The Cornish Rex has a racy slender, body which stands tall on its legs. Do not be fooled though, while these cats appear fine-boned and elegant they are actually hard bodied and muscular for all their dainty appearance. They have a natural arch to their back that matches a tuck-up to their waist that flows into a long tapering tail. The Cornish have dainty oval paws and tend to walk high on their nimble toes. Their head is often said to look like an egg on its side with high cheekbones. They have tall ears that sit high on their head, but not so high as to give it a donkey-like look. Cornish Rex have oval expressive eyes with a slight upward slant and a patrician roman nose.

Of course, the most unique feature of the Cornish Rex is their coat. Unlike most cats, Cornish coats do not have guard hairs and the hair lays in marcel waves that can be tight or loose–they are often compared to a washboard in appearance and to Chenille in touch with its incredibly soft and silky texture. The curls even extend to their whiskers, which are foreshortened and curled. They require little grooming, although they have a tendency to get greasy ears and toes. Females, on an average, weigh 5-7 pounds while males weigh 8-10 pounds. They come in all colors and patterns from pointed to solid to tabbies, with or without white. Their bodies often appear to be warmer to the touch, then the average cat and actually have a slightly higher than normal temperature. They love warm places, be it a heat vent, sunspot, warm lap or under the blankets in bed.