The History
The Cornish Rex breed began in England with the birth of Kallibunker in 1950. He was one of five kittens born to Serena, a Tortie & White non-pedigree short hair bred by Mrs Nina Ennismore and Miss Winifred of Mcallister, Bugle, Cornwall. Kallibunker was born covered in curls unlike his siblings who were normal coated. Mrs. Ennismore & Miss Mcallister received advice and encouragement from a veterinarian to start a breeding program.
They bred Kallibunker back to his mother. Three kittens were born; two of which had curly coats.
In order for the Rex to become a recognized breed by the Grand Council of Cat Fanciers (GCCF) three consecutive generations of pure Cornish Rex were required.
By 1958 Mrs. Ennismore & Miss Mcallister wanted to give up, as it had cost them a fortune. Before giving up a gentleman, Brian Stirling-Webb had been introduced to the breed, and he arranged to borrow Sham Pain Chas (the last fertile male Rex in England).
In 1959 Sham Pain Chas was bred to four different females. Three British shorthairs and one brown Burmese. Before it had been confirmed that any of the females were pregnant, Sham Pain Chas died as a result of serious injuries he received in a fight at the cattery.
At this time the Rex breed seemed doomed, but as luck would have it all four queens were pregnant. Kittens were kept from these litters and used for breeding to become the foundation stock in England.
In 1957 two Cornish Rex were imported to California in the USA. One male and one female. The female had been bred to her father just before being imported. She had four kittens. Two of these kittens went on to become the founding stock in the
USA.
The Look
The Cornish Rex is a small breed of cat. The females can weigh anywhere from 5-7 pounds and the males 7-10. They appear very fragile but are all muscle. A Rex should feel heavy to pick up but be nice and lean.
The Cornish rex has a small, egged shaped head with large oval eyes which have a slight upward tilt; high cheekbones; a Roman nose and large ears which are set high on the head. They should also have an arched back giving them a nice tuck up, long lean legs and a long whippy tail. The main thing that makes the Cornish Rex different from other breeds is its curly coat. When showing a Rex 45 % of your total marks is coat alone. The coat should be evenly marcelled with no patchy areas. It does tend to differ in the tightness of the curl depending on the lines that are used. Apart from looking unusual the Cornish Rex has a wonderful temperament and is very outgoing.
They tend to greet you at the door and like to be with you most of the time.
They like to ride on your shoulders and just generally be in the middle of all the activity.
Cornish Rex cats are a very outgoing, busy breed that gives years of fun and enjoyment!
Allergies?
The Cornish Rex is a unique breed of cat. Not only is it different looking but it is also different in its fur. The Cornish Rex cat has only one of the three hair types found on most other cats. It lacks the outer coat and the guard hairs. It only has the down coat, which is real hair. Because of this type of hair the Cornish Rex does not moult. It does have hair coming out like you or I do when we brush our hair. Most people think this is good for allergies. Yes and no. The no shedding does relieve you because of no hairs lying around the house. One thing you must remember the Rex can produce allergic reactions just as severe as a regular cat.
Kittens
Cornish Rex kittens are available year round. However, quality, hair colour, pattern and sex of kittens do vary from litter-to-litter.
Please contact Hayley or Maureen rexclusive@rogers.com for availability.
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