Devon Rex Personality and Temperament
Petite size, pixie-like facial features, and an incredibly sociable personality make the Devon Rex cat a favorite. At the same time, this breed has a unique coat that makes it stand out from the rest: These adorable felines have soft, ultra-fine fur with a wavy texture - there’s nothing else quite like it.
If you've been looking for a low-shedding cat, the Devon Rex comes close. While there's no such thing as a fully hypoallergenic cat breed, Devon Rex cats have such fine, short hair and shed so little that they leave barely a trace of themselves behind on furniture and clothing.
Elvin facial features including massive wide-set eyes and huge bat-like ears contribute to the Devon Rex cat’s signature appearance as well. Their personalities might be described as elvish too; these fun-loving cats are incredibly inquisitive, often following their family members around in an attempt to be involved in whatever is happening.
Sometimes described as part dog, part cat, and part monkey, these felines are accomplished climbers, and they’ll do whatever it takes to perch in the highest spot they can find - preferably one with a great view. They have an appreciation for tiny hiding places, too: Their owners might find them tucked behind the refrigerator, hiding under the sofa, or peering out from the insides of bookshelves.
Easily trained, they find a great deal of enjoyment in outdoor walks (leashed, of course!) and rousing games of fetch. When playtime comes to an end, the Devon Rex loves to settle down and enjoy affectionate cuddles. Not only do these kitties seek attention from their human family members, they also have a reputation for getting on well with other pets.
While Devon Rex cats are friendly toward everyone, it’s worth noting that they tend to choose a favorite person with whom to share most of their affection. As talkative as they are cuddly, they tend to converse in a series of chirps and trills rather than traditional meows.
Care
Nutrition
Grooming
Exercise
Health
Devon Rex cats don’t have any special nutritional requirements, but they do need a high-quality food with ample protein. Since these cats are small-statured, obesity can cause serious joint pain and other issues.
It’s very important to keep these kitties at the correct weight by offering the right amount of food and avoiding excess carbohydrates.
As low-maintenance cats go, the Devon Rex is a champion! These kitties have barely any hair to brush, although they might enjoy a warm bath if poor distribution of body oils causes a greasy feel.
Keep your cat’s ears clean and consider teaching them how to have their teeth brushed. You might also want to keep your kitty’s claws clipped - particularly as Devons have a reputation for jumping and climbing!
The Devon Rex is an athletic breed and you shouldn’t have to make much of an effort to keep them entertained. At the same time though, your cat will appreciate a well-stocked basket of toys as well as a cat tree and at least one scratching post. They'll be happy to play fetch with you and learn other tricks whenever you have time.
While the Devon Rex generally enjoys good health, there are some known issues with the breed, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a form of heart disease. Some have hereditary myopathy, which is an inherited condition that affects muscle function, and some have a musculoskeletal disorder called patellar luxation.
Because their coats can be thin, these cats are prone to sunburn and chills. They must be kept in a warm indoor environment.
History
In 1959, a short-haired domestic cat owned by Beryl Cox of Buckfastleigh, Devon, England gave birth to a litter of kittens. One of these had a short, curly coat. The litter’s father was believed to be a tomcat with a curly coat, that frequented an old abandoned tin mill in the area.
Beryl Cox knew about the Cornish Rex cat breed and she thought that the curly-coated kitten might be related. She named the kitten Kirilee and when he matured, she brought him to a Cornish Rex cat breeder, who paired him with one of their females.
The resulting litter contained kittens with normal, straight coats, signifying that Kirilee had a different genetic mutation than the Cornish Rex. Eventually, a breeding program was established and the Devon Rex cat breed was developed. Even today, all Devon Rex cats can be traced directly back to Kirilee, the original curly coated kitten.
With a successful breeding program in place, the Cornish Rex quickly gained popularity. Devons first made their way to the United States in 1968, and in 1979, the breed was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). Today, the Devon Rex is accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA) and all other major cat registries.
Did You Know?
Even though the Devon Rex cat shares some similarities with Cornish Rex and German Rex cats in terms of appearance, the three breeds are distinct as their coats are produced with the help of different gene mutations. The gene that gives the Devon Rex’s coat its unique texture is Devon Gene.
If you think the Devon Rex cat looks a bit like the character Yoda from the Star Wars series, you might be right! Steven Spielberg had a Devon Rex cat as his personal pet and urban legend states that his cat influenced Yoda's appearance.
Devon Rex cats are heat-seeking cuddlers. If you let your cat sleep with you, don't be surprised if they try to join you under the covers.
The Breed Standard
Eyes
Legs & Paws
Tail
Body
Head
Ears
Coat
Color
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Devon Rex cat cost?
Devon Rex cats cost between $600-$2,000.
How big do Devon Rex cats get?
Devon Rex cats tend to be small in size. A fully grown Devon Rex cat might weigh between 6-9 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 12"-14" inches tall.
How long do Devon Rex cats live?
The Average lifespan for Devon Rex is 10-15 years.
Do Devon Rex cats shed?
Devon Rex are short-haired cats. Therefore, they do not shed as much as long-haired cat breeds.
i have a devon rex. he’s a doll! playful, cuddles, gets along with the other kitties. he has even made the standoffish bully play with him. and, oh lord, he smurgles! it really is a thing, look it up. my only complaint is that as of now, he sneaks up and nose dives into whatever i’m eating
Nice! He sounds adorable and like a wonderful kitty.