In a relatively short span of time, the breed has gone from strength to strength with the Cornish Rex cats making their presence felt on the show bench.  The Cornish are taking their fair share of Best in Show awards, and are literally forcing the Cat Fancy to 'sit up and take notice'!

 In personality, the Cornish Rex is extremely affectionate and people-oriented. They are also active cats whose kitten-like antics last for their lifetime and who can be very inventive in their play. 

The Cornish Rex is one of the few breeds which enjoy the crowds and excitement found at a cat show.  Where other cats are frightened or annoyed by the many onlookers and the noise, the  Cornish Rex watches with interest.  They like people and they also like to participate in their activities. Using its paws like hands, a Cornish Rex can pick up small objects, and some have even learned to turn door knobs and open doors. Give a Cornish Rex a piece of string and watch it go into action.  Its movements are, like its very body, a study in curves as it jumps, dances and rises up on its hind legs.  Its keen intelligence is observable through the alert interest with which it regards people and their antics.  Yet the same Rex who has just been gracefully flying through the air will be very happy to cuddle up on its owner's lap or, even better, right under his chin. Truly a study in contrasts, a  Cornish Rex is one of the most versatile pets with a mood to match every occasion-it is truly a cat for all seasons.  When not paid the proper amount of attention, the Cornish will make their feelings known.

Cornish Rex Traits

In spite of its delicate appearance, the Cornish Rex is a surprisingly hardy breed and does not require any unusual care. An active cat who loves to exercise, it has no problems creating its own entertainment. While most mature cats outgrow their kittenish playfulness, a Cornish Rex never loses interest in games, and as an adult is as playful as a kitten.  Because it is active and likes to participate in all household goings-on, the Cornish Rex does not take well to being caged.  Cornish Rex that are raised in confinement without close human contacts lose their zest for life.  Their coat becomes dull, the curl disappears, and they pine away. To be a family member with free run of the house represents the best life for a Rex.  The Cornish Rex loves heat and will get as close as possible to its source. If your home has electric baseboard heat, your Rex will spend winter days sitting right on top of the heater, and in summer will enjoy basking in the sun even during the hottest part of the day.

Cornish Rex Coat

The Cornish Rex have soft, wavy, rippled coats which lack guard hairs, and therefore they don't shed like other cats.  This means that the Cornish Rex require very little grooming, and they don't deposit hair all over the house.  This also means that this breed of cat is one to  consider if you are a allergy sufferer.

The Cornish Rex has been compared to the Whippet dog because of its slender athletic build, curved contours, arched back, and willowy body.  From torso to tail the Cornish Rex is long and lean.  However, do not let the willowy  form fool you-the Cornish Rex is no weakling.  Under that ultra short fur are strong bones and muscles.   The defining characteristic of the breed, however, is its very short, close lying, very soft wavy fur.  The entire coat is curly or wavy, sometimes compared to the design of a washboard.  They have a marcel wave.  Although completely  lacking guard hairs-the long, stiff, outer hairs that act as a barrier against the elements-the Cornish Rex's coat is made up of the soft inner down  and awn hairs, with down hair predominating.  The lack of guard hairs make the Cornish Rex's coat very soft touch.  The soft, warm feel is luxurious.   The coat requires very little grooming. They do not shed like other breeds, but the short, fine hair is hard to see, and they don't deposit their hair over the furniture like other animals.   Fanciers often compare the feel of the Cornish with warm suede or crushed velvet.

More Reading: Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds