Breed Guide

Devon Rex

General Information

The Devon Rex is a small, agile breed known for its distinctive wavy coat, large ears, and slender, muscular body. Highly intelligent and playful, Devon Rex cats are affectionate, social, and enjoy interacting with their human families. They often seek attention and companionship, making them engaging and lively pets for households that can provide both mental and physical stimulation. Their curious and mischievous nature, combined with their loving personality, makes them a unique and entertaining companion.

Physical:

Devon Rex cats have a small to medium, slender, and muscular build with fine bones. Their most distinctive feature is their short, soft, wavy coat that lies close to the body. They have a wedge-shaped head with prominent cheekbones, large wide-set ears, and large, expressive eyes that give them a pixie-like appearance. Their long, slender legs and tail contribute to an elegant, delicate look. A true Devon Rex combines the unique wavy coat, large ears, and slender muscular frame with a playful, alert expression.

Personality:

Devon Rex cats are energetic, playful, and highly social. They love interactive games, climbing, and exploring their environment, often seeking out human attention and companionship. Affectionate and curious, they form strong bonds with their families and enjoy being part of daily activities. Despite their lively and mischievous nature, they are gentle and intelligent, making them engaging and entertaining companions for owners who enjoy an active, interactive pet.

Health & Care:

The Devon Rex has a soft, short, wavy coat that requires minimal grooming. Weekly gentle brushing is usually enough to remove loose hairs and maintain the coat’s delicate texture, keeping it soft, smooth, and healthy.

Hygiene

Full baths are rarely necessary, only when the cat is visibly dirty, using a cat-friendly shampoo.

Nails should be trimmed every 2–3 weeks with a proper cat nail clipper; if you’re unsure, a veterinarian or professional groomer can assist.

Their teeth should be brushed 2–3 times per week using a cat toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste—ask a vet to demonstrate proper technique if you’ve never done this before.

Ears should be checked weekly and cleaned gently with a cotton pad or a vet-recommended solution as needed.

Common Health Issues

Devon Rex cats are generally healthy, but they can be prone to a few breed-specific concerns. These include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition that can develop in some cats, and patellar luxation, a knee joint issue. They may also have sensitive skin, which can be prone to irritation or fungal infections if not cared for properly. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care help ensure they stay healthy and detect any issues early.

History:

Origin

The Devon Rex originated in England in the late 1950s, when a curly-coated kitten named Kirlee was discovered in Devon. Breeders were fascinated by his unique wavy coat, large ears, and elfin appearance, and they developed the Devon Rex breed by selectively breeding Kirlee’s descendants with other domestic cats. Today, the Devon Rex is recognized worldwide for its playful personality, slender body, and distinctive curly coat.

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