Devon Rex
SmallFamily-friendlyActive families

Devon Rex

"The mischievous pixie of the feline world, a curly-coated companion with a huge heart!"

8.5/1024 kg915 years40 min/day130€/month
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Overview

Meet the Devon Rex, the cat that redefines the word 'charm'! With their unique appearance, reminiscent of a small elf or, some would say, an adorable little alien, Devon Rexes have captured the hearts of many families. It's not just their soft, wavy fur that makes them special, but their playful, outgoing personalities. They are famous for their love of tricks and their incredible ability to jump and climb. If you've ever thought of a cat that acts a little like a dog, following you from room to room and always ready for a good play session, the Devon Rex might just be the perfect companion! They are intelligent, curious, and love nothing more than being at the center of family action. Get ready to be entertained, loved, and perhaps a little trained by this amazing feline with big eyes and even bigger ears.

Devon Rex

Key facts

Size
Small
Weight
2–4 kg
Life expectancy
9–15 years
Daily exercise
40 min/day
Estimated total
130€/month
Country
United Kingdom
Energy5/5
Trainability5/5
Low shedding5/5
Low grooming needs4/5
With children5/5
Low upkeep cost3/5

Character & temperament

Devon Rexes are pure fun and personality! They are often described as 'dogs in cat suits' due to their loyalty, their tendency to follow their humans around the house, and their love for fetch. They are outgoing, playful, and extremely intelligent. They love to learn tricks, and it's not unusual to see them jump onto their owners' shoulders or even play with toys hanging from the ceiling. They are the kind of cat that wants to be involved in everything you do, from cooking dinner to watching a movie. Get ready for lots of laughs and mischief!

Living with children

Devon Rexes and children are an explosive combination of fun! They are known for their patience and playful nature, making them fantastic companions for children of all ages, especially those 5-6 years and older who already understand how to interact respectfully with an animal. They love to join in family games, and might even tolerate a little dress-up if kids enjoy costumes (always under adult supervision!). Their energy and eagerness to play keep them active and entertained. It's vital to teach children to be gentle with their delicate fur and large, sensitive ears. With early socialization, they will adapt wonderfully to a noisy, child-filled home.

With other pets

Devon Rexes are true social chameleons and generally get along wonderfully with other household pets. Their curious and playful nature means they see other cats or even friendly dogs as potential playmates. It's important to introduce them gradually and under supervision to ensure a smooth transition. With their short coat and low aggression, they are an excellent choice for multi-pet households, as long as they are given the opportunity to socialize and adapt. You might even find them curled up with small dogs or exploring the house in tandem with another cat.

Health & prevention

Devon Rexes are generally a robust breed, but like all breeds, they have some genetic predispositions to certain conditions. One of the most well-known is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart disease that can be detected through ultrasounds. They may also be prone to Patellar Luxation and a hereditary form of muscular dystrophy that affects their muscles. It is crucial to choose a responsible breeder who performs health screenings on the parent cats. To keep your feline elf in top form, make sure to take them for annual veterinary check-ups, keep up-to-date with vaccinations and deworming, and offer a high-quality diet. Their delicate skin may also require sun protection if they spend time outdoors.

Health risks

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Spasticity
  • Patellar luxation

Care

Nutrition

Grooming & hygiene

The peculiar coat of the **Devon Rex** requires a slightly different kind of care than other breeds. Since they have little hair, they don't need frequent brushing (once or twice a week with a soft brush is enough to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils!). However, their skin can accumulate oils, which might require occasional baths (every few weeks or when they get dirty). Be sure to use a gentle, cat-specific shampoo! It's also important to clean their ears regularly with a vet-recommended solution, as their large ears can accumulate wax and dirt. And don't forget nail trimming every 2-3 weeks and dental hygiene.

Exercise & training

Exercise plan

Training

Monthly cost

Food
30
Vet
50
Grooming
10
Insurance
25
Accessories
15
Estimated total
130 /mes

Monthly costs are an estimate. Initial health expenses (vaccinations, neutering) are a significant outlay, and the cost of a Devon Rex kitten can vary, but generally ranges from €800 to €1500 depending on the breeder and lineage.

Estimate for Spain, healthy adult cat. Varies by region and provider.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Extremely affectionate and attached
  • Very playful and intelligent
  • Excellent with children and other pets
  • Requires little grooming (though occasional baths)
  • Unique and fun personality
  • Hypoallergenic for some people with mild allergies

Cons

  • !Needs a lot of attention and interaction
  • !Can be destructive if bored
  • !Poor tolerance for solitude
  • !Sensitive to cold (needs warmth)
  • !Sensitive skin that requires sun protection

Ideal for

  • Active families with time for play
  • Homes with older children and other pets
  • Owners seeking an interactive and affectionate cat
  • Clicker training enthusiasts
  • People who enjoy 'dog-like' cats

Not recommended for

  • People looking for an independent cat
  • Households where the cat will be alone for long hours
  • Families unable to dedicate time to play
  • Very cold climates without proper insulation

How it fits each scenario

Apartment living

Excellent. They adapt very well to apartment living as long as they have enough indoor stimulation and play.

House with garden

Very good, but should be supervised or have a secure garden (enclosure) due to their tendency to get into everything and their sensitive skin. They will always prefer human company outdoors.

Hot climate

Good with precautions. They need sun protection if going outdoors and a cool environment indoors.

Cold climate

Requires warmth. Their thin coat is not sufficient for cold climates; they need sweaters or blankets.

With kids under 6

With supervision. Their playful nature is good, but their delicate build requires toddlers to be taught to be very gentle.

With kids 6-12

Excellent. They are interactive and patient playmates, ideal for school-aged children who understand a cat's needs.

First-time owner

Good. They are very friendly and relatively easy to care for in terms of training and grooming, but require an owner committed to interaction.

Experienced owner

Excellent. Experienced owners will appreciate their unique personality and enjoy the depth of the relationship that can be built.

Very active family

Perfect. They enjoy interaction, play, and companionship, fitting perfectly into a dynamic household.

Time-poor family

Not ideal. They dislike being alone and can develop anxiety or destructive behaviors if they don't receive enough attention.

Allergies at home

Potentially. Some mild hair allergy sufferers may tolerate them, as they shed less hair. An interaction test is always recommended.

Tight budget

Not ideal. Requires investment in quality preventive veterinary care, plus potential expenses for heating/clothing in winter.

Origin & history

Country
United Kingdom
Era
20th
Group
Shorthair

The story of the Devon Rex is as fascinating as the breed itself. It all began in 1959 in Buckfastleigh, Devon, England, when a cat lover named Beryl Cox discovered an unusual-looking kitten among the offspring of a stray cat she owned. This kitten, named Kirlee, possessed a very distinctive curly coat, similar to that of the Cornish Rex cats already being bred, but with a different genetic mutation. Initially, it was thought that Kirlee might be related to the Cornish Rex, but genetic testing soon revealed that his curl was the result of a completely new and unique mutation. Thus, Kirlee became the progenitor of a new and exciting breed.

Did you know…?

The Devon Rex is so unique that it is rumored the **Cheshire Cat** character from 'Alice in Wonderland' might have been inspired by a cat with a similar look to a Devon Rex, with its wide grin and expressive eyes! In fact, in the anime series "**Pokémon**", the Pokémon **Alolan Persian**, with its round face and large eyes, somewhat resembles the distinctive, 'pixie-like' appearance of Devon Rexes.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Devon Rex truly hypoallergenic?

No cat is 100% hypoallergenic. However, Devon Rexes produce less of the Fel d 1 protein, the main cause of allergies, and shed less hair, making them a better option for people with mild allergies. It's always recommended to spend time with a Devon Rex before adopting to check for an allergic reaction.

Do they need clothes in winter?

Yes, due to their short and fine coat, Devon Rexes are sensitive to cold. In cool climates or during winter months indoors, they will appreciate a soft sweater or a blanket to stay warm. It's not just for style, it's for comfort!

Are they good for travel?

Yes! Because they are so attached to their humans and adaptable, many Devon Rexes enjoy traveling, especially if it's with their family. With a good carrier and early socialization, they can be excellent travel companions by car or plane.

How long does a Devon Rex live?

With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups, a Devon Rex can live between 10 and 15 years, and even longer in some cases. Many years of fun and companionship!

Can they be left alone?

They are not the ideal breed to be left alone for extended periods. They love company and can experience separation anxiety. If your family is very active and can't always be home, consider having two Devon Rexes or a compatible animal companion.

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