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Cornish Rex Cattery Breeders of Award winning quality cats since 1990

Member of the Canadian Cat Association

The Cornish Rex is a unique breed of cat. Not only is it different looking but it is also different in its fur. The Cornish Rex cat has only one of the three hair types found on most other cats. It lacks the outer coat and the guard hairs. It only has the down coat, which is real hair. Because of this type of hair the Cornish Rex does not moult. It does have hair coming out like you or I do when we brush our hair. Most people think this is good for allergies. Yes and no. The no shedding does relieve you because of no hairs lying around the house. One thing you must remember the Rex can produce allergic reactions just as severe as a regular cat.

History of the Cornish Rex Cat

The Cornish Rex breed began in England with the birth of Kallibunker in 1950. He was one of five kittens born to Serena, a Tortie & White non-pedigree short hair bred by Mrs Nina Ennismore and Miss Winifred of Mcallister, Bugle, Cornwall. Kallibunker was born covered in curls unlike his siblings who were normal coated. Mrs. Ennismore & Miss Mcallister received advice and encouragement from a veterinarian to start a breeding program.  They bred Kallibunker back to his mother. Three kittens were born; two of which had curly coats. In order for the Rex to become a recognized breed by the Grand Council of Cat Fanciers (GCCF) three consecutive generations of pure Cornish Rex were required.  By 1958 Mrs. Ennismore & Miss Mcallister wanted to give up, as it had cost them a fortune. Before giving up a gentleman, Brian Stirling-Webb had been introduced to the breed, and he arranged to borrow Sham Pain Chas (the last fertile male Rex in England). In 1959 Sham Pain Chas was bred to four different females. Three British shorthairs and one brown Burmese. Before it had been confirmed that any of the females were pregnant, Sham Pain Chas died as a result of serious injuries he received in a fight at the cattery.
At this time the Rex breed seemed doomed, but as luck would have it all four queens were pregnant. Kittens were kept from these litters and used for breeding to become the foundation stock in England.
In 1957 two Cornish Rex were imported to California in the USA. One male and one female. The female had been bred to her father just before being imported. She had four kittens. Two of these kittens went on to become the founding stock in the USA.