ALLEMAND
ESPAGNOL
FRANÇAIS
ITALIEN
NÉERLANDAIS
PORTUGAISCornish rex
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of cat cornish rex!
Here, you will find all the useful information about cornish rex. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
The Cornish Rex is a unique and charming cat breed, distinguished by its curly coat and endearing character. Its history dates back to the 1950s in England, where it was first discovered in the county of Cornwall.
The origin of the Cornish Rex's ancestors is not entirely clear, but it is thought to be a spontaneous genetic mutation. Some claim that the breed is the result of a natural mutation in a litter of Devon Rex cats, another cat breed with a curly coat. However, others suggest that the Cornish Rex's ancestors came from local Cornish shorthairs that were crossed with breeds such as the Siamese and Abyssinian.
The distinctive morphology of the Cornish Rex is due to its curly coat, which is the result of a dominant genetic mutation. Unlike other straight-haired cat breeds, the Cornish Rex has a short, soft, wavy coat, giving it a velvety appearance. Its skin is fine and flexible, accentuating its graceful curves and slender build.
The Cornish Rex is available in a variety of colours and patterns. Common colours include white, black, red, cream, blue, chocolate and lilac, with combinations of spots, stripes or dots. The breed is also prone to tabby markings, adding to its beauty and colour diversity.
In terms of character, the Cornish Rex is known as an affectionate, intelligent and playful cat. They are very attached to their owners and like to be the centre of attention. They are an ideal companion for active families and single people, as they are always up for playing and interacting with their humans. The Cornish Rex is also renowned for being sociable and getting on well with other pets.
The average weight of the Cornish Rex is usually between 2.5 kg and 4.5 kg (5.5 lb to 10 lb), with males generally being larger than females. In terms of height, the average Cornish Rex measures between 25 and 30 cm (10 to 12 inches) at the withers.
The founding breed club of the Cornish Rex is the Rex Cat Association, which was formed in England in 1960. The breed standard was also established in the 1960s, and the Cornish Rex quickly gained in popularity due to its unique appearance and charming character.
The Cornish Rex is recognised by many of the world's leading cat organisations, including the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe), The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). Its popularity has spread throughout the world, and it is now appreciated and bred in many countries.
In conclusion, the Cornish Rex is a remarkable cat breed with its unique curly coat and affectionate character. Its history dates back to the 1950s in England, where it was discovered as the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation. With its velvety appearance, endearing personality and internationally recognised breed status, the Cornish Rex has become a much-loved companion for cat lovers around the world.
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Origins
The Cornish Rex originates from Cornwall, England, where a spontaneous genetic mutation produced a kitten with unique curly fur in 1950. This kitten, named Kallibunker, became the patriarch of the breed. Enthusiastic breeders saw the potential in this rare mutation and worked to develop the breed, resulting in the Cornish Rex we know today.
History
The Cornish Rex was officially recognized as a distinct breed in the 1960s. Its curly coat, the result of a recessive mutation, has captivated cat enthusiasts and breeders around the world. Carefully planned breeding efforts have helped establish the breed while maintaining its genetic health and unique characteristics.
Standard
The Cornish Rex standard emphasizes its slender and muscular body, long slender legs, and oval head with large, high ears. But its most remarkable feature is its short, extremely soft, and curly coat, which distinguishes this breed from all others. Its range of colors and patterns is varied, offering great diversity.
Physical characteristics
With its elegant and athletic appearance, the Cornish Rex stands out for its graceful stature. Its unique wavy coat wraps its body in a mantle of curls, while its large curious eyes and prominent ears enhance its lively and alert expression.
Character
The Cornish Rex is known for its extroverted, playful, and affectionate temperament. It is very sociable, loves being the center of attention, and easily adapts to family life. Intelligent and curious, it enjoys exploring its environment and participating in family activities.
Life expectancy
A well-cared-for Cornish Rex can live an average of 12 to 15 years. A balanced diet, regular veterinary care, and an active lifestyle contribute to a long, healthy life for these exceptional cats.
Exercise and activity needs
Active and energetic, the Cornish Rex needs daily mental and physical stimulation. Interactive games, agility courses, and toys can help meet its need for movement and exploration, keeping it both physically fit and mentally stimulated.
Recommended diet
A high-quality diet, rich in proteins and suitable for the age, weight, and activity level of the Cornish Rex is essential. It is important to monitor their food intake to avoid overweight while providing enough energy for their daily escapades.
Training and obedience
The Cornish Rex is intelligent and can be trained with patience and consistency. It responds well to positive reinforcement, making it capable of learning tricks, using a scratching post, and even responding to verbal commands.
Behavior with children
With its friendly nature and love of play, the Cornish Rex generally gets along well with children. Its patience and gentleness make it an ideal playmate, although supervision is advised to ensure interactions remain gentle and safe for all.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The Cornish Rex, with its friendly and sociable temperament, generally gets along very well with other pets. Its curious and playful nature often drives it to seek companionship, whether that be with other cats, dogs, or even small animals. Introductions should be carried out gradually to ensure a harmonious and positive cohabitation.
Grooming needs
Contrary to appearances, the Cornish Rex requires relatively minimal upkeep. Its unique, wavy, short coat captures fewer allergens and dirt than other types of fur. An occasional gentle brushing is enough to keep its coat in good condition. However, its ears may require regular cleaning due to their size.
Health
The Cornish Rex is a relatively healthy breed, but it can be prone to certain genetic conditions, such as hereditary heart diseases and musculoskeletal problems. Regular visits to the veterinarian for routine exams and special attention to its nutrition help maintain its good health.
Average price
The price of a Cornish Rex kitten can vary significantly, usually between 600 and 1200 euros, depending on factors such as pedigree, the rarity of the color, and the breeder's reputation. Kittens intended for show may cost more due to their strict conformity to the breed standard.
Expenses
The annual costs to maintain a Cornish Rex, including food, veterinary care, and basic supplies, can amount to about 1000 euros. These costs vary depending on the individual health of the cat and its specific needs.
Name ideas
Names inspired by the elegance and uniqueness of the Cornish Rex could include Ziggy, Rexie, Curl, Slinky, or Velvet. Names that evoke its British origin, such as Cornwall, Devon, or even Merlin, can also be beautiful options.
Legislation and regulation
There is no specific legislation or category classification for the Cornish Rex. Owners must comply with local regulations regarding pet registration, vaccination, and their general welfare.
Official recognition
The Cornish Rex is recognized by major feline organizations, including the International Feline Federation (FIFÉ) and The International Cat Association (TICA). This recognition validates the Cornish Rex as a distinct breed and promotes quality and ethical standards in its breeding.
Pedigrees
Pedigrees, detailing the lineage and health background of the Cornish Rex, are available from responsible breeders and feline organizations. These documents are essential for ensuring the breed's integrity and the health of the kittens.
Destination and usage
The Cornish Rex is above all an exceptional family companion. Its affectionate temperament and engaging personality make it an ideal choice for those looking for an interactive and affectionate cat. It adapts well to apartment living as well as in a house, provided it has enough stimulation.
Prohibitions
There are no specific prohibitions regarding the possession or breeding of Cornish Rex. However, future owners must ensure their ability to meet the unique needs of this breed in terms of attention, care, and commitment.
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