The Cornish Rex originated in Cornwall, England in 1950. In a litter of kittens born to a barn cat, one kitten displayed an unusual short wavy coat. His owner took this kitten, later named Kallibunker, to a well-known cat breeder and rabbit fancier with an interest in genetics. By back-crossing Kallibunker to his mother and normal coated sisters, more Rex kittens were produced.
The breed was named Cornish Rex - Cornish, after the place of discovery and Rex, after a similar mutation in rabbits. In 1957 two descendants of Kallibunker were sent to the U.S. to establish the Rex breed there.
The Cornish Rex has a slender, fine-boned body with long, straight legs and a whippy tail. The large ears are set high on a triangular head, the nose is Roman, the oval eyes large and intense. The back is naturally arched giving the cat a greyhound stance.
The wavy, tightly marcelled coat is uniform with no topcoat nor guard-hairs. The coat does not shed; therefore, minimal grooming is needed. The Cornish Rex colour standard permits most colours including the pointed pattern.
These perky, gregarious cats make excellent apartment pets. They are family oriented, loving, intelligent, and basically healthy.