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Petunia and Poppy are Cornish Rex cats owned by Charlene and Bill Band.
“The first Cornish Rex was discovered in Cornwall, UK in the 1950s,” Charlene says. “This unusual breed, with their curly hair and large ‘bat’ ears, is the result of a genetic mutation of a barn cat litter. The farmer interbred the litter with their same mother and more Rex were the result. What happened next, I don’t know. Did the farmer give/sell the kitties to a breeder?
“The best catteries hand-raise the kittens and they are highly socialized from day one. They are very sweet in nature. I mean the cats. Not so the cattery people. They’re, um, weird? They neuter and spay the kitties before they are sold to protect the breeding line.
“Poppy and Petunia aren’t related. Just pals. They’re almost 10 years old and are still active and running around like youngsters. And Poppy is a real jumper. Window sill, up to the top of the fireplace, and up to the top of the wall unit that has to be another five feet? Not unusual for Rex to live for 15+ years. They are so agile and energetic. Greyhounds of cats.”
Have you got an amazing pet you would like to share with us? Send a photo and some information about your pet to editor@winchesternews.org with Pet of the Week in the subject line. And if you would prefer to have our photographer Frank Siteman make a portrait of your pet, let us know.
