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Cornish Rex vs Siamese
Both are slender, clever and devoted. The Siamese is far more talkative and always short-coated; the Cornish has the curly down coat and more energy.
Verdict
These cats share a lean build and a need for company, and the one thing that decides it is voice. The Siamese scores top marks for talkativeness, and it will commentate on your day. The Cornish Rex talks at a moderate level, scores top marks for energy and play, and wears a waved coat of down hair. The Siamese is Common and the Cornish is Uncommon, so the Siamese is easier to find. Choose the Siamese for conversation, and the Cornish for a quieter whirlwind.
Choose the Cornish Rex if
- You want a moderate voice rather than a constant one.
- You like the waved, down-only coat.
- You want a cat that scores top marks for energy and play.
- You can keep the house warm.
Choose the Siamese if
- You enjoy a cat that talks back all day.
- You want a classic blue-eyed pointed cat, a CFA breed since 1906.
- You want a kitten that is easier to find.
- You will ask your vet about progressive retinal atrophy and amyloidosis.
Where they are alike
Both have short, low-maintenance coats that shed lightly. Both score top marks for affection and both do poorly when left alone for long hours.
Side by side
| Cornish Rex | Siamese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Shorthair |
| Origin | Cornwall, England | Thailand (formerly Siam) |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-9 lb (2.7-4.1 kg); males are slightly larger | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 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 | Short, fine, glossy coat that lies close to the body, with no undercoat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1964 | Championship breed since 1906 |
| How common | Uncommon | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 5 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 4 |
| 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 | 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. | — |
| Suits | An active household that wants a playful, people-loving cat and can keep the home warm. | A person or family at home often who enjoys a cat that talks, follows them about and wants to be involved in everything. |
| Less suited to | A cold house, a home that is empty all day, or anyone who wants a calm lap cat. | Anyone out all day, anyone who wants a quiet cat, or a household that cannot give a lot of attention. |
| 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