More Info

Did you know?

While most cat breeds have three types of hairs within their coat, the Cornish Rex only has one – the down hair, known typically as the undercoat. The Cornish Rex does not have the middle layer called “awn hairs” or the outer layer called “guard hairs.” As a result of lacking an outer coat to absorb natural oils, this breed requires regular bathing to prevent their coat from becoming greasy. Despite popular belief, a cat with a rexed coat is not hypoallergenic. Human allergies are triggered by a protein produced in the sebaceous glands of a cat's skin and saliva. Therefore, most people with cat allergies are reacting to the protein in the cat’s saliva and dander, independent of the cat’s hair type!

How it works

Two copies of this Rexing variant are needed to produce a curly rexed coat. Additional variants also cause a rexed coat in cats.

Health implications

Rex coated cats with this variant typically require regular grooming and bathing. Debris and body oils, which would normally be distributed on the different layers of fur, tend to build up on the skin, within the ears, and under the nails. Some may also be more prone to certain skin conditions and infections. Due to their light coat, rexed cats with this variant have a higher propensity for sun damage to their skin and are more susceptible to the cold. Care should be taken when allowing these cats outdoors.