime. Many Cornish Rex cats enjoy playing fetch and will even throw things with their front paws. The Cornish Rex is intelligent and loyal. They make affectionate companions.