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Cornish Rex vs Exotic Shorthair
A small, athletic, warmth-loving rex against a calm, plush, flat-faced lap cat that needs regular vet checks.
Verdict
These cats sit at opposite ends of the energy scale. The Cornish Rex is small, slim and fast, and it scores top marks for energy and play. The Exotic Shorthair is a medium, plush, flat-faced cat that scores low for energy and voice. Choose the Cornish if you want a playmate and can keep the home warm. Choose the Exotic if you want a quiet lap cat and will pay for face care and regular vet checks, because the flat face brings breathing and eye problems.
Choose the Cornish Rex if
- You want a cat that plays hard and follows you about.
- You prefer a small cat of 6 to 9 lb.
- You want the lighter grooming and shedding that the thin coat gives.
- You can keep the house warm in winter.
Choose the Exotic Shorthair if
- You want a calm, quiet cat that settles on a lap.
- You live in a small home, where the Exotic rates top marks.
- You are ready for face cleaning and for breathing, eye and kidney checks.
- You keep a cool home, since heat is hard on a flat-faced cat.
Where they are alike
Both are short-coated cats that suit a home with someone around much of the day. Both rate well with children and with other pets.
Side by side
| Cornish Rex | Exotic Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Shorthair |
| Origin | Cornwall, England | United States |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-9 lb (2.7-4.1 kg); males are slightly larger | 8-15 lb (3.6-6.8 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very fine, soft, tightly waved coat of down hair only, with no guard hairs | Dense, plush, soft coat that stands out from the body |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1964 | Championship breed since 1967 |
| How common | Uncommon | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 4 |
| Energy | 5 | 2 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 1 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 3 |
| Shedding | 2 | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 5 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The thin coat sheds less hair than most, but allergens come from saliva and skin as well as fur. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily and people who react to cats are likely to react to this one. |
| Suits | An active household that wants a playful, people-loving cat and can keep the home warm. | A calm indoor home that wants a quiet, affectionate lap cat and is ready to pay for regular vet checks. |
| Less suited to | A cold house, a home that is empty all day, or anyone who wants a calm lap cat. | A hot or humid home, a household with no time for face cleaning, or anyone worried about flat-faced cat welfare. |
| 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