Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a relatively new cat breed with a very distinct appearance that is often described as being pixie-like. The first Devon Rex appeared in the litter of a tortoise and white female who had mated with an unknown tomcat in the 1960s. The kitten, named Kirklee, was initially considered to be a Cornish Rex but it lacked the well-defined waves in its coat, so breeders began to develop the Devon Rex as its own breed.

Devon Rex Breed Profile

The Devon Rex is a small to medium-sized cat breed with a broad wedge-shaped head, slender neck, and a muscular physique. Their tall ears are set wide apart on the skull which adds to their endearing pixie appearance. Their tails and legs are long and slender and are covered with a very short layer of dense fur.

Unlike other cat breeds, the whiskers of the Devon Rex are very short and curled which makes them appear as though they have no whiskers at all. The Devon Rex is one of the smallest cat breeds, reaching heights of up to 30 cm and weighing anywhere between 6 and 9lbs (3-4kg).

Coat

The Devon Rex is one of only four curly-haired cat breeds in existence. Their short coat consists of loose curls and waves that sit close to the body and are velvety to the touch. The hair is generally thicker and the waves more pronounced down their backs and flanks. Devon Rex coats come in a wide variety of colors from black or white, to cinnamon and lavender.

Eyes

The eyes of this breed are perhaps its most distinct feature as they appear large in relation to the size of their heads. The eyes are oval-shaped, slanting down towards their small noses, and set wide apart on the head. Their eyes come in a variety of colors including blue, orange, amber, green, and gold.

Behavior

Devon Rex cats are highly energetic felines that love nothing more than a good play session. They are also known to be a little mischievous and are incredibly agile jumpers so don’t be surprised if you find yours on top of the door frame or refrigerator. They also love to perch on their owners' shoulders for a ride! Devon Rex cats thrive on human companionship and have been known to follow their owners around the house looking for attention.

Personality

Devon Rexes are very affectionate and inquisitive cats that love to be involved in all household activities with the family, whether you are working, cleaning, or cooking! They are also highly intelligent so you will need to ensure you provide plenty of mental stimulation to keep their active brains alert. They love to be up high so ensure you offer plenty of opportunities to climb with cat posts, shelving, and comfortable hides placed high up in a room. These cats respond well to clicker training and can pick up new tricks quickly.

Devon Rex cats are the perfect family breed due to their playful, outgoing personalities. They tend to adore children that interact with them and can quickly move out of the way if things get a little too boisterous. These cats also get along well with dogs and other cats as long as they have been introduced properly.

The Devon Rex breed boasts a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. A brush once a week should be all that is required. Due to the unique composition of their curly coats, Devon Rex cats require very gentle grooming to ensure their fragile fur is not damaged.

These distinct-looking cats have become extremely popular with families in recent years. Still unsure as to whether you should adopt one of these playful felines? Here are a few pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Devon Rex cats are one of the most active breeds you can find! Many owners describe their Devon Rex cats as being very dog-like – they love to play fetch and will spend hours playing games with the family. They are complete attention hogs so if you are looking for a lovable, interactive feline companion then the Devon Rex may be the breed for you.

Cons

Due to their thin close-lying coats, Devon Rex cats are not considered to be suitable for people looking for an outdoor cat. This breed is susceptible to the cold and can easily become sunburnt in hot weather. They are also not suitable for families that have to leave the house for long periods because these cats can become lonely if left alone.

In Short

If you are looking for a bouncy, mischievous clown that will continuously entertain you with his silly antics then the Devon Rex is the cat for you. As long as you have the time and dedication to tend to his every whim, you will find yourself with a devoted family member that will have you giggling daily.

The Devon Rex is thought to be a relatively robust breed however they are prone to developing certain health conditions:

  • These cats are prone to a condition called Patella Luxation where the kneecap pops out of its normal position. The kneecap can back in on its own but surgery may be required in extreme circumstances to prevent arthritis.
  • Hip dysplasia also appears to be common in this breed, where the hip joint forms abnormally which leads to lameness in the back legs and joint degeneration. This condition can be diagnosed by your vet via an examination and radiograph.

References

  1. Devon Rex - PDSA
  2. Devon Rex Personality, Temperament, and Lifespan | Petplan

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