The Devon Rex sports a curly coat that varies among individual cats; some have neat, even coverage of curls that creates a washboard appearance similar to the Cornish Rex coat, others have loose curls leaving nearly hairless patches and a shaggy look elsewhere, and many have something in between. This breed's huge ears are set low on its wedge-shaped head, its nose is slightly upturned, its eyes are strikingly large, and its cheekbones are high and prominent, all of which creates a pixie-like appearance. Devon Rexes come in all colors and patterns.
Because of their thin coats, it's necessary to minimize sun contact and provide a source of heat during cold weather.
The comparison to pixies doesn't stop at the physical. These cats possess superior intelligence, a jester-like personality, and high energy, and they gravitate toward mischief. Devon Rexes are active, playful, and loving. They crave attention and go out of their way to get it. They integrate nicely into homes with children or other animals.
Devon Rexes are widely but incorrectly believed to be hypoallergenic because of their unique coats. However, it isn't a cat's hair that triggers allergies, it's dead skin cells (dander) or saliva, both of which the Devon Rex has. These cats are famous for feeling quite warm, but their temperature doesn't run higher than any other cat's does. Their coats don't provide much insulation to seal in body heat. This is why they cats seek out electrical devices and other heat sources to sit on or near.
The Devon Rex is an active, outgoing breed. It wants frequent attention and lets everyone know it. These cats are eager to play and clown around, but also enjoy spending affectionate time on a shoulder or in a lap. These aren't typical aloof, independent cats.
Homes with children (especially older children who like to play and do so appropriately), other pets, or attentive adults are suitable companions for these cats. Devon Rexes can turn anything into a toy or a game and won't hesitate to do so.
Devon Rexes are highly intelligent and curious, even by cat standards. This gives them the ability to entertain themselves, which they sometimes do. This also means they get into places they shouldn't have access to. Take precautions to keep these cats safe from potential household hazards.
These generally healthy cats live 15 years or longer with proper care, which includes annual veterinary checkups, daily exercise, and a healthy diet without an excess of calories. Because of their thin coats, it's necessary to minimize sun contact and provide a source of heat during cold weather.
Devon Rexes have a genetic predisposition to patellar luxation, which causes their kneecaps to dislodge. Individual episodes inhibit mobility but usually resolve on their own, but severe cases may require surgical correction. They may also have hereditary myopathy, a neuromuscular disorder causing muscle weakness. Additionally, these cats are predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a common cause of feline heart disease.
Devon Rexes should be acquired from a reputable breeder that provides evidence the kitten's parents were screened for hereditary conditions and also offers a written good-health guarantee. Of course, there are no guarantees that health problems will not develop.
Devon Rexes are definitely trainable cats. They take quickly to games like fetch and generally do well with travel. Once they learn games, they expect to play them. Teaching these cats tricks and encouraging them to perform is a good way to stimulate them.
The same traits that make Devon Rexes so trainable also make them prone to boredom. Ensure they have a rotating supply of puzzle toys and other items for fun and mental challenges. An under-stimulated Devon Rex is likely to get into trouble or develop behavioral problems.
Ideally, this breed should be purchased or adopted by those wanting a constant companion that desires attention and interaction. These cats are particularly poorly suited to going outside. They eagerly wander and investigate cars, animals, unfamiliar substances, and other dangers that tragically shorten many outdoor cats' lives. Their coat also provides inadequate protection from the sun's rays.
Devon Rexes are low-maintenance from a grooming standpoint. Their fragile hairs easily become damaged or fall out when brushed or combed, so avoid these grooming procedures. If tangles necessitate grooming, do it gently. Their skin can become greasy, especially on the ears, paws, and in skin folds. A gentle shampooing on an as-needed basis will take care of this problem.
Many people think these cats don't shed, but, like all animals with hair, they do. They shed very minimally, though, and their hairs are so short and fine that they're hard to spot. Look over the cat's coat periodically; while nearly bare patches aren't uncommon, hairless areas are abnormal and should be examined by a veterinarian.
A Devon Rex's enormous ears are a concern, as they can become dirty, debris-filled, waxy, and infected. Using a gentle otic cleanser recommended by a veterinarian will prevent problems, and inspecting the ears closely for discharge, bad odor, redness, or other symptoms of infection should be done weekly. The nails should be clipped as needed, approximately once every week or two. Regular brushing and routine dental care will keep breath fresh and help prevent periodontal disease.
The Devon Rex is a young breed, with the first of its kind born in Devon, England in 1960. A straight-haired female cat belonging to a woman named Beryl Cox gave birth to a litter that year, and, thanks to a spontaneous natural mutation, one of the kittens had curly hair. The mother had mated with a feral curly-haired male living in a nearby tin mine.
Cox named this kitten Kirlee. She eventually learned of a similar occurrence 10 years earlier in Cornwall, where a curly-haired kitten named Killabunker began the breed called Cornish Rex. She read an article about Cornish Rex breeders' desperation to preserve the genetic code for this unique coat and contacted them. The breeders purchased Kirlee.
To everyone's surprise, matings between Kirlee and Cornish Rexes produced straight-haired offspring. The breeders realized, contrary to all assumptions, that a different gene was responsible for Killabunker and Kirlee, meaning the Cornish and Devon Rexes were unrelated. A new breeding program began and remains underway with careful outcrossings to American and British Shorthairs to provide adequate genetic diversity. Devon Rexes first came to America in 1968. They haven't achieved as much popularity as Cornish Rexes, but are making steady gains.
Devon Rexes were first recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 1983. Some groups were faster to adopt the breed, with the American Cat Fanciers' Association accepting them in 1972 and The International Cat Association accepting them in 1979.
