Compare
Cornish Rex vs LaPerm
A small, high-energy rex with a finely waved coat against a medium, calmer, curly-coated lap cat with a springy medium-length coat.
Verdict
The deciding difference is energy. The Cornish Rex scores top marks for energy and play, and it wants a busy household. The LaPerm is a medium cat with a curly or wavy coat of medium length, and it scores middling for energy and low for voice, which suits a home that wants an easy-going lap cat. Both love company. The Cornish has the lighter, tighter coat, and the LaPerm has a springier one that you will comb a little more.
Choose the Cornish Rex if
- You want a cat with top-level energy and play.
- You like a short, tightly waved coat of down hair.
- You prefer a small cat of 6 to 9 lb.
- You have a warm house and time for daily play.
Choose the LaPerm if
- You want a loving, easy-going cat that is less demanding than a Cornish.
- You like a curly coat that comes in short and long forms.
- You want a quieter voice.
- You will comb the coat a little more often.
Where they are alike
Both shed lightly. Both score top marks for affection and do best when someone is home through the day. Both are rarer cats, so expect to wait for a kitten.
Side by side
| Cornish Rex | LaPerm | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | Cornwall, England | Oregon, United States |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-9 lb (2.7-4.1 kg); males are slightly larger | About 6-10 lb (2.7-4.5 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | Often reported as 10-15 years; few studies |
| Coat length | Short | Medium |
| Coat | Very fine, soft, tightly waved coat of down hair only, with no guard hairs | Curly or wavy, light-textured coat without a thick undercoat, in short and long forms |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1964 | Championship breed since 2008 |
| How common | Uncommon | Rare |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 5 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 3 |
| 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 LaPerm's curls hold loose hair and it sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to it. |
| Suits | An active household that wants a playful, people-loving cat and can keep the home warm. | A home where someone is around most of the day and wants a loving, easy-going lap cat with an unusual curly coat. |
| Less suited to | A cold house, a home that is empty all day, or anyone who wants a calm lap cat. | A household that is away all day, or anyone who wants a cat that keeps its distance. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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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