Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Abyssinian |  Cornish Rex |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Ethiopia | Cornwall, England, from a single spontaneous mutation in 1950 |
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Coat | Short | Short |
| Weight | 3–5.5 kg | 2.5–4.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–15 yrs | 12–16 yrs |
| Energy | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Affection | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Grooming needs | 2/10 | 2/10 |
| Vocality | 4/10 | 5/10 |
| Good with kids | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Good with pets | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Shedding | 3/10 | 2/10 |
| Flat fit | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Editor score | 4.4 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Running cost | €74 / month | €80 / month |
Abyssinian verdict
Perpetual motion in a ticked coat
Get one if
- · Active owners who want an interactive cat
- · Homes with tall climbing space
- · Households taking two active cats
Think again if
- · Anyone wanting a calm lap cat
- · Homes with no vertical space
- · Owners who need tidy, untouched surfaces
Cornish Rex verdict
Marcel waves, whippet lines, and a cat that never really stops.
Get one if
- · Your home is warm year round
- · You want an athletic, funny, involved cat
- · You will provide a tall tree and shelves
Think again if
- · Your home is cool or draughty
- · You want a calm, restful cat
- · No climbing furniture is planned