Devon Rex

Unlike many other breeds, the story of the Devon Rex didn’t begin with planned breeding, but with a chance discovery in the English county of Devonshire. Around 1959-1960, a feral tomcat with an unusual curly coat lived near an abandoned tin mine. This cat fathered kittens with a domestic tortoiseshell and white female cat belonging to Miss Beryl Cox.

Among the kittens in the litter was one male with the same curly coat as his feral father. Miss Cox kept this unique kitten and named him Kirlee. Initially, she suspected Kirlee might belong to the Cornish Rex breed, which had been discovered nearby in Cornwall about 10 years earlier and also had a curly coat.

However, when Kirlee matured, attempts to breed him with Cornish Rex queens produced a surprise: all the kittens from these pairings were born with straight coats. This proved that the gene responsible for Kirlee’s curls was a different, new mutation, distinct from the Cornish Rex gene. The Devon Rex mutation was named “gene re2” or “gene dr” (Rex Type 2), while the Cornish Rex mutation is “gene re” (Rex Type 1). These two genes are recessive and not compatible with each other.

Thus, Kirlee became the founder of an entirely new breed – the Devon Rex. All modern representatives of this breed are his descendants. The breed was officially recognised in the United Kingdom by the GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) in 1967, and in the USA by the CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) in 1979. Despite his “wild” origins, the Devon Rex quickly gained popularity thanks to its unique appearance and exceptionally affectionate nature.

The Devon Rex’s appearance is truly unique and often draws comparisons to elves, pixies, or even aliens. It’s a cat of small to medium size, but with a sturdy, muscular body.

1. Head: A short, modified wedge with prominent, high cheekbones, a short muzzle, and a strong chin. A characteristic clear “whisker break” (the indentation behind the whisker pads). The skull is flat.
2. Ears: Extremely large, exceptionally wide at the base, set low, and tapering to rounded tips. They are directed more to the sides than upwards. Often have “earmuffs” (tufts of fur) on the tips, like a lynx, and are well-furnished inside.
3. Eyes: Large, oval-shaped, set wide apart, and angled (with the outer corners higher than the inner ones). Eye colour can be any shade, usually harmonising with the coat colour. The expression is mischievous and inquisitive.
4. Body: Medium in length, strong, muscular (a “hard body”), with a broad chest. Despite its elegant appearance, the body is not fragile.
5. Legs: Long and slender, with the hind legs noticeably longer than the front ones, giving the cat a somewhat “high-reared” stance. Paws are small and oval.
6. Tail: Long, fine, tapered, and well-covered with short, curly fur.
7. Coat: The main feature of the breed. It’s very short, soft, fine, and either wavy or curly. Unlike the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex’s coat contains all three types of hair (guard, awn, and down), but these are modified – short, fine, and curly. Because of this, the coat can be uneven, with sparser patches, especially on the back, sides, tail, and belly. The density of the coat can change with the seasons, age, and hormonal state. The coat feels like velvet or suede to the touch.
8. Whiskers and Eyebrows: Very short, curly or kinked, and often broken due to their brittleness.
9. Colouration: The breed standard permits absolutely all possible genetic colours and patterns, including solid colours, tabbies, bicolours, colourpoints, tortoiseshells, smokes, and others, with any eye colour.

Comparison with the Cornish Rex

If the Devon Rex’s appearance is intriguing, its character is simply captivating. These are exceptionally sociable, playful, and intelligent cats with enormous hearts.

• “Monkey in a cat’s suit”: This nickname perfectly describes their nature. Devons are tireless inventors, acrobats, and explorers. They adore climbing to the highest shelves, perching on their owner’s shoulders (a signature trait!), and getting involved in all household activities.
• Love for people: They are incredibly human-orientated, forming a very close bond with their family. They often choose one ‘favourite’ owner to whom they pay special attention but love all family members.
• Need for attention: Like many active and social breeds, Devon Rexes need a lot of attention and interaction. They cope poorly with loneliness and can become bored or even stressed if left alone for long periods without entertainment.
• High intelligence: Devons are very clever, easily learning tricks, commands, and can even be taught to fetch items or walk on a lead. They require mental stimulation just as much as physical.
• Friendliness: They usually get on wonderfully with children thanks to their playfulness and patience. They also coexist well with other cats and dogs, especially if raised together. However, as noted in the original text, they can be selective in their friendships with other cats.
• Vocalisation: They have a quiet, unobtrusive voice, though they enjoy ‘chatting’ with their owner using a variety of sounds.
• Love of warmth: They adore warm spots – an owner’s lap, blankets, sunny windowsills. They often seek warmth by snuggling up to people or other animals.

The Devon Rex is a tireless generator of positive emotions, constantly surprising you with its cleverness and affection.

Although Devon Rexes are generally quite hardy cats, the breed is prone to certain genetic and other health problems that potential owners should be aware of.

Hereditary Diseases

• Devon Rex Myopathy (Spasticity): This is the most serious breed-specific condition. It’s a hereditary recessive disease affecting the muscles. Symptoms usually appear between 3 weeks and 6 months of age and include muscle weakness (especially in the neck and limbs), difficulty walking, holding the head (it may droop), rapid fatigue, and sometimes swallowing problems. The condition is progressive but may stabilise. There is no cure, only supportive therapy. Fortunately, a DNA test is available to identify carriers of this gene. Responsible breeders always test their breeding stock to avoid producing affected kittens; this is crucial for all pedigree cats, from the Devon Rex to the charming Havana Brown. When choosing a kitten, always ask for the parents’ myopathy test results.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A thickening of the heart muscle walls, common in many cat breeds. Regular heart screening (ultrasound) is recommended, especially for breeding animals.
• Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap, which may require surgical intervention in severe cases.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Although rare, it can occur due to possible outcrossing in the breed’s history.

Other Potential Issues

• Skin Problems: Due to their unique coat and a possible tendency towards oily skin, Devon Rexes may suffer from:
  • Malassezia dermatitis: A fungal infection that causes itching, redness, and greasy skin.
  • Urticaria pigmentosa: Skin lesions and rashes.
  • Hypotrichosis: Congenital or acquired hair loss, which can be linked to genetics or other factors.
• Ear Problems: Their large ears easily collect dirt and wax, which can lead to otitis (ear infections) if not cleaned regularly.
• Sensitivity to Cold and Sunburn: Their short, sometimes sparse, coat offers poor protection against low temperatures and ultraviolet radiation.
• Dental Problems: They are prone to gingivitis and tartar build-up.
• Obesity: As noted earlier, they are prone to weight gain if their diet is not managed correctly.

Prevention and Management

Caring for a Devon Rex has its own particularities, mainly related to its unique coat and large ears.

• Coat Care: Minimal! The short, curly, and brittle coat of a Devon Rex does not require, and indeed does not tolerate, intensive brushing. The best care is occasional (once a week or less) gentle stroking with your hand or a soft baby brush or damp cloth to remove dead hairs. Harsh brushes or frequent combing can damage or break the delicate hairs.
• Bathing: Bathe only when necessary, if the skin or coat has become excessively greasy. Use a mild, hypoallergenic cat shampoo. After bathing, dry the cat thoroughly but gently with a towel and keep it warm until completely dry.
• Ear Care: Very important and regular! A Devon Rex’s huge ears are prone to accumulating dirt and earwax. They need to be cleaned weekly using a special ear cleaning lotion and cotton pads or wipes. This will help prevent infections and otitis.
• Skin Care: Inspect the skin for irritation, rashes, or excessive greasiness. Due to their thin coat, they can be more prone to scratches.
• Protection from Cold and Sun: Provide a warm place to sleep. In cold weather, a cat jumper might be necessary. In summer, limit exposure to direct sunlight, especially for light-coloured cats, and use a safe sunscreen on their ears if necessary.
• Nail Trimming and Dental Care: Standard procedures – trim claws every 2-3 weeks and brush teeth regularly.

The Devon Rex is a true intellectual in the feline world, which makes the training process exciting.

• High Learning Ability: They learn quickly, love solving problems, and mastering new tricks. They can easily be taught to fetch toys, respond to their name, perform commands, and even walk on a lead.
• Positive Reinforcement: Methods based on praise, play, and treats work best. Devons are sensitive to their owner’s mood and do not respond well to pressure or punishment.
• Need for Stimulation: To satisfy their inquisitive minds and high energy levels, they need regular interactive games, puzzle toys, and tall cat trees for climbing and exploring. Ensure they have ‘vertical space’.
• Socialisation: Early socialisation will help them grow into confident and friendly cats. Introduce them to different people, sounds, and other animals (under supervision).
• “Shoulder Cat”: Many Devon Rexes adore perching on their owners’ shoulders, observing everything from above. This is their natural inclination for heights.

An active lifestyle and metabolic peculiarities can influence the dietary needs of a Devon Rex.

• Quality Above All: Opt for high-quality foods (dry and/or wet) with a high animal protein content and minimal grains or unnecessary fillers.
• Calories and Portions: Devon Rexes may require slightly more calories than less active cats to maintain energy and body heat. However, as rightly noted in the original text, they are prone to obesity. Therefore, portion control is key. Feed 2-3 times a day with clearly measured amounts, following the manufacturer’s and vet’s recommendations, as well as the cat’s own condition. Never leave food freely available.
• Balanced Diet: Ensure a balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Quality fats are important for energy and skin/coat health.
• Vegetables and Fruits: Regarding vegetables, avoid starchy ones (potatoes, corn); opt for small amounts of cooked, non-starchy vegetables (courgette, pumpkin, broccoli). As for red fruits/vegetables and allergies – this is more likely an individual reaction rather than a breed specific. Always introduce new foods gradually.
• Dairy Products: Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so whole milk is not recommended. Low-fat fermented dairy products (kefir, natural yoghurt) can be given occasionally and in small quantities if the cat tolerates them well. Low-fat cottage cheese can also be part of the diet.
• Water: Fresh, clean water must always be available.

• Cat from the Mine: The ancestor of all Devon Rexes, Kirlee, was the son of a wild curly-coated cat living near a disused tin mine in Devonshire.
• Not a Cornish Relative: Although both Rex breeds originated in neighbouring English counties around the same time, their curly coat genes are different and unrelated. It’s a fascinating distinction, similar to how the German Rex also boasts a curly coat due to its own unique genetic marker.
• Nicknames Galore: They are often called “pixie cats,” “elves,” “aliens,” or “monkeys in cats’ suits” due to their distinctive appearance and playful character.
• Masters of “Shoulder Surfing”: Devon Rexes love to climb to the highest available vantage point – often their owner’s shoulders – to observe the world.
• Heat-Seeking Missiles (Even if Not Very Fluffy): They constantly seek out the warmest spot in the house, be it a sunny windowsill or their favourite person’s lap.
• All Colours of the Rainbow: Devon Rexes can be found in absolutely every possible coat colour and pattern, making each cat truly unique.

Is the Devon Rex hypoallergenic? No. Although Devon Rexes shed significantly less than many cats due to their coat’s peculiarities, they still produce the allergenic protein Fel d 1. People with allergies may react less to them, but individual reactions can vary. It’s wise to spend some time with one before committing to ownership.

How does the Devon Rex differ from the Cornish Rex and Sphynx?

• From the Cornish Rex: Different curly gene, sturdier build, wider head with prominent cheekbones, huge low-set ears; the coat contains all three hair types (albeit modified).
• From the Sphynx cat: The Devon Rex has a short curly coat (though sometimes sparse), whereas the Sphynx cat is virtually hairless (may have a light down). Both breeds need protection from cold/sun and regular skin/ear care.

How demanding is care for a Devon Rex? Coat care is minimal (do not brush frequently), but regular and thorough ear care is essential. Dental care, skin care, and protection from cold/sun are also important.

What is the activity level of Devon Rexes? Very high. These are energetic cats that need plenty of games, opportunities for climbing, and mental stimulation. They are not suited for those seeking a calm lap cat.

Are Devon Rexes suitable for flat living? Yes, they adapt well to living in a flat, provided that owners give them enough attention, provide toys, cat activity centres, and interactive engagement. Human companionship is more important to them than large spaces.