Cornish Rex
A playful, affectionate cat with a soft, wavy coat and boundless energy. Loves interactive play and thrives in lively households with plenty of attention.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
28–33 cm (male)
24–29 cm (female)
WEIGHT
2.5–4.0 kg (male)
2.0–3.5 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–16 years
Cornish Rex: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
Species
Felis catus
Diet
Carnivore
"A Cornish Rex isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Cornish Rex's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Cornish Rex cats are affectionate, social, and playful, often forming strong bonds with their families and seeking frequent interaction. They are known for their lively and engaging temperament.
Key Personality Traits
Enjoys people and other pets, very sociable
Learns quickly, solves problems with ease
Very active, loves to move and explore
Engages in games and interactive play often
Adjusts well to new environments and routines
Strengths
- Highly social and people-oriented
- Exceptionally playful and active
- Low-shedding curly coat reduces loose hair
- Intelligent and easy to train
- Adaptable to new environments
Challenges
- Prone to feeling cold easily
- Can be demanding of attention
- May develop separation anxiety when alone
- Sensitive to harsh handling or stress
- Requires regular ear cleaning due to wax build-up
Protect your Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex are active and energetic, but they can develop patellar luxation and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Cornish Rexs are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
The Cornish Rex is highly intelligent and learns quickly, responding well to positive reinforcement and interactive training. They enjoy mental challenges and can master tricks or puzzle toys with ease.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–40 minutes interactive play
recommended per day
This breed has high energy levels and benefits from regular play sessions and interactive toys. Both physical and mental stimulation are essential to keep them entertained and prevent boredom.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Cornish Rexs are versatile cats that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Cornish Rex would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Adaptable nature and affectionate temperament make them easy for beginners to handle
Apartment Living
Small size and playful behavior suit limited spaces well
Active Lifestyle
Energetic and sociable, they thrive in busy, active environments
Kids
Gentle and playful, they generally get along well with children
Multiple Pets
Social cats that usually accept other pets if properly introduced
Being Left Alone
Dislike being alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Cornish Rexs compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cornish Rex
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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