Cat
Breed Description:
The Cornish Rex breed of cat has no hair except for down. Generally breeds of cats have three different types of hair in their coats: the outer fur or "guard hairs", which is about 5 cm long in shorthairs and 10cm+ long in longhairs; a middle layer called the "awn hair"; and the down hair or undercoat, which is very fine and about 1 cm long. Cornish Rexes only have the undercoat. The curl in Cornish Rex fur is caused by a different mutation and gene than that of the Devon Rex. What you will experience with the Cornish Rex breed of cat is extremely fine and sometimes curly down hair which is the softest of any cat breed. Because of their special coat these cats are more suited to indoor warm dry climates and could get hypothermia if exposed to an outdoor winter. Another great thing about the Cornish Rex breed of cat is that their body temperature is higher than most cats (102 F), yet they still have a tendency to relax near light bulbs, in front of sunny windows, and other warm places not excluding laps and shoulders. Often the breed is referred to as the Greyhound of the cats, because of the sleek appearance and the galloping run characteristic of the breed. These cats tend to stay playful and kittenish throughout their long lives. Some Cornish Rexes like to play fetch, race other pets, or do acrobatic jumps. The Cornish Rex is an adventurous cat and is very intelligent. It can readily adapt to new situations and will explore wherever it can go, jumping into refrigerators, examining washing machines, etc. Some humans consider its antics to be deliberately mischievous. The Rex is extremely curious, seeks out the company of people and is friendly towards other companion animals. It is a suitable pet for timid children. Cornish Rex cats come in a wide variety of coat colours and patterns, outlined in the standard: solids, including white, black, chocolate, orange and the dilutes blue, lilac and cream; all forms of tabby including classic, mackerel and ticked tabbies, bicolor "tuxedo" coat in many colours, tortoiseshell, "smoke" colours and the elegant colour-point pattern standard in the Siamese breed.
Temperament:
The Cornish Rex breed of cats are extremely affectionate and have been called people-oriented. The Cornish Rexes kitten-like antics last their lifetime. This breed of cat can be very inventive in their play. The Cornish Rex breed of cats favorite games include fetch and catch. There are rumors that the Cornish Rex can even play “discus,” where the cat uses its hand-like paw, if you can imagine, to pick up and toss a small object. Cornish Rex cats to spite the elegant appearance are anything but cool, aloof or dignified. They are perfect pets for the owner who want active cats to participate in family life.
Health Problems:
The Cornish Rex breed of cat IS NOT HYPO-ALLERGENIC! The Cornish Rex breed of cat has no guard hairs, and therefore has very minimal shedding. This may seem like less allergens around the home, which can make owning a cat feasible to mild allergy sufferers but the tiny hair often does not easily appear in site and allergies come from dander and saliva. All cats, including hairless cats, produce saliva and dander which contain the enzymes that allergy sufferers react to.
Living Conditions:
The Cornish Rex breed of cat is not a great stationary fixture in your home. These cats like people and they also like to participate in activities. They use their paws like hands and can pick up small objects. Rumors abound how some of these cats have even learned to turn door knobs and open doors. Give a Cornish Rex a spool of thread and watch it go into action.
Exercise:
These cats are into everything. Cornish Rex's are highly social and demanding of attention. They are known as the greyhounds of the cat fancy. Cornish Rex can jump to the top of the refrigerator, cabinets and bookshelves.
Grooming:
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. Some Cornish Rexes also have a mild cheesy smell peculiar to the breed; this odor comes from scent glands in the paws.
Origin:
The Cornish Rex breed of cat is a genetic mutation allegedly originating from a litter of kittens born in the 1950s on a farm in Cornwall, UK; hence the first part of the breed's name. One of the kittens, a cream-colored male named Kallibunker, had an extremely unusual, fine and curly coat; he was the first Cornish Rex. The owner then bred Kallibunker back to his mother to produce 2 other curly-coated kittens. The male, Poldhu, sired a stunning female called Lamorna Cove who was later brought to America and crossed with a Siamese, giving the breed their long whippy tails and big ears.
