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American Shorthair vs Cornish Rex
The American Shorthair is a calm, durable cat; the small Cornish Rex is a top-energy, affectionate climber that needs a warm home.
Verdict
These cats suit different homes. The American Shorthair is calm, hardy and independent, with top marks for children, and it copes with a workday alone. The Cornish Rex is small, at about 6 to 9 lb, and scores at the top for energy, play and affection. Its fine waved coat of down hair needs a warm home. It wants company all day. Choose the American Shorthair for a steady family cat and the Cornish Rex for a playful, people-loving cat if someone is home to join in.
Choose the American Shorthair if
- You are out during the workday.
- You want a calm, durable cat that suits young children.
- You keep an ordinary or cool house.
- You want a wide choice of colours.
Choose the Cornish Rex if
- You want a small, slim, high-energy cat with big ears.
- You want a very affectionate cat that plays hard.
- You can keep the house warm all year.
- You like a short, soft, waved coat with no guard hairs.
Where they are alike
Both are quiet to moderate-voiced cats with modest grooming needs and light to moderate shedding. Both get on with other pets.
Side by side
| American Shorthair | Cornish Rex | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | North America, from European cats brought by settlers | Cornwall, England |
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Typical weight | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger | 6-9 lb (2.7-4.1 kg); males are slightly larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches | Very fine, soft, tightly waved coat of down hair only, with no guard hairs |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1964 |
| How common | Common | Uncommon |
| Affection | 3 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 5 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 | 2 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 2 |
| Trainability | 3 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The thin coat sheds less hair than most, but allergens come from saliva and skin as well as fur. |
| Suits | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. | An active household that wants a playful, people-loving cat and can keep the home warm. |
| Less suited to | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. | A cold house, a home that is empty all day, or anyone who wants a calm lap cat. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026