About the breed
The Cornish Rex is an elegant, well-muscled, medium sized cat renowned for its super soft Marcel waved coat. The Cornish Rex has an oval or egg-shaped head and large ears, long straight legs, and a slender body.
The Cornish Rex personality is mischievous, curious, very intelligent, affectionate and they love to be included in the activities of their family. They are highly active and playful and form strong bonds with their owners.
History
The first Cornish Rex was born in 1950 in Cornwall, England. He was the result of a spontaneous mutation; his father was an unknown tomcat and his mother was a barn cat named Serena. Nina Ennismore recognised this kitten as being special – she had bred rex rabbits, so recognised the coat. She named the kitten Kallibunker and started the Cornish Rex breed by mating Kallibunker back to his mother who carried the rex gene.
A female Cornish Rex, directly related to Kallibunker was imported into the United States in 1957. Specific matings to Siamese and Oriental cats has resulted in the fine boned Cornish Rex we know today.
Is a Cornish Rex a hypoallergenic cat?
Cornish Rex (Devon Rex and Sphynx) cats can be tolerated by many people who previously were unable to tolerate cats due to their sensitivities or allergies.
People who are allergic to cats can be sensitive to the protein found in the dander, saliva and urine of cats. The feline saliva protein is called FEL D-1.
Cornish Rex cats still have this protein but it is thought they have less saliva. They also have less hair, meaning less saliva and dander allergens.
I recommend spending some time with a Rex breed to see if you can tolerate them.