Cornish Rex Kittens

Cornish Rex Kittens are energetic and fun-loving cats. Learn more about this enchanting breed.

History

Cornish Rex cats originated in Cornwall, England. In the 1950’s, the breed came about as a result of a curly-haired kitten being born in a litter of straight haired cats. The breed was continued as the curly-haired cat was bred to its mother.

The gene that causes the distinctive curly hair is recessive. Two cats must carry the gene for curly-hair to create the Cornish Rex. The breed was accepted into the Cat Fancier’s Association in the 1960’s.

Physical Appearance

Cornish Rex cats are known for their wavy fur and elegant bodies. They had remarkably long legs. Cornish Rex cats have quite the athletic build and love to climb onto high perches.

They have smaller to average sized builds and petite dainty paws. Cornish Rex cats have small sized head and very large eyes. Ears are a very prominent part of the Cornish Rex.

Colors

Cornish Rex cats come in a variety of colors and patterns. Chocolate, white, smoke, and black are common colors. Some Cornish Rex cats are even pointed. Eye colors usually coordinate with coat color.

Temperament

Cornish Rex cats love to play and are quite active. They get along very well with dogs. They are smart and curious cats that love to get into things. Cornish Rex cats are known for their large appetites. They love human food and treats.

The breed can be quite stubborn when pressed to do things against their will. If a Cornish Rex does not want to take a bath, then it’s not going to happen. Training Cornish Rex kittens to tolerate grooming is important. The Cornish Rex is an affectionate cat that loves human attention. Cornish Rex cats also tolerate travel quite well and are adaptable to change.

Care

Caring for and grooming Cornish Rex kittens doesn’t have to be hard. Given the fact that they have short hair, grooming can be a cinch. You can use your hand or use a brush to smooth down the fur. Luckily, the breed does not shed very easily as Cornish Rex cats have no guard hairs.

Bathing may be needed if the cat is excessively soiled. Keep in mind that the Cornish Rex does not have very much fur and can get cold very easily after bathing. Be sure to keep your Cornish Rex warm after a bath. Also, check your cat’s ears. Cornish Rex cats can produce excessive ear wax. So, clean out your cats ears at least weekly.

Development

Cornish Rex kittens go through the usual developmental stages that other cats go through.

Health

Overall, Cornish Rex cats are a healthy breed. They do, however, have large appetites. So, be sure to monitor them for weight gain related to their voracious appetites. The breed tends to live long and healthy lives. Some Cornish Rex cats live up to twenty years.

Cornish Rex kittens are susceptible to developing a condition called neonatal isoerythrolysis. Neonatal isoerythrolysis is a form of anemia in kittens. The disease happens when expectant mom cats carry type B blood and male tom cats carry type A blood.

When they breed and a kitten is born with type A blood, the mom cat’s immune system attacks the newborn kitten. Kittens affected with neonatal isoerythrolysis can suffer from liver failure and may die.

Remember…Cornish Rex kittens love to eat! Feed them human food sparingly.

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