Although considered otherworldly in appearance by some, Cornish Rex cats originated in 1950 when one first appeared in a litter of barn cats in the United Kingdom. A cream-colored male, named Kallibunker, was covered in tight rows of tiny curls, giving him the appearance of a miniature lamb. As he grew, his differences from his littermates became more dramatic: a slender, fine-boned body standing on long legs, a narrow head, enormous “bat ears,” and a long, whippy tail. Kallibunker was a genuine mutation who produced other curly kittens. The curly coated cats were bred with Burmese, Siamese and British domestic shorthair cats, resulting in a broad genetic base for the Cornish Rex breed and the knowledge that the gene was recessive. These are one of the most uncommon feline breeds.
Fun Fact: The name Cornish Rex was decided upon for this new cat breed due to its Cornish origin and the resemblance to the Astrex rabbit.
PERSONALITY
Affectionate, people-oriented, intelligent and active with kitten-like antics that last a lifetime.
ORIGIN
Cornwall, England.
FAVORITE GAME
Fetch and catch, very playful.
NICKNAME
The Whippet or Greyhound of Cats.
With their soft, crushed velvet coats, Cornish Rex cats come in all colors and patterns. They're adept climbers, leapers and sprinters, and have marvelously agile paws. And, they're inquisitive, gazelle-like felines.