Cornish Rex

Breed Description

The Misty Albion, more specifically the county of Cornwall, with its unique landscape has given humanity an extraordinary gift. Although Germany sometimes tries to dispute this, it is indeed the birthplace of cats with curly fur, commonly known as Cornish Rexes or Cornish Rexes.

Around the mid-20th century, a white kitten was found near a small English farm. Soon, she gave birth, and among the litter was a certain “ugly duckling,” clearly different from the local mousers. It had a slim body, huge ears, a slightly flattened and elongated head, while its siblings were indistinguishable from the local mixed-breed cats. But the most significant difference was its special coat that closely resembled karakul. The owner came up with an equally unusual name – Kalibunker.

After consulting with veterinarians who recognized the potential in the curly kitten, a decision was made to start breeding a new breed. Thus, the ancestor of all Cornish Rexes was born. In collaboration with geneticists, it was decided to test the stability of the mutation of the gene responsible for the special coat. It was found that such kittens are born only if both parents carry the “defective” gene.

After several years of research, it almost ended in failure. The original owner decided to end her interest in cats, and only one of the feline geneticists was able to keep one of the Cornish cats. However, this animal could not continue contributing to the breed’s development due to human carelessness. Only in the 1960s did the process begin to gain momentum, and a unique breed of cats known as the Cornish Rex was officially registered in the UK.

It is worth noting that in 1957, two of these cats were exported from England to the United States. The female soon gave birth to a litter that included two “curly” kittens. They were the first “American” Cornishes.

Desiring to improve the appearance of this new breed on the continent, American breeders tried to reach out to their English counterparts, but negotiations yielded no results for known reasons. As a result, the existence of American Cornish Rex lines was threatened. They began to breed with Siamese, American Shorthairs, and Burmese cats, which brought about some changes in appearance and introduced new colors.1983 was the year of official registration in the largest feline organizations in the world. Today, in Russia, it is quite challenging to choose a kitten from a cattery since the breed is still not widely spread. However, their extraordinary appearance and character are winning the hearts of cat lovers at unprecedented rates. For the best choice of catteries in Russia, where purebred Cornish Rexes can be purchased with complete documentation, the cost of such a pet today reaches 60,000 – 70,000 rubles or even higher for show-class kittens.Finally, it should be noted that mating Cornish Rexes with other breeds is categorically prohibited. This is important to consider when encountering advertisements for kitten sales online to avoid acquiring a mixed

Appearance

At first glance, the Cornish might seem very delicate, but that is not the case. Beneath the beautiful curls lie strong muscles. You can truly feel its sturdiness only by picking it up. However, there is a trend that favors the less stocky individuals, bringing the gene pool closer to American breed standards. The height at the withers of an adult animal ranges from 25 to 27 cm, with a weight varying between 3.5 and 4.5 kg.

In its structure, the Cornish Rex resembles an aristocrat more than a stray cat, if we recall the history of the breed. Their traditionally English manners prevent them from stealing food off the table or hanging on curtains. An almost ideal family companion, it doesn’t sweat like hairless cats and doesn’t shed. The bohemian cat has a unique grace, and its eyes and ears are its calling cards, alongside the curly fur that covers its entire body.

Choosing a kitten from a cattery ensures that you welcome a “little prince” who follows you everywhere. Such an idyll, with proper care, typically lasts from 13 to 16 years or even longer. Its boundless energy for play and love for family will not fade during this time.

Отличительные черты

Голова

In the form of a modified wedge, or egg-shaped, it is one-third longer than it is wide, with a straight flat forehead. Slightly elongated in profile, it has a strong chin that forms a vertical line with the tip of the nose. According to CFA standards, both in profile and front view, the skull is slightly oval.

Морда

Oriental type. In the area of the vibrissae, the snout is clearly defined, slightly narrowed, and slightly rounded. The nose is "Roman," occupying about 30% of the total length of the snout. The cheekbones are distinctly sculpted, as if carved out. The chin is strong but not massive.

Уши

Very large, even enormous, with a very wide base. They taper towards rounded tips. The position is quite high, complementing the wedge-shaped contour of the head. Even when at rest, they seem to listen intently to the surrounding sounds.

Глаза

Medium-sized or large, the slightly slanted eyes give a resemblance to an oriental cat. The almond shape and rainbow coloring correspond with the fur coloration. The color should be as pure and rich as possible, often in various shades of yellow or yellow-green.

Зубы

The fangs are large and powerful. There is a full set of sharp teeth for various purposes. The bite is scissors-like. The jaw is slightly rounder than in other breeds, which often leads to food remnants getting caught between the gums and teeth. They require careful maintenance.

Корпус

Slender, medium or large size, elongated, "tubular" body. The back is strong but arched upwards, with the belly mirroring this curve. The chest is quite powerful and "weighs down" the body. The lower back and hips are rounded and well-developed, similar in width to the chest.

Конечности

Long and slender limbs give the cat a very elegant appearance. Despite the thin bones in both the front and hind legs, very well-developed muscles can be felt. The thighs, in particular, are quite strong. However, there is no impression of massiveness or heaviness. The oval paws are very neat, with the toes tucked in. There is no hair between the toes. Notably, the fur on the legs is slightly less curly than that on the body.

Хвост

Very long and flexible, like a whip, it tapers evenly to a pointed tip. Completely covered in curls of fur, without any bald patches. It should not have any knots or bends. Its flexibility is especially noted. A tail that is too short or bare is a serious defect.

Шерсть

Short, without guard hair, very delicate texture, of the "karakul" type, flowing from the head to the tail. It fits tightly to the body. The waves of the wool can vary in size and depth. On the belly, chest, and neck, it is noticeably shorter than in other areas.

Окрас

There are no restrictions on colors. Absolutely any colors are allowed, including pointed and those with white. It is very important to ensure harmony between the coat color and the color of the eye's iris. The most popular colors are blue, cream, as well as brindle and tortoiseshell.

Character

The appearance of Cornish Rex cats is as unusual as their temperament is unique. It’s not entirely accurate to say their nature is fundamentally feline. They can be compared to dogs, but only to some extent. So what is the character of the Cornish Rex, whose kitten advertisements are increasingly appearing online?

First of all, they are absolute aesthetes. Their aesthetic sense is evident in their play, which can go on for as long as they want. It’s safe to say that Cornish Rexes are not lazy, like Persian cats, for example. Their passion for exploration is in their blood, as they originally roamed the streets of the English countryside.

Highly attentive to everything happening around them, they pick up on any sounds in the apartment with their ear-like radar. Like bats, they’re ready to dash at the sound of a newspaper falling in the next room or jump onto a windowsill when they see birds flying by.

So what is their aesthetic? It lies in their movements, their curiosity, and their gaze at their owner, to whom they are boundlessly loyal. By the way, if you decide to choose a kitten from a cattery, be prepared for a heightened expression of attention from them towards you. Always nearby, they seek your attention in every way possible. Therefore, these cats are not suitable for people who are frequently away. They get very bored when left alone for long periods. During this time, both adult cats and the younger generation will seek entertainment by exploring the contents of every cupboard they can reach. Their intelligence allows them to quickly learn how to open doors.

The close bond between humans and Cornish Rexes is also expressed in how intuitively they sense their owner’s mood. In an attempt to help, they try to sit on your lap, rub against your legs, and engage in an extraordinarily peculiar behavior that can’t be called meowing. To gain your attention, they might even use their teeth, but only gently, without causing pain.

When it comes to being with children, they won’t tolerate overly familiar behavior. While they won’t show aggression, they will maintain a safe distance and stick to it.Caution towards strangers is common among many cat breeds, including our curly-haired hero. First, they ensure they have an escape route, observe the guests, and only then might approach for a meeting. However, it’s not advisable to rush events; it’s better to let them take the first step.Bringing a kitten from a cattery into your home means that rodents and birds should leave. Otherwise, their fate is inevitable: sooner or later, they will be caught, as they are excellent hunters.

Care and Maintenance

Let’s start by stating that the Cornish Rex easily adapts to any living space. A small city apartment or a spacious country house are equally suitable for this curly cat, provided it is safe for him. In addition, the owner must provide a “gentleman’s set,” which includes a comfortable bed or a whole cat house, a suitable litter box, bowls for water and food, plenty of toys, and a scratching post. The scratching post can be moved around the house according to the cat’s needs (it should be placed near the spots where the little rascal wants to scratch), but the bed and feeding area should not be changed.

Cat lovers often purchase litter boxes that resemble houses, allowing Cornishes the opportunity for full privacy during those crucial moments. However, the final choice ultimately rests with the owner. The most important aspect for them is the convenience of changing the litter and cleaning the box, which should be done without cleaning agents with fragrances.

The first days in a new home can be a significant stress for a kitten, and it is the owners’ task to ensure maximum tranquility for him. At the first signs of anxiety and unprovoked searching for something from the “curly” side, he should be placed in the litter box to understand that “it’s done here.” Almost immediately, he will grasp the rules, and there usually won’t be any problems.

The owner must strictly adhere to the established rules. What was forbidden yesterday remains forbidden today. Otherwise, the pet will stop following the rules, feeling a sense of permissiveness. However, physical punishment is never appropriate. It’s better not to shout but to explain firmly what the wrongdoing is. The cat will understand-don’t doubt it, this is a very intelligent breed. Only gentle tones and petting are recommended when interacting with a Cornish. It’s also not advisable to play with your hand, as the owner’s hand feeds and pets the cat, so there’s no need to encourage the kitten to bite this hand (even during play).

As strange as it may seem, the curly cats do not require any special care. At Zoonika, they offer the best catteries in Russia where you can purchase a Cornish Rex kitten and receive comprehensive care advice from professional breeders. Among the basic recommendations, care for the coat and selecting a diet stand out.

Their short coat is beautiful and leaves almost no traces. Only during periods of intense shedding should you carefully comb with a special rake designed to remove dead hair. However, often a special rubber glove available online is sufficient for removing fur. Some owners advocate for regular bathing of Cornishes, depending on the pet’s reaction. Many videos on the internet feature Cornish Rex cats enjoying their baths. It is essential to ensure that no water enters their ears. If it happens, promptly remove it with a cotton ball or sponge. Cat shampoo should always be applied to the owner’s hand first and then lathered on the cat. Using regular shampoo can result in poisoning if licked off. After the procedure, immediately wrap the kitty in a soft towel and dry him thoroughly with a hairdryer if he is not afraid of loud noises.As for the diet, it’s most convenient to use holistic or super-premium dry food. Dry pellets help remove dental plaque and prevent tartar buildup. You can occasionally give canned food as a treat. Using such foods is convenient not only regarding time but also because they contain all the necessary trace elements in the right propo

Training and Education

During the acclimatization period in a new home, a kitten begins to explore its surroundings. It is essential for the owner to focus on the new resident’s behaviors and to follow clear rules. Under no circumstances should you yell at or hit the kitten, even if it does something terrible. If this taboo is broken, you will forever become a source of threat to it, and trust will be lost. To address rule-breaking, the owner can simply clap their hands loudly, which will redirect the miscreant’s attention to the sound without harming its psyche.

Fortunately, the affectionate nature of the curly-haired kittens works in favor of their owners. They make every effort to please, which makes it easier to develop the desired skills compared to other breeds. They quickly learn to fetch a ball on command with “Fetch!” since chasing is their forte. It’s well-known that the best results are achieved during play. For example, their passion for jumping can, with the right approach, turn into purposeful jumps through a hoop. The key is to have the necessary accessories, a treat for the performer, and patience.

In today’s world, it’s quite simple to take specialized courses on raising and training cats before choosing a kitten from a breeder. This will help you understand the pet’s psychology and view the development of various skills from a new perspective. Moreover, you will learn how to neutralize negative expressions of their character or deviant behavior.

A caring owner, when starting sessions with a Cornish Rex, will carefully study its daily routine and begin training after the kitten has rested but before it has eaten. After all, a well-fed animal may become lazy or gain unnecessary weight from treats. It’s also important to stop listening to music or watching movies during training sessions with the cat. The weather outside should be calm as well, so that outside noises do not distract the participants in the process.

Professionals assert that cats cannot be trained. However, by understanding their behavioral traits, certain skills can be directed in useful ways and turned into entertaining performances.

How to Choose a Kitten

Among the most popular and safe places to buy a kitten is a large cat show. Typically, the most prestigious representatives of the breed and their breeders gather there. Therefore, choosing a kitten from a cattery participating in the show will be quite accessible. If a deal doesn’t happen right there, you will be able to make useful contacts, allowing you to purposefully visit a familiar breeder instead of browsing through ads for Cornish Rex kittens.

Currently, Zoonika offers the best selection of catteries in Russia, where you can purchase an adult Cornish Rex, and its price will even be more reasonable compared to buying a young one. However, breeders tend to carefully choose new owners for their animals, and that’s understandable. Usually, they place cats that have been removed from the breeding program for various reasons. Typically, these are individuals older than 4 years, already litter-trained and without behavioral issues.

There’s no need to worry about the safety of the transaction, as it will be accompanied by a corresponding contract and a complete set of documents for the cat. Everything is individual, and for some, such a purchase may even be more convenient.

Health and Diseases

Overall, it is a healthy breed, aside from some specific issues. For instance, there are two blood types, which can pose challenges for breeders of Cornish Rex cats.

Some other health concerns include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). It’s important to note that the hereditary nature of HCM has not yet been proven, but cases of this condition can also be found in Cornish Rex cats.

Umbilical hernias can occur in the intestines due to abdominal wall pathology.

Among hereditary diseases, congenital hypotrichosis-baldness characterized by thinning fur due to a recessive gene defect-has been noted.

One of the main issues for Cornish Rex cats is rapid weight gain. Owners need to carefully plan their diet. It is best to consult a veterinarian or get recommendations from a breeder. With excess weight, dislocations, arthritis, and other joint issues are common.

Of course, one should not forget to adhere to the vaccination schedule. With proper care, a cat can live up to 20 years.As for parasites, deworming should also be done regularly, at least four times a year with different medications, since some worms may develop resistance to certain drugs.