Introduction
The Cornish Rex is often referred to as the Greyhound of the cats, because of the sleek appearance and the galloping run characteristic. The cat has no hair except for its very fine down hair. Conversely, most cats have three different types of hair in their coats: the outer fur or "guard hairs", a middle layer called the "awn hair", and the down hair or undercoat, which is very fine and soft. Cornish Rexes only have the undercoat and thus only lose a few of very fine hairs at a time like humans and do not shed like other cats.
The coat of a Cornish Rex is extremely fine and is the softest of any cat breed. However, their light coat means that they are best suited for indoor living in warm and dry conditions. Consequently, these cats tend to hang around light bulbs, the tops of computer monitors, and other warm places. Some Cornish Rexes also have a mild cheesy smell peculiar to the breed. This odor comes from scent glands in the paws.
Temperament
Some Cornish rexes like to play fetch, race other pets, or do acrobatic jumps. The Cornish Rex is an adventurous cat and is very intelligent. It can readily adapt to new situations and will explore wherever it can go, jumping into refrigerators, examining washing machines, etc. Some humans consider its antics to be deliberately mischievous. The Rex is extremely curious, seeks out the company of people and is friendly towards other companion animals. It is a suitable pet for timid children.
History
The Cornish Rex cat is the result of a genetic mutation that originated from a litter of kittens born in the 1950s on a farm in Cornwall, UK. Hence the first part of the breed's name. One of the kittens, a cream colored male, had an extremely unusual, fine, and curly coat. He was the first Cornish Rex. The owner then bred the cat back to his mother to produce two other curly coated kittens. The male, Poldhu, sired a stunning female called Lamorna Cover who was later brought to America and crossed with a Siamese, giving the breed their long whippy tails and big ears.