Cats are said to exist in two worlds at the same time. They see brownies, feel good and bad people, walk on their own and live wherever they want. Even domestic cats have long been recognized by connoisseurs as a separate breed with their own standards and special qualities. The progenitor of the most unusual purring creatures was just the representative of this species.
An old breed or a young one?
If you look at the cats called “rexes”, it seems that they are depicted on the Egyptian frescoes: the same slender, big-eyed and long-tailed ones. However, the first kitten with a strange curly curly hair was born to an ordinary domestic cat only in the middle of the 20th century. The landlady, who lives in Cornwall County, although she was raising rabbits, immediately drew attention to this anomaly.
On the advice of her veterinarian, the woman contacted a geneticist who recommended that the grown cat be bred with his mother. The boys born as a result of this mating were the ancestors of the Cornish Rex breed, continuing the "work" of their father.
Mutants or space cats?
Researchers believe that the mutated gene responsible for the curly hair of these amazing cats appeared almost simultaneously in several countries. It:
- United Kingdom.
- Germany.
- Canada.
- USA.
Beautiful creatures spread very quickly around the world due to their unusual appearance and affectionate nature. However, the Cornish Rex breed received the official right to participate in exhibitions only in 1967.
So different rex
As a result of selection, different species of this breed appeared. One can distinguish such branches as German Rex, Danish Rex, Ural Rex, European, American and English lines. Devon Rex and Cornish, despite some similarities, are distinguished by the quality of their fur and the orientation of their curls.
The colors of the Cornish Rex can be completely different. According to standards, “buttons”, spots, “medallions” are acceptable. However, multi-colored spots should be clearly distinguished from each other, and the pattern is evenly distributed over the body.
What is more beautiful: eyes, legs or tail?
The Cornish Rex cat breed is not just four-legged with hair and tail. The eyes of these handsome men correspond to the main coat color. Clear, radiant, huge, with an eastern cut, amber, aquamarine, emerald or yellow, they can captivate anyone.
Rex is especially elegant in appearance with a curved back and a graceful, slightly elongated body with proportionally long legs.
The tail of this "aristocrat" deserves a separate paragraph. Thin, long to extreme, it shows the mood of its owner at the moment. Cats and Cornish Rex cats keep their long tails and know how to wag them like dogs. The whole figure gives the impression of elegance, lightness, harmony and sophistication.
The rounded muzzle of the animal is narrowed downwards, and the skull has an ovoid shape. Another distinctive feature of the breed is its unusually large ears. They are wide at the base, and their size should be in harmony with the overall appearance of the cat.
About Rex Wool
Unusual long-legged cats belong to the short-haired type. They have a smooth silky cover, curled up by funny curls, very reminiscent of astrakhan fur. It is the wavy structure of the wool that is the main feature of the Rex breed. Curls are laid out by nature in relief waves, while the tips of the hairs should be facing the skin of the animal. They should fit snugly to the body and cover with curly waves the head, tail, and paws. Standards do not approve of Cornish Rex animals having tangled hair and bald patches. Valid places for minimum wool:
- near the sebaceous glands (at the base of the tail);
- on the top of the tail.
On the legs and head, a “velor” fur coat is possible. A feature of the wool is the same length of the outer and integumentary hair, which is very thin, twisted and equal to the length of the undercoat.
On the intricacies of keeping “royal” cats
Despite their elegance,
aristocratic appearance and grace, curly cats have excellent health. Representatives of this breed have no hereditary diseases. Due to the small size and special structure of the paw pads, cats cannot completely hide their claws. To make the animal comfortable walking, you need the following:
- have special claws;
- cut the claws regularly.
In order for the cat or cat to get used to the scratching post, a few drops of Valerian tincture should be applied to the device. The animal, reacting to the smell, quickly understands what is required of it.
Constantly moving fidget Rexes love to eat. Their diet should be carefully monitored, otherwise overeating cannot be avoided.
Since purring aristocrats have very short fur, they like warmth, are afraid of the cold and drafts.
Knitting. Cornish Rex
Private breeders allow individuals of this breed to mate after a year of age. During this period, the cat's body is already ready for gestation. It is officially forbidden to mate Cornish Rex with animals of other breeds. Mandatory rules before knitting:
- both individuals must be treated for possible parasites;
- to avoid scratches, shorten the claws;
- it is not recommended to vaccinate animals during this period;
- a young cat needs an experienced, untied cat;
- mating is carried out in the territory belonging to the cat;
- the cat is left for no more than 6 days;
The owner of the cat must ensure a calm atmosphere for the guest cat. And also, if possible, arrange for her a place where she could sometimes hide from the male.
At the moment of mating, it is better for animals not to interfere, then the process will be successful. If, after an evening contact the next morning, the cat rubs against the floor with her back and easily allows the cat to come to her, then she can be taken home. Curly and big-eyed kittens will appear soon. The approximate price of each is on average about 15,000 rubles.
How to feed graceful handsome men
Any cats are quite unpretentious, but it is worth remembering that these are carnivorous, predatory animals. Their entire body, from teeth and the gastrointestinal system to every muscle cell and hair follicles, needs meat. Therefore, it is important to remember that about 80% of the menu should consist of meat products, and the rest is boiled cereals and vegetables. Boiled lean meat is cut into small pieces. Drinking water in the drinker should always be poured. Pets are fed on a schedule, they can not be pampered, giving food at any time. Cats like to beg for food just like that, to get a pleasant feeling out of boredom. Not only representatives of the Cornish Rex breed behave this way. The nature of any cat is characterized by a constant search for entertainment. It is important to teach a pet to receive food only after an invitation, and not as a result of persistent meowing.
All breeds of cats can be divided into several types by weight and physique:
The Cornish Rex breed is a group of shorthair cats of the lightest constitutional build. An adult cat usually weighs about three kg, cats - no more than 4.5 kg. The wide skeleton and overweight body is considered a big drawback for representatives of this breed. That is why it is necessary to monitor the proper diet and diet of the animal.
Nurturing good habits
There are no cats smarter and more intelligent than Cornish Rex. Responses of owners tell that they even give in to training. A cat can bring a ball, walks on a leash for a walk. If the kitten is immediately limited to a certain framework, then he quickly gets used to the order. Usually a cat-mother herself accustoms her children to the toilet. However, once in a new home, the baby is stressed and may not immediately figure it out. In 2-3 days of attention and demanding, constant and persistent training, a new family member quickly understands what is required of him. Do not let the little kitten what the adult will be punished for in the future. These habits should be developed in a pet:
- Do not go to bed with the owners;
- to cope only in the tray;
- do not walk on tables;
- do not carry food;
- Do not meow, begging for food and goodies;
- sharpen claws on special devices;
Sometimes cats have to be punished for wrongdoing. Do not do it by hand, it is better a couple of times noisy and slightly slap a newspaper. If the master's hand only caresses, the cat will love her.
Who is the head in this house? Affectionate cat with character!
A feline intellectual can easily be taught the rules of behavior in the house. No cat learns as easily as Cornish Rex. The nature of the representatives of the breed is distinguished by a special aristocracy: cats do not even mark their territory. Animals are kind, they do not know how to take revenge, they behave very correctly.
However, the guest should not be too familiar with the tailed "owner" of the home. Before allowing itself to be stroked, the Cornish first sniffs the outstretched hand, and may hiss.
Pussy considers only one of the family members to be his real owner, although he communicates and plays, of course, with everyone. Children with such an affectionate, inventive and active character are very fond of children. Cornish Rexes are almost always on the move, like to climb to heights, easily get along with any pets, even dogs. These cats are very loving, sociable and playful until adulthood. If by the nature of the activity of the owners it is often not at home, it is better to keep two cats of this breed. Otherwise, the animal will be very bored and suffer from loneliness. These purring creatures are naturally endowed with activity, cheerfulness, curiosity and quick wit. Proper maintenance and education will allow them to maintain these qualities until the last days of life, delighting the owners with love and tenderness.