Compare
Cornish Rex vs German Rex
Both are friendly rex cats. The Cornish is smaller, slimmer and easier to find; the German Rex is heavier, rounder and very rare outside Germany.
Verdict
Pick by build and by what you can find. The Cornish Rex is small, slim and athletic, with a finely waved coat and no guard hairs. The German Rex is medium, heavier and rounder, with a silky coat that tends to curl and whiskers that curl less. Their affection scores match, and the German Rex plays slightly less. The German Rex is very rare and unrecognised by the CFA, so a kitten is hard to find outside Germany and nearby countries.
Choose the Cornish Rex if
- You want a small cat of 6 to 9 lb with a slim, athletic build.
- You want the highest energy and play level.
- You want a CFA championship breed recognised since 1964.
- You want a kitten that is easier to find.
Choose the German Rex if
- You want a rex cat with a sturdier, rounder body, at 7 to 11 lb.
- You prefer slightly less play and energy than the Cornish.
- You live in Germany or nearby, where breeders are easier to reach.
- You accept a very rare breed with no CFA recognition.
Where they are alike
Both have thin, soft, curly coats that need light grooming and shed little. Both are people-loving, rate top marks for affection and prefer company to long hours alone.
Side by side
| Cornish Rex | German Rex | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | Cornwall, England | Germany |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-9 lb (2.7-4.1 kg); males are slightly larger | 7-11 lb (3-5 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | Commonly 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very fine, soft, tightly waved coat of down hair only, with no guard hairs | Short, silky coat that tends to curl; whiskers curl less than in the Cornish Rex |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1964 | Not recognised by the CFA |
| How common | Uncommon | Very rare |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 5 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 2 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| 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 soft coat sheds less than most, but allergens also come from skin and saliva. |
| Suits | An active household that wants a playful, people-loving cat and can keep the home warm. | A home that wants a rex cat with a sturdier build and a friendly, active nature. |
| Less suited to | A cold house, a home that is empty all day, or anyone who wants a calm lap cat. | Anyone who needs a breed that is easy to find outside Germany and nearby countries. |
| Registries that recognise it |
|
|
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