Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Cornish Rex breed originated in Cornwall, England, in 1950, when a domestic cat named Nina gave birth to a kitten with an unusual wavy coat. The kitten, named Kallibunker, became the foundation of this new breed. Through the efforts of dedicated breeders, the unique genetic mutation responsible for the soft, curly coat without guard hairs was preserved and established. By the 1960s, the Cornish Rex had gained recognition in both Europe and the United States, leading to its rapid spread worldwide. These cats quickly became popular not only for their elegant appearance but also for their bright and affectionate temperament. Today, the Cornish Rex is considered one of the most distinctive and refined breeds, with a stable genetic foundation and an officially recognized standard within various international systems, including the ICCF.
General Appearance
The Cornish Rex is an elegant, medium-sized cat with a long, flexible body characterized by lightness and refinement. Adult cats convey an impression of harmony and grace, with fine bones and well-developed muscles. Their appearance is distinguished by a short, wavy coat resembling plush velvet and a refined, athletic body structure that combines grace and energy. The proportions emphasize slenderness: long limbs, an elongated torso, and a distinctively shaped head with large ears create a noble and aristocratic impression. The breed exhibits a dry constitution with lean but firm muscles, ensuring agility, lightness, and fluidity of movement.
Important Proportions
The Cornish Rex should display perfect balance between its elongated body, long legs, and slender neck. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers, enhancing its elegant, athletic silhouette. The head forms a modified wedge, proportionate to the neck and torso. The ears are large and set high, dominating the head’s outline and contributing to the breed’s expressive look. The tail is long, thin, and flexible, continuing the body line. The limbs are long and fine-boned, and the paws are small and oval, matching the overall delicacy of the physique.
Behavior and Temperament
The Cornish Rex is active, curious, and intelligent — a lively companion that thrives on interaction with humans. These cats are affectionate, quick learners, and love engaging in games and activities. They are highly sociable, friendly with children and other pets, and display strong emotional attachment to their families. Cornish Rexes enjoy companionship, often following their owners and seeking attention. Their cheerful and playful nature makes them ideal for households that value affectionate and energetic pets.
Head
The head of the Cornish Rex forms a modified wedge with smooth lines and refined contours. The skull is slightly rounded, with a gentle curve from the forehead to the nose. The cheekbones are well-defined but not prominent, emphasizing the refined profile. The muzzle is narrow and delicate, the chin is firm but not heavy, and the nose line is straight with no abrupt stop. The head must harmonize with the proportions of the body and neck, maintaining the breed’s elegant outline.
Facial Features
The face is refined and expressive. The nose is straight and of medium length, blending smoothly into the forehead. The muzzle is narrow and delicate, the chin firm and proportional. Whiskers often appear wavy — a distinctive feature of the breed. The cheeks are moderately developed, and the mouth is small and neat. All facial features should create a balanced and graceful expression, highlighting the breed’s noble elegance.
Eyes
The eyes are large, oval, and slightly slanted, widely spaced to emphasize the cat’s alert and expressive look. The color should be bright and pure, harmonizing with the coat — ranging from vivid green or golden to copper or amber shades. The expression is open, lively, and intelligent. Eye placement must be symmetrical and in proportion to the wedge-shaped head, reinforcing the breed’s graceful and aristocratic appearance.
Ears
The Cornish Rex’s ears are one of its most distinctive traits — large, high-set, and broad at the base with rounded tips. Their size should visually dominate the head, accentuating its wedge shape. The inner surface has minimal hair coverage, and the ears should stand upright without flaring outward. Proper ear size and placement are crucial for achieving the breed’s elegant, alert expression.
Neck
The neck is long, slender, and flexible, smoothly connecting the head and shoulders. It should appear delicate yet strong enough to support the head naturally. The graceful curvature of the neck enhances the cat’s refined outline, contributing to its overall elegance and balance.
Body
The body is long, slender, and supple, with a fine bone structure and firm musculature. The back is straight, the chest moderately deep, and the abdomen tucked up, giving an athletic and light impression. The body must appear graceful and flexible without heaviness or bulk. Overall proportions emphasize harmony, agility, and refinement.
Tail
The tail is long, thin, and tapering toward the tip, continuing the body’s elegant lines. It is covered with short, wavy fur consistent with the texture of the coat. The tail should be flexible and expressive in movement, used actively for balance. Any kinks, thickness, or deformities are considered faults.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are long, fine, and straight, with firm muscles and slender bones. The shoulders are dry and well-fitted, elbows held close to the body. Paws are small, oval, and neat, with elastic pads. The limbs should appear light and balanced, providing graceful, effortless motion.
Hindlimbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, contributing to the breed’s lifted posture and agile movement. Thighs are narrow but strong, and the hocks are firm. The legs should be parallel and straight when viewed from behind. Compact, oval feet complete the balanced silhouette.
Gait and Movement
The Cornish Rex moves with fluidity, lightness, and elasticity. Its gait is springy and elegant, maintaining perfect balance. The long limbs and flexible spine allow smooth, swift, and coordinated motion. The tail assists with balance during movement, creating an impression of effortless grace.
Coat
The coat is short, dense, and soft, with distinct waves evenly covering the entire body. There are no guard hairs; the texture is silky and plush, reminiscent of velvet. The waves should be uniform and well-defined, following the body’s contours. Bald patches, coarse hairs, or uneven wave patterns are considered faults.
Permitted Colors
All coat colors and patterns are accepted under the ICCF standard — including solid, bicolor, tricolor, tabby, pointed, and silver varieties. Solid colors include black, white, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream. Tabby patterns may be classic, mackerel, spotted, or ticked. Pointed and shaded varieties are also allowed, provided the pigmentation is even and matches the breed’s type.
Size
The Cornish Rex is a medium-sized cat. Males typically weigh between 3.5–4.5 kg, while females are smaller, averaging 2.5–3.5 kg. The average height at the withers ranges from 25 to 30 cm. Despite its light build, the Cornish Rex gives an impression of height and refinement due to its long legs and elongated body.
Faults
Faults include deviations from the ICCF standard that reduce balance or type fidelity: insufficient coat waviness, bald areas, coarse texture, or the presence of straight hairs. Disproportionate head shape, weak chin, incorrect bite, asymmetrical profile, or poorly placed ears are also faults. Eyes that are too small, dull, or incorrectly shaped, as well as a thick tail or short limbs, are penalized. Behavioral issues such as shyness or aggression are undesirable.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include the absence of coat waves, presence of guard hairs, rough or wiry coat texture, deformities of the tail, spine, or limbs, severe jaw misalignment, or heterochromia when not permitted by coat color. Severe baldness, irregular pigmentation, or unapproved white markings are also grounds for disqualification. Cats displaying aggression, fear, or poor health cannot be shown or used for breeding.
Important Notes
The ICCF emphasizes the preservation of the Cornish Rex’s signature wavy coat and refined body type. Evaluation must consider the cat’s balance, temperament, and coat quality equally. The wave pattern should be even and well-distributed. Breeding cats with structural or genetic defects, even minor ones, is discouraged to maintain the breed’s health and integrity.
Conclusion
The Cornish Rex is a refined breed that embodies elegance, intelligence, and affection. The ICCF standard highlights its unique wavy coat, graceful physique, large ears, and expressive eyes. Only cats with official ICCF documentation verifying pedigree and standard compliance are eligible for shows and breeding programs. This ensures the preservation of the breed’s purity, health, and international prestige, solidifying the Cornish Rex’s status as one of the world’s most elegant and recognizable feline breeds.
