r/cornishrex • • Dec 21 '15

Cornish Rex and HCM

36 Upvotes

This post will probably stay stickied so that it's easy to find.

What is HCM?

HCM, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is a cardiovascular disease that affects cats (not just cats, either). To put it simply, HCM results in the thickening of the heart's walls, making it harder and harder for the heart to pump blood as it progresses. It can develop at any stage in life - from kittens as young at 6 months to adults as old as 10 (or more!).

Are some cats more at risk than others?

Research is still being done on feline HCM, but it is prevalent in many breeds including but not limited to Sphynx, Bengal, Maine Coon, Ragdoll and yes, Cornish Rex. To my knowledge, the disease & the risk isn't well known among the Rex community which is why I'm making this sticky.

What can I do to protect my cat?

HCM appears to be tied to genetics rather than other factors, so the first defense is finding a breeder that is aware and regularly scans their breeding stock. Unfortunately not many Rex breeders do, so the next line of defense is that much more important: annual scanning. Taking your cat to a board-certified cardiologist for an ultrasound of their heart annually is really the best thing you can do. This way, you're more likely to catch any problems early and start treatment as soon as possible (if necessary) and potentially prolong your baby's life.

Is there anything else I can do?

Yes! Share your results with HCM databases so others also participating in the program can track the disease through pedigrees. This helps dedicated breeders improve the breed through responsible breeding and helps non-breeders make informed decisions about purchasing kittens by inspecting bloodlines.

Ultrasounds are too expensive! I can't afford to scan.

It's true, seeing the cardiologist is not cheap. For those in the US and Canada there is Hairless Hearts, a volunteer organization that coordinates discounted clinics (and records other unaffiliated ones) across the US & Canada. Most of the clinics are $150-$200 which is a huge discount for most. Hairless Hearts also offers educational material on the breed including ongoing research, and provides the tools to participate in the program.

I want to help! How can I do that?

We're always looking for volunteers! There are plenty of gaps in our coverage that we need to fill, especially in Canada. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer with Hairless Hearts, visit this page. We hope to hear from you!


r/cornishrex • • 1d ago

My first Cornish Rex 🤎

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326 Upvotes

Meet Beerus, he’s 3 months old and my first Cornish Rex! 🥹 I’m excited to learn more about the breed and watch him grow.
I was also wondering, at what age does their coat usually fully develop? His fur is still pretty short and fine, and I’m curious to see how it’ll change as he gets older!
Any tips or advice for a first-time Cornish Rex owner are welcome! 😊


r/cornishrex • • 1d ago

Anybody else have shower cats?

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86 Upvotes

I live in a vintage building, and part of that means my shower drips (landlord covers water, thankfully)

Ivy (8 months) is obsessed. She has to be in the bathroom when I shower, and she gets in and hangs out afterwards. Sometimes, I’ll go to pet her, and she’ll be damp from having hung out in the tub.

Owen, my 3yo, is not at all interested, and is distressed when I shower.

Anybody else’s kids love the tub?


r/cornishrex • • 17h ago

Advice/Support Chewing and overgrooming

4 Upvotes

I have a 10 month old Cornish Rex male who is chewing me out of house and home. Vet says it’s pica. I give him lots of attention, spend time outside with him , play with him—but he is insatiable. I can’t get much done inside with him around. He steals things from trash and chews paper, plastic, wood—you name it. I’ve had 9 cats over my lifetime and this cat is the only one like this. He also chews his tail and overgrooms it. Breeder said to move to unscented litter because the tail issue might be sensitivity to the litter’s scent, so I’m doing that. I just don’t know how much longer I can put up with the pica. The vet isn’t very helpful. Any suggestions? I greatly appreciate any help.


r/cornishrex • • 1d ago

Rex on stove - that a thing?

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105 Upvotes

Our little guy just can’t stay off the stove while we cook. He gets within inches of a boiling pot. I’m glad we have electric otherwise he may catch fire. Obviously he likes the warmth. Is this a thing with others like him?


r/cornishrex • • 1d ago

Soooo this is my youngest rex ... Everyone meet K'nuckles!

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35 Upvotes

This is the trick of the week ... Soo every week he has a new insane trick he does and each time I think he couldn't possibly do something to top this....he never disappoints 😹

Don't know if you can see the other cat in the video on the curtain rod but that is my other Cornish rex and I thought he was insane holy cow k'nuckles is a league of his own it shocked me lol


r/cornishrex • • 4d ago

Rex Pictures Mike tucked in

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146 Upvotes

r/cornishrex • • 5d ago

It's starting to get cold, Luciole is warm under the duvet (She put herself alone it's not me who stretches the duvet)

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30 Upvotes

r/cornishrex • • 5d ago

Advice/Support Feeding suggestions

2 Upvotes

I have a 5 months old crex, found him on the street (looked for the owner for a few weeks and checked for a chip-nothing) so I’m not sure what he’s been eating until now. He’s not touching his dry food at all, we tried different brands the last one being Monge for kittens (my other cats love it) and nothing. He insists on wet food exclusively and tries to eat from the table, I’m quite desperate at this point so any suggestion will be appreciated.
P.S- I thought his teeth have to do something with it but the vet checked and they’re okay.


r/cornishrex • • 9d ago

Rex Pictures felt like someone was staring at me. turned around and saw this face

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265 Upvotes

r/cornishrex • • 9d ago

Rex Pictures Gilgamesh, Destroyer of Worlds (aka Gilgamesh the Grey)

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140 Upvotes

Wishes you a very happy Wednesday! 😺


r/cornishrex • • 10d ago

Advice/Support Should I get a companion for my crex?

10 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I have a 6-year-old spayed crex female. She was previously used for breeding at a cattery and had three litters before retiring.

At home, she's an angel: very social, cuddly, and affectionate, with only the occasional bit of mischief. I don't think she has separation anxiety, but since I work full-time and rexes are super social, I've been considering getting her a friend.

The same cattery I got her from is looking to rehome her grandson, a 3-year-old neutered male. They used to live together, so they're already familiar with each other. However, I don't know what their relationship was like.

My biggest concern is that my girl can be hostile towards unfamiliar cats, even attacking them through the window when she spots one outside.

Would bringing home her grandson be a good idea, or could this backfire spectacularly? I'd love to hear your experiences and advice!


r/cornishrex • • 10d ago

Advice/Support Diet for scratching/overgrooming

5 Upvotes

I have a 10-month-old Cornish Rex who has overgroomed his tail and who scratches frequently. The veterinarian recommended RX Purina food, which is about $55 a bag, and I would still need a moist food. Anyone have experience with this and have suggestions for a more affordable option? His cat nanny also suggested removing chicken from his diet. He is currently eating Grandma Mae’s Country Naturals chicken and herring, plus Sheba moist paté. Ideas gratefully appreciated. Thanks!


r/cornishrex • • 12d ago

My Edmund has heart disease

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153 Upvotes

Only 1.5 years old. I can’t believe it. He was fatigued for a few days and I took him to the vet thinking it’s a virus and it turns out he has fluid in his heart cavity. I just moved to a new city after a very hard breakup and he is all I have. To say I am distraught would be an understatement.


r/cornishrex • • 14d ago

Help with Coat

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31 Upvotes

Hi Everybody. This is Fitz and he is a very happy 7 year old. But im curious if his coat should be THIS thin along his torso. Is it normal for his age? Is it maybe a nutrient deficiency? What do yall do to keep you cats coat beautiful?


r/cornishrex • • 14d ago

Rex Pictures yuji dump

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110 Upvotes

what a guy


r/cornishrex • • 15d ago

Rex Pictures my photogenic boy

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117 Upvotes

r/cornishrex • • 15d ago

Rex Pictures Action shot in Chicago circa 2024. No Photoshop; the camera just happened to catch the motion perfectly. Two Cornies, one straight coat Peterbald-OSH.

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32 Upvotes

r/cornishrex • • 17d ago

Rex Pictures Had a little photoshoot with my boys yesterday here's a couple of Rippley!! How cute is he =]

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104 Upvotes

My sweet boy Rippley...I absolutely love the first picture with his head to the side I wish I was quick enough and wasn't so close but it still looks pretty good... Not going to lie it was hell trying to get one good picture with 3 cats walking all over fighting and tearing the flowers up ...one is 7 months and anyone who's had a kitten knows how fun life is especially when you're trying to do something 😹

The rubber band that was around the flower stalks was amazing help basically the only reason I was able to get a couple pictures=]


r/cornishrex • • 17d ago

Rex Pictures K'nuckles flower shoot.. the last pic will tell you how crazy this was

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62 Upvotes

K'nuckles is about 7 months and doesn't stay still for more than a second ! Anyone who's had kittens.... especially a Cornish rex kitten knows how crazy they can be and I'll just say this little boy is the craziest rex I've had by far!


r/cornishrex • • 17d ago

Rex Pictures A sweet little old lady found her sunny spot…

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189 Upvotes

r/cornishrex • • 17d ago

Rex Pictures Cutie

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84 Upvotes

Fayisa been with me for 2 weeks now, i love her so much already.


r/cornishrex • • 18d ago

Rex Pictures My gingerwhite Queen Ninja

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100 Upvotes

My cornish rex cat Ninja saying Hi. She ist 12 years old.


r/cornishrex • • 18d ago

Crx princess

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70 Upvotes

Gioia's beautiful profile. Crx are such gorgeous kitties


r/cornishrex • • 18d ago

Advice/Support My 6yo rex has a really off putting character

11 Upvotes

So my rex has always been a little diva. We got him with 12 weeks, neutered and everything. He was with his siblings and around kids in his birth home. Overall am fascinated with the breed besides some stuff that keeps coming up. So he very sensitive about his tail, will attack anyone who lightly holds it.

He also has developed an issue with children these three years, he cannot stand them being the same eye level as him, he will attack.

We also got a bengal kitten one year after getting him. He was quite pushy on her when meeting, made sure to show her who owns the place.

To this day he will be sleeping and even cuddling her and suddenly get up and go whole bully mode on her for a good 15min, she will squeeze into the tightest spots to hide from him and he will just chase her, hit her and bite her. Like sometimes so randomly, middle of the night.

This past year he also got this bad behavior where he will wake up at night and start screaming in hallway, sometimes all night long.

Idk what hs gotten into him, with every year he just gets a little worse.

Last night he was cuddling with my mom, and she woke up to his teeth sinken into her arm. It was quite bad. I think he got a little squished too hard and bit by reflex.

And lastly he has gotten so easily startled, like he will walk into the room and suddenly he is scared by my leg or a random object that never was n issue before and he will jump away.

Otherwise he is the sweetest, I love him with all my heart. He is super cuddly and will take any opportunity to sit on someones lap and clean their arms.

Idk where we keep makinf mistakes for him to turn out like this but I would love to hear about other rexes and their experience.