Cat Breed Comparison
Cornish Rex vs Selkirk Rex: Key Differences
Cornish Rex and Selkirk Rex are often confused. Compare their size, weight, lifespan, origin, temperament, and health — and learn how to tell them apart at a glance.
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Cornish Rex | Selkirk Rex |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small to Medium | Medium to Large |
| Weight | 6–10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg) | 6–16 lbs (2.7–7.3 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Origin | England (Cornwall, 1950) | United States (Montana, 1987) |
Visual Differences
Telling a Cornish Rex from a Selkirk Rex
Cornish Rex have a short, tight uniform marcel wave across the entire body, an egg-shaped head with a Roman nose, high-set ears, and a slender whippet-like body with an arched back. Selkirk Rex have loose individual curls (not tight uniform waves), a round head with a short muzzle, a heavy-boned rectangular body, and a much more easygoing temperament.
Cornish Rex Key Markers
- Short, tight, uniform marcel wave covering the entire body — the coat has no guard hairs, only a soft undercoat arranged in continuous waves; the curl is most prominent on the back and sides, and the coat lies close to the body with a silky, warm texture
- Egg-shaped head that is longer than it is wide — the CFA standard calls for a length about one-third greater than the width; the profile shows a Roman nose with a high, prominent bridge and a smooth, mild break at the forehead
- Large, high-set ears that are full and wide at the base, tapering to rounded tips — set high on the skull, contributing to the alert, inquisitive expression; the inner ear has minimal furnishings
Selkirk Rex Key Markers
- Dense, plush curly coat with loose individual curls — the curls are most prominent on the neck, belly, and tail; the coat is thick and plush like sheepskin, covering the entire body including the belly; whiskers are thick, crinkled, and curly
- Round, wide head with full cheeks, a short blunt muzzle, and prominent whisker pads — the CFA calls it "round and full with a distinct whisker break"; the muzzle is broad and square, giving the face a sweet, open expression
- Large, round eyes set wide apart in gold, copper, blue-green, or odd-eyed — the large, round eye shape contributes to the breed's soft, gentle expression; eye color depends on coat color
Temperament & Personality
Cornish Rex
- Active and playful — jumps, climbs, and invents games; retains kitten energy well into senior years and needs interactive toys and cat trees
- Intensely people-oriented — follows owners from room to room, greets at the door, and sleeps under the covers; hates being left alone for long periods
- Intelligent and trainable — learns tricks, walks on a leash, opens doors, and solves puzzle feeders; needs mental stimulation or boredom leads to mischief
- Social with strangers, children, and other pets — rarely shy or territorial; welcomes visitors and gets along with cat-friendly dogs
- Heat-seeking — the single-layer coat offers little insulation, so Cornish Rex gravitate toward warm spots, sweaters, heated beds, and laps
- Moderate vocalization — communicates with chirps, trills, and soft meows rather than loud yowling, but will voice displeasure at closed doors or empty food bowls
Selkirk Rex
- Calm, patient, and laid-back — the most easygoing of all the Rex breeds; not as hyperactive or demanding as Devon or Cornish Rex
- Affectionate and tolerant — enjoys being held and handled; the breed is famously patient with children and gentle with other pets
- Playful but not demanding — enjoys interactive play sessions but is equally happy lounging on a lap or nearby
- Quiet voice — communicates with soft meows and chirps; not a demanding vocalizer
- Adaptable — adjusts well to new environments, visitors, and changes in routine
- Moderate energy — needs daily play but settles quickly into lap time and naps
Health Notes
Cornish Rex
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — genetic heart disease affecting Cornish Rex; regular echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats, as the breed shows higher-than-average incidence
- Patellar luxation — kneecap dislocation more common in Cornish Rex than most breeds, likely due to the fine-boned hind leg structure; ranges from occasional skipping (mild) to lameness requiring surgery (severe)
- Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) — a genetic neuromuscular disorder causing generalized muscle weakness, head-bobbing, and easy fatigue in kittens; DNA test available through UC Davis VGL, same mutation found in Devon Rex
- Skin sensitivity and dermatitis — the single undercoat offers minimal skin protection; Cornish Rex are prone to dry skin, breakouts, and sunburn; harsh grooming brushes and over-bathing should be avoided
- Periodontal disease — the narrow, elongated muzzle contributes to tooth crowding and gingivitis; regular dental care is particularly important for this breed, and annual professional cleanings are recommended
Selkirk Rex
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — reported in the breed; regular echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) — inherited from historical Persian outcrossing in the breed's development; DNA testing available and recommended before breeding
- Patellar luxation — kneecap dislocation seen in some Selkirk Rex lines; ranges from occasional skipping to lameness requiring surgical correction
- Cherry eye (prolapsed nictitating membrane) — reported more often in Selkirk Rex than in many other breeds; requires veterinary treatment to prevent chronic irritation
- Obesity — the breed's laid-back nature and love of food make weight management a priority throughout life
- Seborrhea and skin infections — the dense curly coat can trap oils; regular gentle bathing helps prevent greasy buildup and skin irritation
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell a Cornish Rex apart from a Selkirk Rex?
Cornish Rex have a short, tight uniform marcel wave across the entire body, an egg-shaped head with a Roman nose, high-set ears, and a slender whippet-like body with an arched back. Selkirk Rex have loose individual curls (not tight uniform waves), a round head with a short muzzle, a heavy-boned rectangular body, and a much more easygoing temperament.
Are Cornish Rex hypoallergenic?
No — Cornish Rex are not truly hypoallergenic, though their single-layer coat sheds very little and produces less loose fur. They still produce the Fel d 1 protein, and individual response varies, so some allergy sufferers find them easier to tolerate.
Are Selkirk Rex cats hypoallergenic?
No — curly fur does not mean hypoallergenic. Selkirk Rex produce normal levels of the Fel d 1 allergen, and their dense coat still sheds, so allergy sufferers should meet the breed first.
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Breed Profiles & More Comparisons
Cornish Rex
A slender, curly-coated cat with a whippet-like silhouette — long legs, arched back, and a deep chest. The Cornish Rex coat has only an undercoat — no guard hairs — giving it a short, tight wave of fur that feels like warm silk. Active, people-oriented, and endlessly curious, the breed stays kittenish well into old age.
Selkirk Rex
A heavily boned, round-faced cat with a dense curly coat that feels like sheepskin — the result of a spontaneous mutation in a Montana shelter cat in 1987. Selkirk Rex cats are calm, patient, and tolerant, with a laid-back personality that sets them apart from the more high-strung Rex breeds. The coat is plush with loose individual curls, not the tight uniform wave of the Cornish Rex.