Longevity
Life expectancy
With good living conditions, an appropriate diet and regular health monitoring, the Cornish Rex generally lives between 12 and 15 years. Some individuals can age very well when they remain slim, active and live mostly indoors in a secure environment.
Build
A robust breed?
Beneath its slender appearance, the Cornish Rex is a toned and relatively hardy cat. Its musculature, agility and activity level bear witness to a breed that is more robust than it appears. However, it remains less comfortable in the cold than cats with a thicker coat.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to protection against the cold, the condition of the skin and the maintenance of good body condition. The Cornish Rex does not show a large number of major predispositions in the reference data, but any loss of condition, skin irritation or change in behaviour should prompt a consultation.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy : Some feline lines are predisposed to this heart muscle disease, hence the value of monitoring and, depending on the origins, screening.
Chronic kidney disease : Common in older cats, it warrants monitoring appetite, thirst, and regular blood tests.
Periodontal disease : Tartar and gum inflammation are common and require consistent oral hygiene.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Cornish Rex tolerates low temperatures poorly and prefers temperate, even warm environments. In winter or in a cool home, it appreciates cozy bedding and well-insulated resting areas. It must be protected from drafts and prolonged outings in cold weather.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
This active cat expends its energy well, but its weight must still be monitored to preserve its athletic silhouette. A ration adjusted to its age, activity level and physical condition helps to avoid both thinness and excessive weight gain.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Protect it from cold and drafts.
- Regularly check the condition of the skin, ears, and eyes.
- Keep vaccinations and veterinary check-ups up to date.
Vaccination
Cornish Rex vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Cornish Rex? Like all dogs, the Cornish Rex receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Cornish Rex is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Cornish Rex vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Cornish Rex?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Cornish Rex
The recommended follow-up is mainly based on routine veterinary examinations, vaccination, monitoring of skin condition, oral and dental surveillance, and regular assessment of weight. In a breeding cat or in case of family history, a veterinarian may advise additional examinations depending on the context.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
