Why the Cornish Rex is the Greyhound of the feline world

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: With a coat consisting solely of fine down hair, the Cornish Rex is a genetic anomaly. Originating from a 1950s farm in Cornwall, this slender, curly-coated cat is often compared to a Greyhound for its sleek, galloping movement. Yet, beneath the curls lies a complex story of mutation and biology.

The Cornish Rex is defined by a unique lack of guard and awn hairs, leaving it with only a soft, curly undercoat. This distinctive texture stems from a specific genetic mutation identified in 2013: a four-base-pair deletion in the LPAR6 gene on chromosome A1. This gene is vital for maintaining hair shaft integrity, and similar mutations in humans are linked to woolly hair phenotypes. Because they lack the protective outer layers of a standard cat coat, these animals are highly sensitive to cold and thrive best in warm, dry, indoor environments.

The breed's history began in the 1950s on a farm in Cornwall, UK, with a cream-colored kitten named Kallibunker. His unusual coat prompted a breeding program that involved backcrossing him to his mother, eventually producing a cat named Lamorna Cove. When Lamorna Cove was brought to America and crossed with a Siamese, the breed acquired its signature large ears and long, whippy tails. Today, the breed is recognized for its wedge-shaped head, oval eyes, and muscular, slender frame, with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy placing no restrictions on coat color.

While the Cornish Rex is often perceived as hypoallergenic, this is a common misconception. Allergic reactions to cats are triggered by the Fel d 1 protein found in saliva, skin glands, and urine, rather than hair length. Because Cornish Rex cats groom themselves as frequently as other breeds, they still distribute this allergen through their dander. Although some anecdotal reports suggest they may trigger fewer reactions, they are not truly non-allergenic. It is important to distinguish them from the Devon Rex, which possesses a different genetic mutation that results in shortened guard hairs rather than a total absence of them.

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