Cornish Rex Cat (Feline Greyhound): Complete Guide to Breed Profile and Care

1. Origins: The Bodmin Moor Genetic Discovery

On July 21, 1950, in Bodmin Moor (Cornwall, England), a tortoiseshell barn cat named Serena gave birth to a kitten displaying a bizarre, tightly curled cream-and-white coat. Named Kallibunker, this kitten caught the attention of geneticists who identified a natural recessive mutation in the LPAR6 gene.

Through backcrossing and judicious outcrosses to Siamese and British Shorthairs, breeders preserved the rippled coat while developing an elegant, muscular physique. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) recognized the Cornish Rex in 1964, and FIFe granted championship status in 1968.

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2. Morphology: The Aerodynamic Feline Greyhound

The Cornish Rex anatomy stands completely apart from common domestic shorthairs:

• Silky Marcel-waved coat: Lacking coarse guard hairs and awn hairs, the coat consists solely of fine down fur that ripples like crushed velvet or classic 1920s Marcel waves. Even the whiskers are typically curled or crinkled.
• Arched spine and svelte tuck-up: A deep chest, tucked waist, and prominent spinal arch mirror the graceful athletic geometry of a whippet or Italian greyhound.
• Egg-shaped head and radar ears: An oval skull with high cheekbones, a gentle Roman nose, and oversized, high-set ears that dominate the feline face.

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3. Temperamento: The Inquisitive Acrobatic Performer

Cornish Rex cats retain an exuberant, kitten-like spirit throughout adulthood:

• Astonishing athletic leaps: Their elongated hind legs provide spring-loaded propulsion, enabling effortless leaps to refrigerator tops and doors.
• Dexterous paws and fetch: They frequently use their forepaws like small hands to grasp toys, open cabinets, and enthusiastically retrieve thrown balls.
• Warmth and devotion: Because their coat provides minimal insulation, they constantly crave human contact, snuggling inside sweaters, on laps, or under blankets.

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4. Specific Care: Temperature and Skin Health

Their unique physiological architecture necessitates tailored daily care:

• Cold and drafts: Keep indoor temperatures comfortable; provide heated pet pads or lightweight cat sweaters during cold winter months.
• Sebum and bathing: Without guard hairs to absorb natural skin oils, sebum can build up on the skin and nail beds. Periodic gentle sponge baths with veterinary neutral-pH shampoo prevent greasy residue.
• Ear hygiene: Large open ear canals collect wax easily, necessitating bi-weekly cleaning with a soothing feline ear solution.
• Sun protection: Pale or white specimens should avoid unfiltered sunbathing to prevent solar dermatitis.

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5. Health, Genetics and Longevity

The Cornish Rex is an active and long-lived breed (12 to 16 years on average):

• Malassezia dermatitis: Overaccumulation of sebum can create an environment favoring yeast colonization around nail beds and skin folds.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Screening echocardiograms should be performed on breeding stock.
• Patellar Luxation: Occasional slipping of the kneecap can occur due to delicate, elongated leg bones.

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Scientific Sources and References

• Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). Cornish Rex Breed Profile and Standard. cfa.org.
• The International Cat Association (TICA). Cornish Rex Breed Introduction and Guidelines. tica.org.
• Gandolfi, B., et al. (2013). A novel mutation in LPAR6 is associated with the Rex coat phenotype in cats. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e70703.
• Robinson, R. (1971). Genetics for Cat Breeders. Pergamon Press, Oxford.