Full Answer
How to take care of a Cornish Rex cat?
To care for a Cornish Rex, try to set aside time every day to play with it since Cornish Rexes are very social and energetic. You should also dress your cat in a sweater during colder months since Cornish Rexes tend to get chilly because of their thin coat.
What kind of toys do Cornish Rex cats like?
Most cats of this breed are active and playful, and some are even known to play fetch. Keep your cat stimulated with a variety of toys, like feather fishing poles and plush mice. A cat perch is a great choice for a Cornish Rex, since it loves to jump and seek high places.
Where do Cornish Rex cats come from?
As the name suggests, the Cornish Rex originated in Cornwall, England. A litter of kittens was found in a barn in Cornwall in 1950 with one of the kittens different from the rest. The cat, a male named Kallibunker, was born with short, curly fur believed to be the result of a mutation caused by radiation from the local tin mines.
How do you take care of a Cornish Rex?
The breed's short coat is ideal because of low shedding.Due to its lack of a thick coat, the Cornish Rex is always on the prowl to seek out a safe, heat source to keep warm.Clip claws once a month.Benefits from regular baths. Once wet, its thin-haired coat dries quickly.
Should you bathe Cornish Rex?
There is no need to bathe your Cornish Rex, they are self-cleaning! These are cats that are usually fastidious about their hygiene and their smell is very subtle or nonexistent. If it does become necessary to wash your Cornish Rex due to any accident, you can use a gentle shampoo formulated specifically for cats.
Do Cornish Rex cats need sweaters?
The Cornish Rex coat is thin, so your cat will need a sweater during cooler months and cat-safe sunscreen during sunny weather.
Do Cornish Rex cats have health problems?
The Cornish Rex is a very hardy breed of cat with just a few known health issues: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease. Patellar luxation. Sunburns due to lack of hair.
Do Cornish Rex like to cuddle?
Cornish Rex Facts: Affectionate and usually happy to accept a cuddle. Develops strong attachments to its human family and will follow them around the house.
How long do Cornish Rex cats live?
Longevity Range: 9-13 yrs.
Are Cornish Rex indoor cats?
LOW: Cornish Rex cats don't have any special exercise needs. Keep them indoors — their short coats are insufficient protection from extreme temperatures. Their physical activity should be similar to that of most cats, although they are typically more active and playful.
Are Cornish Rex cats expensive?
Cornish Rexes are rather popular, so breeders can sell them for prices between $800–$1,300. The price will depend on the kitten's pedigree as well as how popular the cat breed is in the region where the breeder lives.
Are Cornish Rex cats good with dogs?
"That very quality makes them too intense for some people," Thorsteinson says, but if you're looking for a cat who lives to be with you, a Cornish Rex might be a perfect match. Being such outgoing cats, they're great with children and other pets, including dogs.
Do Cornish Rex cats get cold?
Rexes are well suited to indoor living, and don't tolerate temperature extremes very well due to their short coat.
Is a Cornish Rex a Siamese?
"Cornish" was derived from the Cornwall farm and "rex" due to the kittens' unusual fur, which consisted only of fine down fur, otherwise known as a cat's undercoat. One of the offspring was later bred with a Siamese cat in the United States.
Why is my Cornish Rex losing fur?
Hypotrichosis is caused by a recessive genetic defect found in several cat breeds, including Cornish Rexes. This disease causes thinning of the hair or balding, which tends to develop in patterns or patches on the torso and head.
How often should you bathe a Cornish Rex?
Some need weekly bathing, while others need a bath every few months. Either way, it's important to train your Cornish to tolerate bathing early, starting at 16 weeks or so. Since the Cornish's short, thin coat dries quickly, bathing is not the ordeal it is for ordinary cats.
How do you groom a Cornish Rex?
Grooming the Cornish Rex is typically as easy as brushing your hand over his coat. Some Cornish Rex cats have a longer or woollier coat, however, and may need some help from a soft bristle brush or fine-tooth comb to keep their coat looking neat. Groom gently so you don't break the delicate hairs.
What color eyes do Cornish Rex cats have?
Eye color: blue. POINTED AND WHITE: a bi-color cat with point color on the head, ears and tail with spots of point color on body and legs along with white.
How to feed a Cornish Rex?
Provide your cat with food and water. Feed your Cornish Rex as you would any other cat by providing cat food marked appropriate for its age. Make sure it can access clean, cool water at all times. [1]
What to do with a Cornish Rex?
A cat perch is a great choice for a Cornish Rex, since it loves to jump and seek high places. Give your Cornish Rex a scratching post so it can wear down its claws.
How to choose between wet and dry food for cats?
Choosing between wet and dry food is a matter of personal preference. Try out different flavors and take note of your cat’s favorite varieties. If your cat is overweight, avoid leaving food out at all times. Instead, feed it at regular times twice a day. Consult your cat’s vet to come up with a specific meal plan.
How to take care of a Cornish rex?
To care for a Cornish Rex, try to set aside time every day to play with it since Cornish Rexes are very social and energetic. You should also dress your cat in a sweater during colder months since Cornish Rexes tend to get chilly because of their thin coat.
Can a Cornish Rex keep its body temperature?
Since its coat is so thin, it’s harder for a Cornish Rex to maintain its body temperature . Purchase a well-fitting sweater or two from your local pet supply store to keep it warm, especially during colder months. As a rule of thumb, if you’re cold, your Cornish Rex will definitely be cold.
Is a Cornish Rex social?
A Cornish Rex is not only active, but social. In general, the breed loves spending time with people, and doesn’t like being alone for long periods of time. Set aside plenty of time every day to play and simply hang out with your cat.
Can a Cornish Rex be cold?
As a rule of thumb, if you’re cold, your Cornish Rex will definitely be cold. Apply cat-safe sunscreen if your cat goes outside. Also due to their thin coats, cats of this breed are susceptible to sunburns. If your cat goes outside, apply sunscreen to its ears and thinner patches of its coat.
How to keep a Cornish Rex cat healthy?
For the happiest, healthiest cat, keep him indoors with adequate heating or air conditioning. Despite its slender frame and elegant appearance, the Cornish Rex is an athletic feline with an affectionate personality. Like all cats, this breed requires daily attention, regular feeding, and plenty of owner interaction.
What is a Cornish Rex?
Strikingly unusual and surprisingly elegant, the Cornish Rex cat is a curly-coated cat breed with a reputation for being an active, sociable member of the family. These cats are the result of a natural mutation in the 1950s in Cornwall, England, but today are a popular cat breed in the United States.
How many kittens did the Cornish Rex have?
The result was a litter of three kittens; two carried the recessive gene responsible for the curly coat. These early forerunners of the Cornish Rex were bred to Siamese, Burmese, and British Shorthair cats to widen the genetic pool and develop the breed further.
How long do Cornish Rex cats live?
As a result, these cats aren’t prone to any specific health problems and often live a long, healthy life . Many Cornish Rex cats are reported to live in their late teens, with some even surpassing the age of 20. Of course, their delicate fur means they’re more at risk for sunburn.
When did Cornish Rex become popular?
Additional crossbreeding in the United States with American Shorthair, Havana Brown, and other cats helped to preserve the breed that today has become popular for its sociable personality and adorable antics. In 1964, the Cornish Rex received official breed recognition from the Cat Fanciers' Association.
Where did the Cornish Rex come from?
History of the Cornish Rex. Hailing from England in the 1950’s, this cat breed takes its name from the Cornwall region. The earliest ancestor to the Cornish Rex appeared when a genetic mutation caused a kitten to be born with an unusually curly coat and unique long-limbed body structure that quickly caught attention.
Do Cornish Rex cats do tricks?
While some breeds, like the Devon Rex, are especially keen on having other animal companions, the Cornish Rex is agreeable but mostly indifferent—as long as it receives enough one-on-one time with human family members. Cornish Rex cats have been taught to do tricks, including to wave, shake, sit, and more.
What is the Cornish rexes?
Like all cats, Cornish Rexes are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination. The risk of your cat contracting these diseases is high, so the corresponding vaccines are called “core” vaccines, which are highly recommended for all cats. In addition, vaccines are available to offer protection from other dangerous diseases like feline leukemia virus (FeLV). In making vaccination recommendations for your cat, we will consider the prevalence of these diseases in our area, your cat’s age, and any other risk factors specific to her lifestyle.
Where did the Cornish Rex come from?
The first Cornish Rex was discovered in Cornwall, England in 1950, distinguishing itself from its barn cat littermates with its slender body, large ears, and curly coat. The greyhound of the cat world, C-rexes look fragile but are actually quite sturdy and athletic. They keep their playful, kitten-like traits well into adulthood, and enjoy close contact with humans. Rexes are well suited to indoor living, and don’t tolerate temperature extremes very well due to their short coat. Cornish Rexes are active and lively participants in their families.
How to help a C-Rex live longer?
Build your pet’s routine care into your schedule to help your C-rex live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine for your pet.
Can a Cornish Rex have a cesarean section?
Dystocia is a term that means difficulty giving birth. In some breeds, nearly all litters must be delivered by Cesarean-section surgery as normal birth is not possible due to the breed’s specific physical characteristics. While breeding any cat requires a serious commitment to learning about and preparing for that breed’s preventable problems, professional breeders warn that proper Cornish Rex breeding can be costly and carries a higher risk of death for both the mother and kittens than in other breeds.
How old is a Cornish Rex?
These cats stay in kitten mode most of their lives and well into their senior years. (Fun fact: One Cornish Rex reportedly lived to 37 years old.) The Cornish Rex is an active and playful cat who loves to play fetch, catch and throw small toys.
What are the characteristics of a Cornish Rex cat?
1. Key Characteristics of Cornish Rex Cats. The Cornish Rex is a medium-sized cat with a soft, short, very fine coat that feels like crushed velvet . The small head is flanked by large ears and features large eyes. The body is slim and muscular with long legs, a curved back and a long tail.
Why do Cornish Rex cats overeat?
Occasional heart and thyroid problems are possible. Cornish Rex cats tend to overeat, so pay special attention to the amount of food provided to control their weight. Because of their short coats, dermatological issues are also possible.
Where did the Cornish Rex cat come from?
2. Where Cornish Rex Cats Came From. A litter of kittens was found in a barn in Cornwall, England, in 1950. One of the kittens, a male named Kallibunker, was born with short, ...
Do Cornish Rex cats need exercise?
LOW: Cornish Rex cats don’t have any special exercise needs. Keep them indoors — their short coats are insufficient protection from extreme temperatures. Their physical activity should be similar to that of most cats, although they are typically more active and playful.
Do Cornish Rex cats like playmates?
They make a great companion for children. Most Cornish Rex cats love having a playmate, but some prefer to be the only cat. They can get along with other household animals. 4.
Is Cornish Rex sensitive to anesthesia?
MEDIUM: Cornish Rex cats are sensitive to certain anesthetics. Talk with your veterinarian before having any procedures done and discuss local anesthesia or other options to minimize risk. ADVERTISEMENT. Occasional heart and thyroid problems are possible.
Breed Origins
The First Devon Rex cat emerged from a farm located in Devonshire, England during the 1960s. Beryl Cox took out from the litter a rather peculiar-looking kitten and, later on, named it Kirlee. When the Cornish Rex breeding was surging, Cox sold Kirlee to the breeders and had it mated with the Cornish cat breed.
Size Appearance, & Coloring
The Devon Rex has an elf-like image thanks to his large, wide ears that show alertness at all times. He’s a medium-sized cat weighing only 6-9 pounds with a height that ranges from 10-12 inches. The indicators that would tell you it’s a Devon Rex also include high cheekbones, large eyes, a long neck, and a slim physique.
Temperament
The Devon Rex has lots of desirable qualities suitable for families who are looking for a pet. He is generally outgoing, friendly, and affectionate with his owners. This cat loves to be around his favorite human and wouldn’t mind spending most of the day cuddling and getting petted on the head.
Exercise Needs
It won’t be that hard to encourage a Devon Rex to get his body moving. He enjoys daily activities such as playing a game of fetch or climbing on trees. His playful nature which he manifests daily will keep him from gaining too much weight. Make sure you give him lots of your time since this is a great opportunity to bond.
Grooming Requirements
Even though the Devon Rex might require a little more grooming care compared to other breeds, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s high-maintenance. You’ll just have to take care of his constantly greasy hair by washing him from time to time. Periodically trimming his nails would be necessary too, depending on what you think is best for him.
Health Problems
Certain risks are common to this breed which means regular check-ups should be done to keep him healthy. Nevertheless, most Devon Rex cats live around 9-15 years. Just watch out for these conditions that might affect him:
Which Cat Is Right for You?
If you are into cats that are energetic, loving, and playful, both breeds are great to have. They have a lot of similarities only that the Cornish Rex is more frisky, has a longer lifespan, and suffers from less hereditary health issues. If you have the right lifestyle for either one of them, then both cat breeds can be perfect for you.
