Cornish Rex
KOR-nish REKS
Adventurous, Playful, Kitten-like, Social. Origin: England (Cornwall).
An adult Cornish Rex weighs 8-10 lbs (male) or 5-8 lbs (female), needs 160-350 calories daily, and lives 11-15 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Cornish Rex needs 160 to 350 calories per day. An average male (9 lbs / 4.1 kg) needs around 280 kcal; a female (6 lbs / 2.9 kg) roughly 220 kcal.
Estimate for a typical adult Cornish Rex. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Cornish Rex cats have a unique curly coat consisting only of the soft undercoat, with no guard hairs. Their slender, muscular build and large ears give them a distinctive greyhound-like appearance. The coat mutation itself causes no health problems. Their lack of guard hairs makes them sensitive to temperature extremes. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and patellar luxation appear in the breed. Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.
Exercise and activity
Very high; kitten-like energy throughout their lives. Needs climbing structures, interactive play, and room to run. Cat wheels are ideal for Cornish Rex cats. A balanced mix of active play and quiet companionship suits most Cornish Rex cats. They adapt to their owner's lifestyle but should not be entirely sedentary.
Care and traits
Cornish Rex cats have a short, soft, curly/wavy (no guard hairs, only undercoat) coat. Origin: England (Cornwall).
Their wavy coat (the result of a natural genetic mutation first discovered in Cornwall in 1950) means they shed very little. They feel warm to the touch because you're feeling body heat through their thin coat. They're often recommended for people with cat allergies (though no cat is truly hypoallergenic). Cornish Rex cats seek out warmth; expect them on your laptop, near heaters, and under blankets.
Cornish Rex cats have a distinctive wavy coat that feels like crushed velvet. They have no guard hairs, only the soft undercoat. This makes them warm to the touch and heat-seeking. They are acrobatic, energetic cats that retain kitten-like playfulness throughout their lives. Their slender build and large ears give them an almost alien elegance.
Tools for Cornish Rex owners
Frequently asked questions
Daily calorie needs for a Cornish Rex range from 160 to 350 kcal. An average individual at 9 lbs falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily keeps most medium cats at a healthy weight. Avoid free-feeding unless your cat self-regulates well, which many do not. Use our calorie calculator with your cat's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males: 8-10 lbs (3.6–4.5 kg). Females: 5-8 lbs (2.3–3.6 kg). Feel for ribs along the sides. They should be easy to find under a thin layer of flesh. View from above: a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs indicates healthy condition.
Veterinarians most frequently screen Cornish Rex cats for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. HCM causes the heart muscle to thicken, reducing its efficiency. Screening via echocardiogram can detect it before symptoms appear. Annual cardiac checks are recommended for breeds with known HCM prevalence. Other conditions to monitor include patellar luxation, hypoglycemia in kittens. Not every Cornish Rex will develop these conditions, but awareness and regular vet checkups make a real difference.
Moderate play needs that most owners can easily meet. One or two interactive play sessions of 10-15 minutes daily, combined with access to a cat tree and window perch, keeps this breed content. They enjoy play but are equally happy relaxing. Every cat, regardless of breed, benefits from some daily play and enrichment. Even five minutes of chasing a wand toy is better than nothing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026