Description

Cornish Rex are known for its soft, wavy, curly hair; even the whiskers curl. Its coat feels like crushed velvet to the touch. The breed originated in Cornwall, and is distinct from the Devon Rex, though the coat appears similar to the untrained eye. The first acknowledged Cornish Rex cat was named Kallibunker, born in a litter of barn cats in 1950. In 1957, one of Kallibunker's descendents, LaMorna Cove, was the first Cornish Rex exported to the United States to produce kittens in that country. The breed was accepted for championship status in CFA in 1964.

Today's Cornish Rex has a racy, slender body, and is found in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The Cornish Rex is a potential choice for a minority people who are allergic to cats. While no naturally bred cat can be truly hypoallergenic, Cornish Rex (and Devon Rex) do not aggravate allergies in some people with cat allergies. Allergic people are encouraged to visit a breeder to determine their own tolerance for the breed. The Cornish Rex is accepted by all major cat registries.


Information about Cornish rex standard

GENERAL: The Cornish Rex is distinguished from all other breeds by its extremely soft, wavy coat and racy type. It is surprisingly heavy and warm to the touch. All contours of the Cornish Rex are gently curved. By nature, the Cornish Rex is intelligent, alert, and generally likes to be handled.
PROFILE: A curve comprised of two convex arcs. The forehead is rounded, the nose break smooth and mild, and the Roman nose has a high prominent bridge.
HEAD: Comparatively small and egg shaped. Length about one-third greater than the width. A definite whisker break, oval with gently curving outline in front and in profile.
MUZZLE: Narrowing slightly to a rounded end.
EARS: Large and full from the base, erect and alert; set high on the head.
EYES: Medium to large in size, oval in shape, and slanting slightly upward. A full eye's width apart. Color should be clear, intense, and appropriate to coat color.
NOSE: Roman. Length is one-third length of head. In profile a straight line from end of nose to chin with considerable depth and squarish effect.
CHEEKS: Cheek bones high and prominent, well chiseled.
CHIN: Strong, well-developed.
BODY: very distinctive, small to medium in size, males proportionately larger but never coarse. Torso long and slender, not tubular, showing a deep, but not broad chest. The general outline is comprised of graceful arches and curves without any sign of flatness. The back is naturally arched and evident when the cat is standing naturally. The underline gently curves upward from the ribcage to form a smallish (tucked up in appearance) waistline. Hips and thighs muscular and feel somewhat heavy in proportion to the rest of the body.
SHOULDERS: Well-knit.
RUMP: Rounded, well-muscled.
LEGS: Very long and slender. Thighs well-muscled, somewhat heavy in proportion to the rest of the body. The Cornish Rex stands high on its legs.
PAWS: Dainty, slightly oval. Toes: five in front and four behind.
TAIL: Long and slender, tapering toward the end and extremely flexible.
NECK: Long and slender.
BONE: Fine and delicate.
COAT: Short, extremely soft, silky, and completely free of guard hairs. Relatively dense. A tight, uniform marcel wave, lying close to the body and extending from the top of the head across the back, sides, and hips continuing to the tip of the tail. Size and depth of wave may vary. The fur on the underside of the chin and on chest and abdomen is short and noticeably wavy.
COLOURS: All coat colours, patterns and colour combinations are acceptable, including any white markings on any coat pattern.
CONDITION: Firm and muscular.
PENALIZE: Sparse coat or bare spots.
DISQUALIFY: Kinked or abnormal tail. Incorrect number of toes. Any coarse or guard hairs. Any signs of lameness in the hindquarters. Signs of poor health.