Where did the Cornish Rex Come From?
In 1950, in a barn in Cornwall, England, a tiny lamb-like creature was born. Like a lamb, it had rows of tightly woven pale curls covering its body. But it was not a lamb: it was a kitten, born to an ordinary barn cat.
Who was the First Cornish Rex?
Kallibunker, as this beauty was named, soon grew to a slender, fine-boned cat, with a narrow head and bat-like ears, and a long tail – a genetic mutation of the most extraordinary kind. He was bred back to his mother, and the curly offspring of this match were later bred to Burmese, Siamese, and British domestic shorthair cats to produce the Cornish Rex breed that we know today.
What does a Cornish Rex Look Like? How does a Cornish Rex Behave?
The Cat Fancier’s Association describes today’s Cornish Rex as a “study in curves, with curly coat, curved profile, large expressive ears, and Whippetlike arched bodies.”* Though they look standoff-ish, they are anything but: affectionate, playful, and people oriented, they retain their kittenish ways throughout their lives. They love to play fetch and catch and can even pick up objects and throw them.
The coat is the thing most people notice first, however. “Ideally falling in marcel waves, the coat is very short, lies close to the body, and is incredibly soft to the touch, prompting comparisons to cut velvet, karakul lamb, rabbit fur, or silk. In fact, nothing else feels exactly like a Cornish Rex coat,” according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association website.
Meet, Groseille, a Cornish Rex from Canada
Groseille, in the video above, is a Cornish Rex from Montreal, Canada. We are sharing her video today to remind readers that until January 31st, we are offering a 15% discount on all orders from Canada. Use code Canada15.
Dawn LaFontaine is a lifelong animal lover who always seems to have a little pet hair in her keyboard. Her blog, Kitty Contemplations, helps cat guardians better understand and care for the special beings they share their lives and homes with. Her cat-products business, Cat in the Box, sells beautiful, well-made, and award-winning products that she designed to meet the biological needs of cats.