How long do Cornish Rex cats live?
11–15 years is the typical range. 11–15 years is the expected range for this breed (PetMD breed profile). Individual cats vary — lean body weight, dental care and regular checkups move the number more than anything else.
Personality & temperament
- Affectionate with their people — expects to be included, not just housed
- High-energy and playful; needs daily interactive play, not just a window perch
"Imagine the racy elegance of a greyhound paired with playful personality of a clown – then dress it up in curls!" — CFA official breed profile
Do Cornish Rexes need a lot of grooming?
Wavy or rex coats shed less than typical shorthairs but still need gentle grooming. This breed is widely described as low-maintenance for coat care.
Health notes for Cornish Rexes
The CFA breed profile discusses health considerations for this breed; review it with your breeder and vet. Every cat, purebred or not, needs: annual vet exams (twice-yearly after age 7), dental care, parasite prevention, weight watching, and vaccines on your vet’s schedule.
Is a Cornish Rex right for you?
Generally good with respectful children — interactions still need supervision, and kids must learn gentle handling. Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get certain nutrients (taurine, arachidonic acid, preformed vitamin A) from animal tissue, so a complete, balanced cat food should always be the base of the diet.
Before adopting, read the cat care library — and consider that adult shelter cats also "come in breed-ish packages" without the breeder price tag.
People also ask about Cornish Rex cats
How long do Cornish Rex cats live?
Cornish Rex cats typically live 11–15 years. 11–15 years is the expected range for this breed (PetMD breed profile). Indoor life, lean weight and routine vet care are the biggest longevity levers owners control.
Do Cornish Rexes shed a lot?
Shedding: Wavy or rex coats shed less than typical shorthairs but still need gentle grooming.
How much do Cornish Rexes weigh?
Breed-specific published weight data is limited — most adult domestic cats weigh between 8 and 12 lb, and your vet can tell you where your cat sits on the healthy curve.
Are Cornish Rexes good with kids?
Generally good with respectful children — interactions still need supervision, and kids must learn gentle handling.
Are Cornish Rexes friendly with strangers and other pets?
Affectionate with their people — expects to be included, not just housed. Slow introductions and vertical space (cat trees, shelves) make multi-pet homes smoother.