Compare
Cornish Rex vs Siberian
A small, thin-coated, clinging athlete against a large, sturdy longhair with a thick triple coat that needs regular combing.
Verdict
Size and coat decide this. The Cornish Rex weighs 6 to 9 lb and has a thin coat that needs little care. The Siberian is Large at 8 to 18 lb and has a thick triple coat that you comb, with heavy shedding. The Siberian rates top marks with children and other pets and copes better with time alone. The Cornish is the more clinging of the two and rates better for a small home. Choose the Cornish for a close, small companion, and the Siberian for a sturdy, sociable family cat with room to climb.
Choose the Cornish Rex if
- You want a small cat that stays close to you.
- You prefer little grooming and light shedding.
- You live in a smaller home.
- You can keep the house warm.
Choose the Siberian if
- You want a large, playful, sociable cat for a busy family.
- You have children or other pets.
- You will comb a thick coat and accept heavy shedding.
- You will ask the breeder about heart disease and polycystic kidney disease.
Where they are alike
Both are playful, affectionate and clever, and both are CFA championship breeds. Both need play every day.
Side by side
| Cornish Rex | Siberian | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | Cornwall, England | Russia |
| Size | Small | Large |
| Typical weight | 6-9 lb (2.7-4.1 kg); males are slightly larger | 8-18 lb (3.6-8.2 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 11-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Long |
| Coat | Very fine, soft, tightly waved coat of down hair only, with no guard hairs | Dense, water-resistant triple coat, thicker in cold months |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1964 | Championship breed since 2007 |
| How common | Uncommon | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 4 |
| Energy | 5 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 4 |
| Shedding | 2 | 4 |
| Good with children | 4 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| 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. | No breed is hypoallergenic. Some owners report fewer symptoms with Siberians, but there is no good evidence for it and individual cats vary. |
| Suits | An active household that wants a playful, people-loving cat and can keep the home warm. | A family or a household with other pets that wants a sturdy, playful, sociable cat and will comb a thick coat. |
| Less suited to | A cold house, a home that is empty all day, or anyone who wants a calm lap cat. | A small flat with little room to climb, or anyone who cannot spend time grooming and playing. |
| 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