Frequently Asked Questions
What are the characteristics of Cornish Rex?
Cornish Rex cat are extremely affectionate, active, and sociable. They never meet a stranger and want to be where everyone else is, in the middle of the action. Many owners describe them as monkeys in a cat body. One minute they can be running around the house, jumping on top of doors, riding on their owner's shoulders and the next, can be sound asleep under the fluffiest blanket, sleeping in the best seat in the house. They are heat seeking and will wake you up from a dead sleep, pawing at your bed covers, asking to be let under for a snuggle session.
Do Cornish Rex need to be bathed regularly?
Short answer, no. They are like any other cat and are very good at self cleaning. Being single coated, they may tend to get a little greasy, but they can still take care of the job. An occasional bath, along with a ear cleaning, may be needed if they get especially greasy or dirty.
What colors do Cornish Rex come in?
Cornish Rex come in every pattern and color imaginable. From spotted and striped tabbies, to solid colors, to pointed colors like a Siamese cat. Possibilities include basic colors like black and white to more complex colors like blue lynx tortie point and white.
Are Cornish Rex hypoallergenic?
No. No cat is truly hypoallergenic including a Sphynx. When people are allergic to cats, they are allergic to a protein that is found in cats saliva. Since cats wash themselves, this protein is deposited onto their fur. When a cat sheds, the fur and dander with the allergy producing protein are released into the air causing problems for people with cat allergies. However, since the Cornish Rex only has one layer of fur, the thin downy layer, many people can tolerate the low shed (purely out of volume) characteristic of the Cornish Rex. When Cornish Rex shed, it is likened to a dandelion puff.
Are Cornish Rex good with other animals?
In general, yes. Each cat is different, but as mentioned before, Cornish Rex never meet a stranger, to include animals. It also, of course, depends on the temperament of the other animal.
Is the Cornish Rex a healthy breed? What are the common health problems they face?
In general, Cornish Rex are a hardy breed. One of the ailments that Cornish Rex may face more than the general cat population is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, HCM is the most common heart ailment in all cats (purebred and domestic), so it is difficult to say just how much more susceptible Cornish Rex are. Some lines may also be more prone to dental problems.
Do you test your breeding cats for HCM?
Yes we do. At this time the only test available for HCM for Cornish Rex is a heart scan (ultrasound). Some breeds of cats have DNA testing available for HCM. However, Cornish Rex does not. We scan our breeding cats every year to year and a half. If a breeding cat is found to have HCM or any other significant heart ailment, the cat is immediately no longer used for breeding. If a cat scans clear for HCM or other heart ailments, it will continue on as a breeding cat. The one draw back with the HCM scanning (if you want to call it that) is that it only shows that the cat is healthy at that moment in time of the scan. It does not guarantee that it will not develop it in the future or that its offspring will not be affected either. Hopefully in the future there will be better testing.
Do you scan kittens for HCM before they go to their forever homes?
No. As it is rare for kittens to develop HCM before a year old, it would be of no benefit. Additionally it would be cost prohibitive as each scan costs $600+.
Can I get my kitten before 16 weeks old? I am experienced with kittens.
We will not let any kitten go to its new home before it reaches 16 weeks of age. All our kittens go home spayed or neutered and this gives them time to be fully healed from the procedure. It also gives the kitten time with it's mother to learn everything it needs to know before going out into the big world.
What food do you recommend for Cornish Rex?
As each household circumstance is different, we are not going to recommend one form of food over the other. It boils down to what works best for you. We will say that a higher protein content (at least 30%-35% minimum) is best for Cornish Rex to help keep them lean.
I want to breed Cornish Rex. Will you sell me a kitten for breeding?
Unless you are a reputable breeder, with an established cattery registered with one of the major cat fancier associations, we will not sell you a kitten with breeding rights. If you are interested in breeding, it is highly suggested that you first get a spayed or neutered cat and participate in cat shows. This way you can meet other breeders, build rapport with them and express your seriousness in the breed and breeding. Breeding takes a lot of heart, time and money with little monetary gain.
What makes a breeder reputable?
In general, a reputable breeder breeds for the betterment and sustainment of the breed. This includes participating in cat shows, breeding to the standard, health testing where possible, discerning home placement for cats and kittens and providing the best care and environment for their cats and kittens. The majority of breeders will agree that if you do not participate in cat shows with your cats, you are not a reputable breeder. Here is the reason behind that statement. At cat shows, each cat is judged according to a written standard published by a governing cat association. While you can read a standard and look at your cat and think that it meets the standards, you can become 'cattery blind'. You cannot truly be sure unless you see other cats in person and how your cat stacks up against them. If you breed without concern for the standard, quality and health of the Cornish Rex, then you are not breeding for the right reasons. Many people think that breeding is easy money, but that is rarely the case.