The Devon Rex is a unique-looking cat that is sure to bring plenty of joy and laughter into your life. With its large, low-set ears, big eyes, short muzzle, and high cheekbones, this pixie of the cat world has a charm that will touch you from the moment you meet them.
Their muscular body is covered with a very short but incredibly soft and wavy coat that ripples as they move. Despite their small size, Devon Rex cats are full of energy and can be quite playful when it comes to interacting with humans or other pets in the house.
If you’re looking for a loyal companion who’s as smart as they are cute then consider adding a beautiful Devon Rex to your family today. With its charming personality and playful nature, this breed is sure to bring a smile to your face – but only if you give it the love and care it needs!
Breed Overview
The Devon Rex originated in Devon, England in 1960. It all began in an abandoned tin mine, the unlikely cradle for a breed of cats that would captivate the world with their unique appearance
It is believed to have been the result of a natural genetic mutation among cats living in the region. The breed was named after its birthplace and its distinctive curly coat, which resembles that of a rex rabbit.
In the year 1960, a local resident by the name of Miss Beryl Cox came across a tortie & white stray cat. Little did she know, this stray would soon mother a litter of kittens that would mark history. Thanks to the union with a curly-coated feral tom cat, one kitten emerged with brownish-black fur adorned with those very same curls.
This was Kirlee, a special kitten who would become the patriarch of the Devon Rex breed. Miss Cox recognized that Kirlee was exceptional. Remembering the first Cornish Rex called Kallibunker and the efforts to preserve that unique breed, she reached out to Brian Sterling-Webb.
Sterling-Webb was instrumental in establishing the curly-coated beauties, but he was soon to discover that Kirlee’s genes were different—a new page in the history of cats was about to be written!
The differences were evident. While Kirlee and the Cornish Rex shared the gift of curly fur, their whiskers told another story. The Cornish Rex sported whimsical, bent curls even in their whiskers, whereas Kirlee’s Devon lineage gifted him with stubby or even absent whiskers.
His curls were less uniform, giving him a wild, windblown look that, combined with his massive, low-set ears, short nose, and wide eyes, bestowed a whimsical pixie-like charm that was truly enchanting.
Today, every Devon Rex can trace their lineage back to Kirlee. Though his life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 1970, his legacy lives on. He wasn’t just a cat; he was the cornerstone of a breed adored for its impish looks and affectionate nature.
Identifying Devon Rex Cat
The first feature to catch your eye will likely be their extraordinary coat. With tight curls that create a whimsically tousled look, the Devon Rex’s fur resembles a fleece, setting these cats apart from all other breeds.
Their ears are impressively large for the size of their head, set low, adding to the breed’s elfin charm. These ears frame their large, oval eyes, which sparkle with curiosity and are often a stunning shade complementing their coat.
The Devon Rex’s gaze is wide and inquisitive as if inviting you into a playful dance. And don’t be surprised if you don’t notice their whiskers. These cats typically have very short, fine whiskers, which may sometimes be absent altogether.
The elegance of the Devon Rex extends to their physique—slender and muscular, these cats carry themselves with the grace of a ballet dancer, complete with fine bone structure and a petite build. A closer look reveals their small, elfin face with prominent cheekbones and a strong chin, contributing to their impish appearance.
With such a unique combination of characteristics, the Devon Rex is unmistakable and irresistible. Their physical traits are not just markers of a breed but are also windows into their playful and affectionate nature.
these cats come in different colors including blue, cream, lilac, chocolate, and tortoiseshell. Some Devon Rex cats even have unique markings like calico or tabby patterns! The coat color can also vary from short to long depending on the individual cat’s genetics.
Personality Traits
Devon Rex cats are intelligent and mischievous, with an active and curious nature. They love to explore and jump around the house, often perching on top of doors or climbing to previously unexplored areas.
They are very people-oriented cats that enjoy spending time with their owners – they will follow you around the house and even sleep in your bed at night! Devons are generally quiet but may chirp when they need your attention, especially if something has caught their interest.
These cats thrive on companionship and should not be left alone for too long as they can become destructive out of boredom.
The Devon Rex Cat is an ideal choice for families with children and other pets. This active and social breed loves to play fetch, learn tricks easily, and enjoys the attention it receives from children who treat him politely.
When interacting with your children, the Devon Rex will usually show them affection such as head-butting and purring if they are nice to him. They also tend to follow their owners around the house making sure they don’t miss out on any of the fun!
When introducing your Devon Rex cat to other animals, you should do so slowly in controlled circumstances. The best way to make sure that all pets get along is by providing plenty of positive reinforcement when they interact nicely together.
It’s important not only for them but also for you as well since it can be dangerous if there is aggressive behavior between cats or dogs in your household. With patience and guidance from you, your furry family members will soon become good friends enjoying each other’s company!
Activity Level
The Devon Rex is a moderately active breed of cat that loves to learn, play, and interact with its family. They are highly intelligent and can often amuse themselves with toys or puzzles when left alone.
This breed is a great choice for families as they are very social cats that get along well with children, other cats, and even some dogs. These cats love to play with interactive toys such as feather wands, balls, stuffed animals, and laser pointers.
These playful felines also excel at learning tricks like fetching their favorite toy for you to throw again or rolling over on command. When it comes to physical activity level the Devon Rex does not need a lot of exercise but will still benefit from being encouraged to do daily activities.
Devon Rex Loyalty
Devon Rex is known for their intense loyalty and devotion to humans. They love spending time with people, cuddling up in laps, and following their owners around the house. These cats have dog-like qualities that make them great companions for anyone who loves animals.
These feline friends can often be found curled up in their owner’s arms or underfoot. They have also been known to greet family members at the door. Many owners report that their cat will even try to comfort them when times are tough by snuggling close and purring contentedly.
Love Of Water
One thing that can surprise owners is their love of water! Devon Rex enjoys playing in shallow bowls of water, splashing around with toys or even joining you in the shower.
However, their short coats require only occasional brushing and bathing with a mild pet shampoo when necessary. With minimal effort on your part, you can keep your Devon Rex looking its best while providing it with plenty of opportunities to splash around and make a mess!
Trainability
This breed has a reputation for being highly intelligent. Despite their intelligence and high levels of curiosity, the Devon Rex are not easily trainable due to their independent nature.
They often prefer to do things on their terms as opposed to following strict instructions from an owner. To successfully train your Devon Rex, it’s important to take into consideration both its personality traits and needs.
Patience is key when attempting to teach this breed new tricks or behaviors as they may need more time than other cats before they understand what you expect from them. Additionally, the use of positive reinforcement through treats or praise will help motivate your cat.
Adult Size
On average, female Devon Rex cats weigh between 5-7 lbs., while males tend to range from 7-9 lbs.
In terms of height, they typically stand anywhere from 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder. These medium-sized felines also have an average body length ranging up to 17 inches or more depending on the individual cat’s size and shape. A healthy adult Devon Rex cat can weigh between six to ten pounds.
Kittens will grow rapidly during the first few months after birth before slowing down as they enter adulthood. During this time, they typically gain two pounds every month until they reach four months old when their growth rate begins to slow down significantly.
At about one year old, a Devon Rex will be considered an adult but may continue growing until the age of three. After this time frame, it is unlikely for these cats to grow any larger than what has already been achieved unless there is some medical issue.
Therefore, owners need to monitor their cat’s progress throughout each stage to ensure proper health development and provide adequate nutrition along the way!
Life Expectancy
The Devon Rex has a life expectancy of about 17 years or more. To ensure that your Devon Rex reaches its maximum lifespan, there are several steps you can take to maintain its health and well-being.
First of all, it is important to provide your cat with a balanced diet filled with the vitamins and minerals they need. Feeding them quality wet food daily will help keep their bodies strong enough to fight off any illnesses or infections that may arise later in life.
Secondly, regular veterinary check-ups are essential for maintaining good health throughout the cat’s lifetime; this includes everything from basic vaccinations to yearly physicals.
Providing your furry friend with plenty of mental stimulation through playtime activities can also help them remain active both mentally and physically which could lead to a longer lifespan.
By following these simple tips you can increase the chances that your beloved Devon Rex will live out its full life expectancy of 17+ years!
Devon Rex Cat Care
Caring for a Devon Rex cat is an easy and rewarding task. The first step in keeping your Devon Rex healthy is to provide with with regular grooming. Brushing the coat once a week will help maintain its wavy, silky texture. However, more than that can lead to it becoming too soft or breaking off easily.
Regular baths are rarely necessary but when needed, make sure you use cat-safe shampoo as human shampoos contain ingredients that can be harmful to felines.
Another important part of caring for your Devon Rex is dental hygiene. Just like us humans, cats need their teeth brushed regularly to prevent periodontal disease. Use a pet toothbrush specifically designed for cats so they enjoy this routine even more!
Additionally, clean their eyes regularly with damp cloths and check their ears weekly for any dirt buildup. Wipe out these areas using a cotton ball soaked in warm water mixed with cider vinegar at a 50/50 ratio.
By following these simple steps you’ll guarantee many years of happy life together with your beloved feline companion. Taking good care of your cat will pay off in preventing higher vet fees.
Diet
Nutrition is an important part of keeping your Devon Rex healthy and happy. To ensure that your cat is getting all the proper nutrition, it’s recommended to feed them a high-quality, grain-free diet rich in protein from animal sources.
The diet should also contain fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 6 for optimal health. Since Devons are “snackers”, it’s best to provide them with plenty of kibbles throughout the day. Kittens up to six months old should be fed three times daily while adults can be fed once or twice a day.
Make sure you measure out portions carefully so as not to overfeed your cat as obesity is common in Devons due to their love of food!
In addition to their regular meals, cats need access to fresh water at all times. You may want to consider investing in a filtered water fountain which will help encourage your cat to drink more and keep them hydrated throughout the day.
Additionally, adding wet food into their diet once or twice a week will provide extra moisture and help support urinary tract health.
Devon Rex cats are sensitive to diet changes so any dietary changes must be done gradually over time. It’s also essential that treats are given sparingly. Make sure there are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives included; this could cause digestive upset or even allergies for some cats if consumed too often!
Overall, providing your Devon Rex with quality nutrition tailored specifically for their needs will promote optimal health throughout its entire life span – ensuring many years of joyous companionship together!
Exercise Requirement
Keeping a Devon cat active and playing is important for its health and well-being. These cats are full of energy and need to be able to run around, jump, chase toys, and explore their environment to stay healthy.
Regular exercise can also help them maintain a healthy weight as they have a tendency to become overweight if not kept active. Additionally, playtime can provide mental stimulation which will help keep them from becoming bored or anxious.
Another reason Devon Rex Cats must remain active is that it helps build strong bonds with their owners.
Shedding Levels
The Devon Rex is known to be one of the lowest maintenance shedding breeds, making it a great choice for those who suffer from allergies.
Shedding levels in the Devon Rex breed vary depending on the stage of life they’re in. Generally speaking, kittens have more fur than adults due to their growing process; therefore they may shed more at this age than later in life.
Adult Devon Rex cats tend to shed less than kittens but will still need regular grooming sessions with a brush or comb once or twice a week as part of their routine care regimen.
Senior cats may experience an increase in shedding due to hormonal changes associated with aging so additional brushing may be necessary at this time as well.
Health Issues
Due to their short coat, the Devon Rex may be more susceptible to certain health issues than other breeds. The most common diseases that this breed is prone to include cardiac disease (such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), hip dysplasia, and polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
Some cats may be predisposed to dermatological conditions such as seborrhea or skin infections due to their short coats. Owners of a Devon Rex cat need to stay on top of regular veterinary checkups to identify any potential health issues early on.
Poor diet and living conditions can significantly impact the health of a Devon Rex Cat. Poor nutrition can lead to malnourishment, obesity, or other nutritional deficiencies. Living in an unclean environment filled with dust, mold, and mites can also cause respiratory problems such as feline asthma or bronchitis.
To prevent diseases and keep your cat healthy it is important to feed them a balanced diet and provide clean living conditions. Regular checkups with the vet should be done to ensure your cat remains in good health.
Buying Tips
- Look for a reputable breeder: When looking to purchase a Devon Rex Cat, it is important to find a reputable breeder who will provide you with the best possible care and attention for your new pet. Ensure that the breeder you choose has experience in breeding cats and is knowledgeable about the breed.
- Consider the cost: The cost of purchasing a Devon Rex Cat can vary greatly depending on where you get it from, its age and pedigree, as well as any additional medical or grooming costs associated with owning one of these cats. It’s important to consider all of these factors before making your decision so that you don’t end up spending more than necessary on this new addition to your family.
- Ask questions: Before committing to purchasing a Devon Rex Cat, make sure that you have asked plenty of questions about its background and health history so that you are completely informed before bringing it home. Ask questions such as when was it born? What kind of vaccinations has it had? Has it been spayed or neutered? These types of queries will give you an idea of what kind of care your cat may need going forward and can help ensure that everything goes smoothly once he/she is in your home!
- Check references: If at all possible, try to get references from people who have purchased kittens from the same breeder to get an idea about their experiences with them before committing yourself too heavily to buying
Related: Meet the Devon Rex: A Curious & Elegant Cat Breed
Conclusion
Devon Rex cats are a unique breed with an endearing, playful personality. They make excellent companions and are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming needs. With their intelligence and affectionate nature, they can easily become part of the family.
If you’re looking for a special cat that loves attention and is sure to bring lots of joy into your life, then a Devon Rex may be the perfect choice for you!