Cat: Cornish Rex

Origins: The Cornish Rex came about as a result of a natural mutation in 1950. One of the kittens born to a cat on a farm in Cornwall has an unusually wavy coat. This offspring was later mated back to its mother, resulting in more curly-coated cats. One product of this amateur breeding program, already pregnant, made it to America. There, Siamese and other domestic cats were brought in to widen the gene pool and develop the breed.

Size: Appears most delicate and fins, but can weight about 4kg.

Physical Appearance: This cat has exotic—some say alien—looks. Its amazingly fine coat over a long-limbed, long-tailed, slender yet muscular body gives it a near-naked appearance compared with regular-coated cats. The large, high-set ears, oval eyes and crinkly whiskers add to the exotic effect. The coat is wavy but short and extremely soft to the touch. Profile of the head is long and straight.

Characteristics: Cornish Rexes can be mischievous beyond belief! They are intelligent and active, love people, and love being part of the family.

Colors: All colors.

Special Facts: While most domestic cats have an undercoat covered by guard hairs, Cornish Rexes have only one layer of fur. They should therefore be kept mainly indoors, to protect them from both wet/cold weather and harsh sunlight.