Devon Rex

Overview

The Devon Rex appeared in 1959 in Devon, England, when a curly-coated kitten named Kirlee was born near an abandoned tin mine. Initially thought to be related to the Cornish Rex (discovered a decade earlier in nearby Cornwall), genetic testing revealed the Devon’s curly coat came from an entirely different mutation. With their pixie-like faces, oversized ears, and mischievous personalities, Devon Rex cats have been charming families ever since.

Appearance

Devon Rex are small-to-medium cats with an unmistakable elfin appearance. Their large, low-set ears, enormous eyes, high cheekbones, and short snub nose give them an almost alien look. Their coat is short, soft, and wavy, with a suede-like texture. Some Devons have full coats while others have thinner coverage, especially on the chest and belly. They come in virtually every color and pattern. Their body is slender but muscular with long legs and a whip-like tail.

Personality

Devon Rex are the clowns of the cat world. They are incredibly playful, mischievous, and entertaining — expect them to perch on your shoulder, steal food from your plate, and learn to open cabinets. They are extremely people-oriented, wanting to be involved in every activity. They love warmth and will seek out laps, warm spots, and will burrow under blankets. Despite their small size, they have enormous personalities and boundless energy.

Health Considerations

Devon Rex can be prone to hereditary myopathy (a muscle weakness condition), patellar luxation, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Their curly coat means they can be sensitive to skin conditions. Some Devons produce more ear wax than other breeds, requiring regular ear cleaning. They can sunburn on sparsely coated areas.

Care and Grooming

Their delicate coat requires gentle handling — a soft cloth or chamois is better than a brush. Bathing is occasionally needed as their coat doesn’t absorb skin oils as well as normal fur. Clean their large ears weekly. They feel cold easily, so provide warm beds and consider cat sweaters in winter. They are best kept indoors.

Diet and Nutrition

Devon Rex have fast metabolisms due to their active nature and need adequate calories for their energy expenditure. They are notorious food thieves and will eat almost anything, so keep food securely stored. Use our Cat Calorie Calculator for proper portion sizing and the Cat Weight Chart to ensure healthy weight.

Fun Facts

• Devon Rex are sometimes called “poodle cats” due to their curly coat, or “monkey in a cat suit” for their mischievous behavior.
• They wag their tails when happy, much like dogs.
• Their large ears and elfin features inspired comparisons to Yoda and other fantasy creatures.

Sources

• Devon Rex - Wikipedia
• Devon Rex Breed - CFA
• Devon Rex - TICA