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Cornish Rex vs Oriental Shorthair
Both are active, affectionate and clever. The Oriental is far more talkative and less independent; the Cornish has the rex coat and a bit more energy.
Verdict
These two are close in character, and the one thing that decides it is voice. The Oriental Shorthair scores top marks for talkativeness and the lowest for independence, so it demands conversation and company. The Cornish Rex talks less, but scores top marks for energy and wears a thin, waved coat of down hair. Choose the Oriental if you enjoy a chatty, athletic cat in hundreds of colours. Choose the Cornish if you prefer less noise and a distinctive coat in a warm home.
Choose the Cornish Rex if
- You want a quieter cat than the Oriental.
- You like the waved, down-only coat.
- You want a smaller cat, at 6 to 9 lb.
- You want a breed without a named health watch-list in its profile.
Choose the Oriental Shorthair if
- You enjoy a cat that talks to you all day.
- You want the widest range of colours and patterns.
- You will play with it daily and be home much of the time.
- You will ask the breeder about amyloidosis, eye disease and flat-chested kitten syndrome.
Where they are alike
Both have short coats that need little grooming and shed lightly. Both score top marks for affection and playfulness and do poorly when left alone for long hours.
Side by side
| Cornish Rex | Oriental Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Shorthair |
| Origin | Cornwall, England | United States and Europe, from Siamese stock |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-9 lb (2.7-4.1 kg); males are slightly larger | Males about 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg); females under about 8 lb (3.6 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | Often reported as 12-15 years; few studies |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very fine, soft, tightly waved coat of down hair only, with no guard hairs | Short, fine, close-lying coat on a long, tubular body |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1964 | Championship breed since 1977 |
| How common | Uncommon | Uncommon |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 5 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 5 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 1 |
| Trainability | 4 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 3 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The thin coat sheds less hair than most, but allergens come from saliva and skin as well as fur. | — |
| Suits | An active household that wants a playful, people-loving cat and can keep the home warm. | A person who is home much of the day and wants a talkative, athletic, affectionate cat and will play with it daily. |
| Less suited to | A cold house, a home that is empty all day, or anyone who wants a calm lap cat. | A quiet home, or anyone who is away for long hours, since this cat dislikes being alone. |
| 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