Family-friendly:2/5Playfulness:4/5Intelligence:4/5Tendency to Vocalise: 3/5Likes Other Pets:4/5Grooming needs:3/5Shedding:1/5

Devon Rex

Appropriately nicknamed Poodle cats because of their curly hair, the Devon Rex is a highly intelligent cat breed that, if provided with the right training, can even learn how to jump, heel, or fetch on command. They’re perfect companions due to their playful nature and gentle demeanour.

Lifespan

9 - 15 years

Weight

2.3 - 4.5kg

Colours

The Devon Rex comes in any colour or colour combination, with or without white markings and in a variety of patterns.

The need-to-know

Benefits from an experienced owner
Needs high-level of enrichment including simulated hunting games and interactive play
Highly active and inquisitive cat
Independent but friendly

Slightly talkative cat
Lean and elegant cat
Requires grooming once a week
A bit of both indoor and outdoor space

Not ideal for family homes
Can be regularly left for a few hours
Needs a calm environment

Generally healthy breed

The Devon Rex breed is prone to:
- Hypotrichosis which is a condition where areas of fur do not grow and this can result in skin infections.
- Devon Rex myopathy which is a syndrome that causes muscle weakness and nervous signs.
- Polycystic kidney disease which is an inherited condition where cysts form in the kidneys. This affects kidney function and can eventually lead to kidney failure. However, it is worth noting that the risk of developing this disease in this breed is lower than in other cat breeds that are prone to the problem This effects kidney function and can eventually lead to kidney failure.

Testing available:
- DNA testing for Devon Rex myopathy and polycystic kidney disease which tests whether or not a cat has the potential to be affected by this condition

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Two Devon Rex cats are having a nap together

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Devon Rex Cat Appearance

The Devon Rex is a small to medium sized cat with an appealing, pixie-like appearance as a result of their high cheekbones, large eyes and prominent ears. The coat is a defining feature of this breed, crinkled and waved all over a hard muscular body. Due to the genetic mutation that causes this curly coat, the Devon Rex has rather fragile whiskers and eyebrows which are crinkled, but will break off easily creating ‘designer stubble’. 

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Devon Rex Cat Personality

The Devon Rex personality is incorrigible, curious, mischievous, and highly active. They want to be involved in whatever you are involved in, no matter how inappropriate that may be. They are hugely people oriented, and will adore curling up on your lap, or around your shoulders, to quietly supervise you as you read or cook or even use the loo… they really don’t care! 

Whilst not a particularly vocal cat, if they feel they are being ignored they will chirp and chirrup away until you pay attention. This is not a cat to leave unsupervised for long as they climb well and can be destructive if bored or lonely. 

Vet Rating

Family-friendly:	2/5
Playfulness:	4/5
Intelligence:	4/5
Tendency to Vocalise:	3/5
Likes Other Pets:	4/5
Grooming needs:	3/5
Shedding:	1/5

History and Origins

The Devon Rex first appeared in 1960 as a curly coated kitten in a litter of strays in Buckfastleigh, Devon. This kitten was kept and named Kirlee, and his owner, aware of the Cornish Rex and the work going on to preserve that gene, offered Kirlee as a stud to contribute to that project. However, it turned out that the gene causing Kirlee’s curled coat was not the same gene that caused the Cornish Rex coat, and so work was undertaken to preserve the Devon Rex genes as a separate breed. All Devon Rex cats can trace their ancestry back to Kirlee, who sadly died in a car accident in 1970. 

Outdoors or Indoors

The Devon Rex’s coat is not particularly protective or waterproof, so this is a cat to keep indoors, or in a sheltered secured garden or cat-run where they will appreciate the extra space, and will be kept safe from thieves — and of course from getting themselves into trouble with their curious and people-oriented nature!

Enrichment and Specific Needs

The Devon Rex could be considered an arboreal species, they love to climb, to be up high, to rest up high — do not be surprised to find your Devon Rex draped along the curtain rail or along the top of a door! Provide plenty of safe and appropriate opportunity to climb by building cat trees and walkways, hammocks, and shelves for them to prowl along and laze upon. 

Clever and curious, the Devon Rex will benefit from fun cat games such as hunting food from food dispensing toys, and from solving puzzle toys, as well as interactive chase-play with you. 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in their diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry cat food recipes. Find out more about cat feeding guidelines with our article.

Grooming Devon Rex Cats

The Devon Rex's wavy coat needs the minimum amount of care. Rubber brushes may be used to help remove dead hair, but caution should be exercised, as excess use may permanently damage the hair. Devon Rex cats need to have their ears cleaned regularly to remove waxy deposits that may lead to ear infection. Cats with paler coat colours may require sun block on the ears in the summer months. 

Remember that a greasy coat can be evidence that your cat is no longer attempting to groom themselves, which can be indicative of poor or failing health. As with all cats, Devon Rex benefit from regular vaccination, parasite control, and an annual veterinary cat health check. 

Suitability for Family Life

The Devon Rex would suit the adult family home or those with older children who can respect a cat’s space. They will enjoy a busy and active household as long as they can be involved and ‘help’, and they do not suit homes where they will be left alone for long periods. 

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Devon Rex Fun Facts

Two Devon Rex cats played the part of mischievous antagonists in Disney’s ‘Lady and the Tramp’ film. Appropriately enough, their characters’ names were Devon and Rex.
Among famous Devon Rex cat owners is Dita Von Teese whose pet, Aleister, although having passed away in 2020, still has a dedicated Instagram profile which amassed over 108k followers.
One unique feature they possess is their whiskers, which are very short and often tightly curled, seeming almost invisible.
It’s been rumoured that Steven Spielberg’s famous E.T. character was inspired by the director’s own Devon Rex cat.

FAQs

Do Devon Rex cats make good pets?

A Devon Rex cat is one of the best pets you can have as they’re sociable, friendly, and very outgoing. Plus, they’re highly intelligent and love being around humans.

Do Devon Rex cats need baths?

Given their particular coats, Devon Rex cats need more grooming than other cat breeds and although they will groom themselves, it’s recommended to also bathe them once every few weeks.

What is the personality of a Devon Rex cat?

Some might use the word ‘goofy’ to describe the Devon Rex personality and they wouldn’t be wrong. These cats are active, energetic, and just adore being playful and catching their owners’ attention amusing performances.

Are Devon Rex cats hypoallergenic?

Yes, the Devon Rex cat is considered to be hypoallergenic. As their coats are very short and fine, they usually shed less than other cat breeds.