All You Need To Know
Owning a Cornish Rex in Malaysia
The Cornish Rex cat breed is a cat with HUGE ears. Perhaps it’s for them to hear better, but their egg-shaped head, slender athletic body and soft velvety coat gives them their distinctive appearance. Endearingly also known as the Greyhound of the cat world, the Cornish Rex’s wavy marceled coat isn’t hypo-allergenic but they seem less likely to trigger allergies than other cats.
At Petchef, we believe that it is the pawrent’s responsibility to prepare the best living conditions for their furkids. Read on to know more about the history, physical traits, personality, care requirements, and reasons why the Cornish Rex may be the cat for you.
Breed overview
Personality | Enthusiastic, social, acrobatic, clownish, energetic |
Weight | Up to 10 pounds |
Size | small to medium sized |
Coat length | Short hair, curly hair |
Coat color | Black, blue, lilac, brown, chocolate, red, cream, smoke |
Coat patterns | Bicolor, calico, tabby, spotted, colorpoint |
Eye color | Gold, green, blue |
Lifespan | Up to 20 years |
Hypoallergenic | Yes (less likely to trigger allergies) |
Origin | England |
Personality & Characteristics
Acrobatic, clownish, intelligent and energetic are the 4 words commonly used to describe a Cornish Rex cat. They maintain their kitten-like personalities throughout their adult life and thrive on attention. If you’re looking for an “extroverted” cat who will amuse and colour your mundane days with intelligent (or corny) antics, you should consider getting a Cornish Rex cat.
Affection level | High |
Friendliness | High |
Kid-Friendly | High |
Pet-Friendly | High |
Exercise needs | High |
Playfullness | High |
Energy level | High |
Trainability | High |
Intelligence | High |
Tendency to Vocalize | Moderate |
History & Origin
Cornish Rex Cats originated in 1950 from a curly-coated kitten named Lakkibunker in Cornwall, UK. It’s mother was a British shorthair, while the father’s breed remains unknown. This kitten was then crossbred with Siamese, Burmese and British shorthair cats to widen and strengthen its genetic pool.
Grooming & Care
Cornish Rex cats are generally considered low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short, wavy coat doesn’t shed much, and they don’t require frequent brushing like long-haired breeds. Here are some grooming and care tips:
Common Health Issues
Cornish Rexes are generally healthy cats, thanks to their crossbreeding between several different cats. As a result, they aren’t particularly susceptible to many diseases and disorders found in purebred cats. Aside from the usual roulette of diseases that include Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Urinary tract issues, and Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), they may be susceptible to:
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and maintaining a stress-free environment can help mitigate these health risks and ensure a Cornish Rex’s overall well-being.
Diet and Nutrition
Cornish Rex cats require a balanced diet to maintain their large size and overall health. Here are some dietary considerations:
Starting from only RM75 a month (or RM2.50 a day), Petchef’s team of vets and chefs can curate the perfect meal plan for your furkid! Each meal contains quality meat (chicken, beef, buffalo) or fish (salmon, tuna) and vegetables to ensure your furkid fulfils all their nutritional needs. No preservatives, no additives, no fillers or grains; only food they were born to eat.
PS: Here are the answers to all the questions on Petchef’s meals you might possibly have. 😉
Lifestyle and Living
Living with Cornish Rexes is relatively easy because they are highly adaptable cats that can easily make themselves at home. Here are some tips for your cat to live their best life:
Where to Adopt or Buy
In Malaysia, there are several options for adopting or purchasing a Cornish Rex cat:
- Animal Shelters and Rescues: Check local animal shelters and rescue organisations. While Cornish Rexes might not be as common in shelters as domestic shorthairs, there’s still a chance of finding one in need of a loving home.
- Breeders: Look for reputable Cornish Rex breeders in Malaysia. Ensure they are registered with a recognized cat breeding association, follow ethical breeding practices and have done the necessary tests to screen for genetics-related health concerns. You can find breeders through online directories, cat shows, or recommendations from local veterinarians.
- Online Platforms: Websites and online forums dedicated to pets often have listings for Cornish Rex kittens or cats available for adoption or purchase. Be cautious and verify the legitimacy of sellers before making any commitments.
- Social Media: Platforms like Facebook or Instagram may have local groups or pages where breeders or individuals post about Cornish Rexes available for adoption or sale.
Use Diligence
When adopting or purchasing a Cornish Rex, always prioritise the health and well-being of the cat. Ensure the seller provides health records, vaccinations, and proper documentation. It’s also essential to visit the cat in person, if possible, to assess its temperament and living conditions.
Conclusion
A Cornish Rex cat brings endless joy with its affectionate nature, playful energy, and unique, velvety coat. Their love for human companionship, curiosity, and constant desire for interaction make them the perfect, lively companion for any home.
| Pros of Cornish Rex Cats | Cons of Cornish Rex Cats |
|---|---|
Affectionate, intelligent, social and great for families | High energy levels and social needs |
Low shedding and minimal grooming needs | Skin care needs and sun sensitivity |
Vocal and communicative | Fragile build and temperature sensitive |
FAQs
Most common questions about Cornish Rex cats asked and possibly not covered by the above sections.
How much is a Cornish Rex cat in Malaysia?
Starts from RM6,700 to RM8,900 or more depending on factors such as the breeder, lineage, coat quality and overall quality of the cat.
Are Cornish Rex cats good with kids?
Their friendly, gentle, and affectionate personalities make Cornish Rex cats good with kids and even dogs.
What makes Cornish Rex cats special?
Cornish Rex Cats are special due to their unique physical characteristics, friendly and intelligent personality, and relatively low-maintenance care requirements. Their combination of beauty, brains, and affectionate nature makes them exceptional companions.
Are Cornish Rex cats high maintenance?
Cornish Rex cats are generally not very high maintenance. Their unique coat, which is short, curly, and low-shedding, requires minimal grooming compared to other breeds. However, their coat can be prone to oil buildup, so occasional wiping with a damp cloth can help keep them clean.
Article sources:
- Congenital hypotrichosis – Science Direct
