The Cornish Rex is a popular breed of cat known for its distinctive curly coat and active, friendly personality. But where did this unique feline come from, and what breeds were used to create it? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Cornish Rex and explore the two breeds that were ultimately responsible for its creation.
Origins of the Cornish Rex
The story of the Cornish Rex begins in Cornwall, England, in the early 1950s. It was there that a young woman named Nina Ennismore discovered a strange-looking kitten in a barn on her family’s farm. This kitten had tightly curled fur, large ears, and a slim, athletic build. Intrigued by the unusual appearance of the kitten, Nina decided to take it home with her and see if she could breed more cats with similar traits.
Over the next several years, Nina worked tirelessly to develop a breeding program for her curly-coated cats. She crossed her original barn cat with Siamese, British Shorthair, and other breeds, hoping to refine the desired characteristics of the Cornish Rex. Eventually, she succeeded in creating a distinct breed of cat that was recognized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in 1957.
The two breeds that make up a Cornish Rex
So, which breeds were used to create the Cornish Rex? According to most sources, there were two main contributors: the British Shorthair and the Siamese.
1.British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is an ancient breed of cat that has been around for centuries. Originally bred as a working cat to help control rodents on ships and farms, the British Shorthair is known for its sturdy build, thick coat, and affectionate personality. When Nina Ennismore began developing her breeding program, she turned to the British Shorthair in the hopes of creating a cat with a similar body type and disposition.
One of the key traits that the British Shorthair contributed to the Cornish Rex was its dense, plush coat. The Cornish Rex has a very different texture of coat, but the gene responsible for the curly fur is believed to have originated from a British Shorthair ancestor. Without this contribution, it’s possible that the Cornish Rex might never have developed its signature curly coat.
2.Siamese
The Siamese is another ancient breed of cat that has been around for centuries. Originally hailing from Thailand (formerly known as Siam), these cats are known for their sleek, muscular build, striking blue eyes, and vocal nature. Siamese cats were first imported to England in the late 1800s, and they quickly became popular among cat fanciers for their unique appearance and outgoing personalities.
When Nina Ennismore began her breeding program, she turned to the Siamese in the hopes of creating a cat with a more refined head shape and longer legs. These attributes would help to give the Cornish Rex a more regal, elegant appearance. Additionally, the Siamese’s friendly, sociable nature helped to temper some of the shyness and aloofness that can be present in purebred cats.
Where does the Cornish Rex come from?
The Cornish Rex cat breed originated in Cornwall, England, in the early 1950s. It was discovered by a young woman named Nina Ennismore who found a strange-looking kitten with tightly curled fur, large ears, and a slim, athletic build in a barn on her family’s farm. She worked tirelessly to develop a breeding program for her curly-coated cats, crossing her original barn cat with Siamese, British Shorthair, and other breeds, hoping to refine the desired characteristics of the Cornish Rex. Eventually, she succeeded in creating a distinct breed of cat that was recognized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in 1957.
Are Cornish Rex cats rare?
Cornish Rex cats are not considered to be rare, but they are also not as common as some other breeds. They are a popular breed of cat known for their distinctive curly coat and active, friendly personality. While they may not be as well-known or widely available as some other breeds like the Siamese or Persian, Cornish Rex cats can be found in many parts of the world, and there are many breeders and rescue organizations that specialize in this unique feline. However, it’s important to note that any purebred cat should be obtained from a reputable breeder who follows responsible breeding practices and prioritizes the health and welfare of their cats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cornish Rex is a fascinating breed of cat with a rich history and unique set of characteristics. While many breeds were likely involved in its development, the British Shorthair and the Siamese are generally considered to be the two most important contributors. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders like Nina Ennismore, the Cornish Rex has become a beloved pet all over the world, cherished for its playful, affectionate personality and eye-catching curly coat.
