Devon Rex

Unlike many breeds, the Devon Rex’s story didn’t start with a selective breeding program but with a chance discovery in the English county of Devonshire. Around 1959-1960, a wild stray cat with a unique curly coat was living near an abandoned tin mine. This cat became the father of a litter of kittens from a tortoiseshell-and-white stray owned by Ms. Beryl Cox.

Among the kittens, there was one male with the same curly coat as his wild father. Ms. Cox kept this unique kitten and named him Kirlee. Initially, she thought Kirlee belonged 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, breeders attempted to mate him with Cornish Rex cats. To their surprise, all the kittens from these pairings were born with straight hair. This proved that the gene responsible for Kirlee’s curly coat was a different, new mutation, distinct from the Cornish Rex gene. The Devon Rex mutation was named the “re2 gene” or “dr gene” (Rex Type 2), while the Cornish Rex mutation is the “re gene” (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 the breed are his descendants. The breed was officially recognized in the UK (GCCF) in 1967 and in the U.S. (CFA) in 1979. Despite its “wild” roots, the Devon Rex quickly became popular thanks to its unique appearance and exceptionally affectionate nature.

The Devon Rex’s appearance is truly one-of-a-kind and often brings to mind elves, pixies, or even aliens. They are small to medium-sized cats with a sturdy, muscular body.

1. Head: A short, modified wedge with prominent, high cheekbones, a short muzzle, and a strong chin. They have a characteristic “whisker break.” The skull is flat.
2. Ears: Extremely large, set very wide at the base and low on the head, tapering to rounded tips. They point more to the sides than upward. They often have fine hair or “ear tufts” on the tips and are well-furred inside.
3. Eyes: Large, oval-shaped, and set wide apart. The outer corners are slightly higher than the inner ones, giving them a mischievous and inquisitive expression. Eye color can be anything, usually harmonizing with the coat.
4. Body: Medium in length, sturdy, and muscular (“hard body”) with a broad chest. Despite their fine-boned appearance, their bodies are not delicate.
5. Legs: Long and slender, with the hind legs noticeably longer than the front, giving them a somewhat “high-rumped” appearance. Their paws are small and oval-shaped.
6. Tail: Long, thin, and tapering, well-covered with short, curly fur.
7. Coat: The hallmark of the breed. Very short, soft, fine, and wavy or curly. Unlike the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex’s coat contains all three types of hair (guard, awn, and down), but they are modified—short, fine, and curly. Because of this, the coat can be uneven, with sparser areas, especially on the back, sides, tail, and belly. Coat density can change depending on the season, age, and hormonal status. The fur feels like velvet or suede.
8. Whiskers and Eyebrows: Very short, curly, or crinkled, and often broken due to their fragility.
9. Color: The breed standard allows for all possible genetic colors and patterns, including solids, tabbies, bi-colors, colorpoints, torties, smokes, and others, with any eye color. You can find beautiful chocolate-colored coats similar to the Havana Brown breed or a variety of colors just like the German Rex.

Comparing the Devon Rex to the Cornish Rex

If the Devon Rex’s appearance is intriguing, their personality is simply captivating. They are incredibly social, playful, and intelligent cats with huge hearts.

• “A monkey in a cat suit”: This nickname perfectly describes their nature. Devons are tireless acrobats, mischief-makers, and explorers. They love to climb to the highest shelves, perch on their owner’s shoulders (it’s their signature move!), and get involved in all household activities.
• People-oriented: They are extremely human-focused, forming a very close bond with their family. They often choose one “favorite” person to give special attention to but love all members of the family.
• Need for attention: Like many active and social breeds, Devon Rexes require a lot of attention and interaction. They do not handle loneliness well and can become bored or even stressed if left alone for long periods without stimulation.
• High intelligence: Devons are very smart and easy to train. They can learn tricks and commands and may even learn to fetch or walk on a leash. They need mental stimulation as much as physical activity.
• Friendliness: They generally get along great with children due to their playful and patient nature. They also cohabitate well with other cats and dogs, especially if raised together. However, as noted in the original text, they can be selective about their feline friendships.
• Vocalization: They have a soft, non-intrusive voice, though they love to “talk” to their owners with a variety of chirps and trills.
• Heat-seekers: They adore warm spots—their owner’s lap, a cozy blanket, or a sunny windowsill. They often seek warmth by snuggling up to people or other animals.

The Devon Rex is a tireless source of positive energy that will constantly surprise you with their cleverness and affection.

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

Hereditary Diseases

• Hereditary Devon Rex Myopathy (Spasticity): This is the most serious specific disease of the breed. It’s a hereditary recessive condition that affects the muscles. Symptoms usually appear between 3 weeks and 6 months of age and include muscle weakness (especially of the neck and limbs), difficulty walking, an inability to hold their head up (it may droop), quick fatigue, and sometimes swallowing problems. The condition is progressive but can stabilize. There is no cure, only supportive care. Fortunately, a DNA test is available to identify carriers of this gene. Responsible breeders are required to test their breeding cats to prevent the birth of affected kittens. When choosing a kitten, be sure to ask for the results of the parents’ myopathy tests.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A thickening of the heart muscle walls, common in many breeds. Periodic cardiac screening (ultrasound) is recommended, especially for breeding cats.
• Patellar Luxation: A dislocation of the kneecap, which may require surgery in severe cases.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Although rare, it can occur due to possible outcrosses in the past.

Other Potential Issues

• Skin Problems: Due to their unique coat and a tendency for oily skin, Devon Rexes may suffer from:
  • Malassezia Dermatitis: A yeast infection that causes itching, redness, and greasy skin.
  • Urticaria Pigmentosa: Skin lesions and rashes.
  • Hypotrichosis: Congenital or acquired hair loss, which can be related to genetics or other factors.
• Ear Problems: Their large ears easily collect dirt and wax, which can lead to ear infections and otitis if not cleaned regularly.
• Sensitivity to Cold and Sunburns: The short, sometimes sparse coat offers poor protection against low temperatures and UV rays.
• Dental Problems: A predisposition to gingivitis and tartar buildup.
• Obesity: As mentioned in the original text, they are prone to gaining extra weight if not fed properly.

Prevention and Control

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

• Coat Care: Minimal! The short, curly, and fragile coat of a Devon Rex does not require and, in fact, cannot tolerate intensive brushing. The best care is a gentle, weekly hand-petting or using a soft baby brush or damp cloth to remove loose hairs. Stiff brushes or frequent brushing can damage or break their delicate hair.
• Bathing: Bathe only when necessary, if the skin or coat becomes excessively greasy. Use a mild, hypoallergenic cat shampoo. After bathing, carefully but gently dry the cat with a towel and keep them warm until they are completely dry.
• Ear Care: Very important and regular! The huge ears of a Devon Rex are prone to accumulating dirt and earwax. They need to be cleaned weekly with a special ear-cleaning solution and cotton pads or wipes. This will help prevent the development of infections and otitis.
• Skin Care: Check their skin for irritations, rashes, or excessive oiliness. Because of their thin coats, they can be more prone to scratches.
• Protection from Cold and Sun: Provide a warm place for them to sleep. In cold weather, cat clothing might be necessary. In the summer, limit their time in direct sunlight, especially for light-colored cats, and use a safe sunscreen on their ears.
• Nail Trimming and Dental Care: Standard procedures—trimming nails every 2-3 weeks and regular teeth brushing.

The Devon Rex is a true intellectual of the cat world, which makes the training process a lot of fun.

• High Trainability: They are quick learners and love to solve puzzles and master new tricks. They can be easily taught to fetch toys, respond to their name, follow commands, and even walk on a leash.
• Positive Reinforcement: The best methods are based on praise, play, and treats. Devons are sensitive to their owner’s mood and do not respond well to pressure or punishment.
• Need for Stimulation: To satisfy their curious minds and high energy levels, they need regular interactive play, puzzle toys, and tall cat trees for climbing and exploring. Make sure to provide them with “vertical space.”
• Socialization: Early socialization will help them grow into confident and friendly adults. Introduce them to different people, sounds, and other pets (under supervision).
• “Shoulder Cat”: Many Devon Rexes love to climb onto their owner’s shoulders and watch the world from above. This is their natural tendency to seek high places.

An active lifestyle and specific metabolism can influence the Devon Rex’s dietary needs.

• Quality over quantity: Choose high-quality food (dry and/or wet) with a high content of animal protein 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 warmth. However, as the original text correctly states, they are prone to becoming overweight. Therefore, portion control is key. Feed them 2-3 times a day with a precisely measured amount of food, following the manufacturer’s and your vet’s recommendations, and monitoring your cat’s body condition. Never leave food out all the time.
• Balanced diet: Ensure a balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Quality fats are important for energy and healthy skin/coat.
• Water: Always provide access to fresh, clean water.

• The Mine Cat: The ancestor of all Devon Rexes, Kirlee, was the son of a wild curly-haired cat that lived near an abandoned tin mine in Devonshire.
• No Relation to the Cornish: Although both Rex breeds originated in neighboring English counties around the same time, their curly-coat genes are different and unrelated.
• Nicknames: They are often called “pixie cats,” “elves,” “aliens,” or “monkeys in a cat suit” because of their appearance and personality.
• Masters of “Shoulder Surfing”: Devon Rexes adore climbing to the highest point—their owner’s shoulders—and watching the world from there.
• Heat-Loving Fuzzballs (even though they’re not very fuzzy): They are constantly seeking out the warmest spot in the house, be it a sunny windowsill or their favorite person’s lap.
• All the Colors of the Rainbow: Devon Rexes come in absolutely all colors and patterns, making each cat truly unique.

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

How is the Devon Rex different from a Cornish Rex or a Sphynx?

• From a Cornish Rex: The Devon has a different curling gene, a sturdier build, a wider head with cheekbones, huge low-set ears, and a coat that contains all three types of hair (though modified).
• From a Sphynx: The Devon Rex has a short, curly coat (though it can be sparse in places), while the Sphynx is virtually hairless (it may have a light fuzz). Both breeds require protection from cold/sun and regular skin/ear care.

How difficult is it to care for a Devon Rex? Coat care is minimal (they should not be brushed often), but regular and thorough ear cleaning is essential. Dental and skin care, as well as protection from cold/sun, are also important.

What is the Devon Rex’s activity level? Very high. These are energetic cats who need plenty of games, climbing opportunities, and mental stimulation. They are not a good fit for someone looking for a calm, low-key cat.

Are Devon Rexes suitable for apartment living? Yes, they adapt well to apartment life, but only if owners give them enough attention, provide toys, cat trees, and interactive play. They value human company more than a large space.