Agile-haired Cornish Rex sports bat-shaped ears and endearing disposition
The Cornish Rex cat, a popular breed known for its bat-like ears, clown-like behavior, and athletic ability, is a delightful addition to any home. With its hypoallergenic coat and unique appearance, it's no wonder this breed is loved by many.
Coat and Eye Colour
The Cornish Rex cat's coat can vary, with solid, bicolor, calico, tabby, smoke, pointed, or tortoiseshell options available. Its eye colour can be just as diverse, ranging from green, gold, hazel, blue, or even odd-eyed.
Hypoallergenic but Not Completely Allergen-Free
While the Cornish Rex cat is considered hypoallergenic due to its short curly hair that sheds minimal amounts, it's important to note that it still produces the Fel d1 protein in its urine and saliva.
Health Considerations
Owning a Cornish Rex cat comes with certain health considerations. The breed is prone to several conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, hereditary myopathy, skin and coat issues, and dental disease. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential to manage these risks effectively.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
HCM is a heart condition causing thickening of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure. Unfortunately, this condition is not curable, but regular veterinary care can help manage it.
Patellar Luxation and Hip Dysplasia
Patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal location, and hip dysplasia, though less common than in dogs, are issues that some Cornish Rex cats may experience.
Hereditary Myopathy and Skin and Coat Issues
Hereditary myopathy, a genetic muscle weakness disorder seen in some lines, and skin and coat issues, due to their fine, curly coat and lack of guard hairs, are other health concerns to be aware of.
Dental Disease
Like many cats, dental issues can occur if proper dental hygiene is not maintained. Cornish Rex cats are prone to tartar buildup and dental disease, so oral care should be implemented from a young age.
Adoption and Cost
A Cornish Rex kitten could cost anywhere between $800-1,500, making it more affordable than a Devon Rex but similar in price to a Burmese, ragdoll, or Scottish Fold. Adopting a Cornish Rex can cost around $100-300.
Lifestyle and Care
The Cornish Rex cat is low-maintenance in terms of grooming, requiring weekly brushing and regular teeth brushing. Its love for climbing makes cat trees and hammocks beneficial for them.
Cornish Rex cats are temperature sensitive and are best suited to an indoor environment. They often entertain themselves, but interactive and automated cat toys can help keep them occupied. The Cornish Rex is a highly adaptable cat that loves the company of people and is best suited to households where someone is around most of the day.
Resources
For those looking for information on general cat caring, grooming, nutrition, and common disorders of Cornish Rex cats, a book titled "Taking Care Of A Cornish Rex Cat" is available.
Remember, a good breeder should have carried out health screens and only mate healthy cats to minimize these health issues. If you own a Cornish Rex or are considering one, consult your vet about specific health screenings.
The Cornish Rex cat is considered one of the most popular cat breeds, and with its unique features, loving personality, and relatively low maintenance, it's easy to see why.
- The Cornish Rex cat's coat options include solid, bicolor, calico, tabby, smoke, pointed, or tortoiseshell, with eye colors ranging from green, gold, hazel, blue, or odd-eyed.
- Despite being considered hypoallergenic, the Cornish Rex cat still produces the Fel d1 protein in its urine and saliva.
- Owning a Cornish Rex cat involves addressing health considerations, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, hereditary myopathy, skin and coat issues, and dental disease.
- HCM in Cornish Rex cats causes thickening of the heart muscle, making regular veterinary care crucial for management.
- Cornish Rex kittens could cost between $800-1,500, while adopting one can cost around $100-300.
- The Cornish Rex cat is low-maintenance in terms of grooming, requiring weekly brushing and regular teeth brushing, but they love cat trees, hammocks, and interactive toys.
- For more information on cat caring, grooming, nutrition, and common disorders of Cornish Rex cats, a book titled "Taking Care Of A Cornish Rex Cat" is available, and a good breeder should have carried out health screens.
