This unique breed came into being in Cornwall, England in 1950. A kitten with short, curly hair and a lean body was born to a barn cat. After the kitten, named Kallibunker, reached puberty it was re-mated with mom to see if anymore genetically-altered kittens could be produced.--Yes, incestuous activities run rampant in the animal world.--More curly-haired kittens arrived and the Cornish Rex came into being.
Seven years later they crossed the shores to America.
These kitties got their name because their coats resembled curly-haired rabbits called Astrex Rabbits. The fur has a soft suede-like feel to it. They have no guard hairs(outer), just tight curly downy fur. They don't shed and even though they aren't hypoallergenic, many folks with allergies can tolerate the breed. They are easy to bath and this also cuts down on allergens. With this short fur and lack of guard hairs Cornish Rex's should definitely be an indoor cat.
The cats have large ears and wedge-shaped heads. You can tell, just by looking at those eyes that they're active. These kitties are playful, intelligent and affectionate with their owners.
Good with kids and other pets? Average. They could be better, could be worse.
With their lean, bodies and long racy legs, the Cornish Rex is considered the greyhounds of the cat family. The average weight of the Cornish is between six and ten pounds.
The Cornish Rex doesn't do well with certain anesthetics so talk to your doctor before use. Other health issues to be considered are heart disease, thyroidism and easy loss of body heat.
The life span of this breed of feline is ten to fifteen years, though one purportedly lived to the mind-boggling age of thirty-three.
Interested in adding one of these fun loving creatures to your household? Please save a life and check for a Cornish Rex rescue.
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On the home front:
This beautiful little family has taken sanctuary under a small church in my area. Rescues are filled to overflowing, but we're trying to find homes for them.
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Blatant self-promotion:
Minder has been released at MuseItUpPublishing.comTo celebrate I'm running a contest at Sandra's Blog
For a chance to win:
Butterfly Pins
A Starbucks Gift Card
A book dedication
and
A download of Minder, just stop by and leave a comment mentioning Minder and your email addie.
8 comments:
I've always thought this was one of the more interesting cats...
What an interesting cat. I never knew there were so many breeds! As I read about the many differences, I wonder, is a human a different breed because they have, say, curly hair? Not their ethnicity, their personal characteristics? I think I need more coffee! Great blog Sandra!
I agree, Anny.
Interesting thought, Jinny:)
Always interesting what genes can do.
I've always thought the Cornish Rex looks somehow 'undernourished'.
My favourite 'mutant' has to be the Norsk Skogskatte [Norwegian Woods cat]. Supposedly an "accident" involving a domestic cat and a chance encounter with a lynx, now a recognised Breed.
Loyal,affectionate and fearless: I've seen a 13-y-o give a fox a bloody nose and chase him away from scavenging in a dustbin!
Quite true, Rhobin.
Sounds like a neat cat, Paul.
What a fascinating cat.
Hi,Beth. How are you?
Yes, it is.
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