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Cornish Rex vs Sphynx
Both are warmth-loving, clinging cats with little hair. The Sphynx is hairless and needs regular bathing; the Cornish has a thin coat and is smaller.
Verdict
The difference is hair and skin care. The Cornish Rex has a thin, waved coat of down hair, sheds little and needs light grooming. The Sphynx is hairless or covered in fine down, and its grooming score is high because the skin needs regular bathing and a warm home. No breed is hypoallergenic, since allergen comes from saliva and skin too. The Sphynx is also more common. Choose the Cornish for the lower-effort coat, and the Sphynx for the unmistakable bare look.
Choose the Cornish Rex if
- You want a thin coat that needs light grooming.
- You prefer a smaller cat of 6 to 9 lb.
- You want a breed without a named health watch-list in its profile.
- You would rather skip a skin-care routine.
Choose the Sphynx if
- You want a hairless cat and accept regular bathing.
- You want an easier search, since the Sphynx is Common and the Cornish is Uncommon.
- You are home most of the day, because it scores lowest for independence.
- You will plan for heart, muscle, skin and gum checks with your vet.
Where they are alike
Both score top marks for affection and play and want a warm home. Both do badly when left alone for long hours.
Side by side
| Cornish Rex | Sphynx | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | Cornwall, England | Toronto, Canada |
| 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 | Often quoted at 10-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Hairless |
| Coat | Very fine, soft, tightly waved coat of down hair only, with no guard hairs | Hairless or covered in fine down; skin feels like suede |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1964 | Championship breed since 2002 |
| How common | Uncommon | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 5 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 4 |
| Shedding | 2 | 1 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 1 |
| 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 main cat allergen comes from saliva and skin, not only hair, so a hairless cat can still trigger symptoms. |
| Suits | An active household that wants a playful, people-loving cat and can keep the home warm. | A person or family at home most of the day that wants a warm, outgoing, attention-loving cat and does not mind regular bathing. |
| 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 cat that can live outdoors, or anyone who dislikes skin care routines. |
| 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