In the world of felinology, there are countless breeds, but none spark such conflicting emotions and pure delight as the curly-coated group. When you first see these creatures, the thought pops into your head: “Is this really a cat, or maybe a visitor from another planet?” Huge ears, a piercing gaze, and amazing wavy fur make them look like fairytale elves. Today, we’ll break down the two brightest representatives of this “alien landing party” – the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex.
Many people mix these two breeds up, thinking they are close relatives, but the reality is far more interesting. They have different genetics, different body structures, and even different types of curls. If you’re planning to get such a pet, you need to know all the grooming nuances, as these cats need special attention. Find out more on Tvaryny.
Origins: A Fluke or a Gift from Nature?
The story of both breeds began in the United Kingdom, in Cornwall and neighboring Devonshire, but interestingly, these events were separated by a whole decade and completely different genetic mutations.
Cornish Rex: A Royal Start
In 1950, on a farm in Cornwall, an ordinary domestic cat gave birth to a kitten with strange, wavy cream-colored fur. The owner named him Kallibunker. This kitten looked like a miniature Greyhound in cat form – long legs, fine bone structure, and an arched back. Geneticists found out it was a recessive gene. To fix the trait, Kallibunker was bred with his mother (yes, inbreeding was the norm for establishing breeds back then), and that’s how Cornish Rexes came to be.
Devon Rex: The Elf from the Mine
Ten years later, in 1960, near an abandoned tin mine in Devonshire, a woman named Beryl Cox found a wild curly cat. Later, her cat had a kitten by him, which was named Kirlee (from “Curly”). At first, enthusiasts thought it was the same breed as the Cornish and tried to cross them. Imagine their disappointment when all the kittens were born with completely straight fur! This proved that a totally different gene is responsible for the Devon’s curls. It was a completely different branch of evolution.
Appearance: How to Tell Them Apart?
To the untrained eye, these cats might seem almost identical, but professionals see a huge gap of differences between them. Let’s break them down so you never get confused again.
| Feature | Cornish Rex | Devon Rex |
|---|---|---|
| Head Type | Egg-shaped, Roman profile (straight nose without a “stop”). | Heart-shaped, short muzzle, clearly defined “stop” (transition from forehead to nose). |
| Ears | Large, set high, resembling bat ears. | Huge, set very low and wide, resembling butterfly wings or elf ears. |
| Physique | “Greyhound” type: tall legs, arched back, tucked tummy. Very elegant. | “Bulldog” type: broad chest, wide-set front legs, body is stockier and more muscular. |
| Coat | Only undercoat. Lies in uniform, tight “washboard” waves. | Soft, more chaotic, curly but less organized waves. Can be sparser on the neck. |
| Whiskers | Long, often curled. | Short, often broken or tightly crinkled. |
In simple terms: the Cornish is a graceful ballerina or a runway model, while the Devon is a funny gnome or pixie with a charming, slightly cheeky grin.
Temperament: Cat-Dog or Monkey?
Both breeds share one trait – they absolutely do not behave like typical “sofa” cats. If you are looking for a calm animal that will sleep 20 hours a day and ignore you, a Rex is the worst choice. These are highly intelligent, social, and incredibly active animals.
Intelligence and Training
Rexes are easy to train. They learn to fetch a ball faster than some dogs. They know how to open doors, drawers, and even fridges. The toes on their paws are very dexterous, allowing them to manipulate small objects.
Need for Attention
These are “Velcro cats.” A Devon Rex will sit on your shoulder while you cook, trying to “help” chop the salad. A Cornish will use its paws to hug you around the neck. Loneliness is destructive for them. If you work 12 hours a day and live alone, a Rex will be very miserable and may even fall into depression.
If you enjoy such hyperactivity but want to consider other breeds with a similar temparament, take a look at the comparison of energetic acrobats – the Abyssinian and Bengal cats. They often make excellent company for Rexes as they match their life rhythm.
Hypoallergenic Cats: Myth or Reality?
This is probably the most popular question about Rexes. Is it true they don’t cause allergies? The answer is complicated: yes and no.
It’s important to understand the mechanism of allergies. People react not to the fur, but to the protein Fel d 1, found in the animal’s saliva and sebaceous glands. When a cat washes, the saliva dries and floats into the air along with micro-particles of skin.
- Why are Rexes better for allergy sufferers? They have little fur, and it sheds very little (or sheds very imperceptibly). Less fur flying around the house means less allergen is spread.
- Are they completely hypoallergenic? No. They still produce the protein. However, the reaction to them is often significantly weaker or absent altogether.
Tip: Before buying a kitten, definitely spend at least an hour with it in the breeder’s closed room. This is the only way to check your body’s reaction.
Care and Health: What Breeders Don’t Tell You
Owning a curly cat is not just an aesthetic pleasure, but also involves specific care that differs significantly from looking after a regular alley cat.
1. Bathing and Skin
In ordinary cats, the fur absorbs skin oils. Rexes have little fur, so the grease stays on the skin. If you don’t bathe them, they become sticky, and irritation or fungus can appear in the skin folds. Furthermore, they can leave greasy spots on your bedding. It is reccomended to bathe Rexes once every 2-3 weeks using special mild shampoos.
2. Ears and Eyes
Because of their huge ears, which are barely protected by fur, wax and dust accumulate quickly in Rexes’ ears. You need to clean them weekly. The eyes also need attention, as they have no eyelashes (or very short ones), and natural eye protection is reduced.
3. Temperature Control
The body temperature of Rexes is the same as other cats (about 101-102°F), but to the touch, they feel like hot radiators. This is all due to the lack of an insulating layer of fur. They get cold! In winter, they need sweaters or heated beds. If your home is cool, the Rex will live under your blanket or on the heater.
4. Appetite
Due to a fast metabolism (the body spends loads of energy keeping warm), Rexes eat a lot. Really a lot. They are eternally hungry and ready to steal a slice of pizza right from your mouth. It is important to control their diet so they don’t turn into curly balls on thin legs.
Health: Genetic Diseases
Generally, these are healthy breeds, but there are nuances:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): a heart disease common to many breeds.
- Myopathy (hereditary muscle weakness): a specific problem for Devon Rexes. It appears at an early age; the kitten cannot hold its head up normally. Responsible breeders perform genetic tests.
- Patellar Luxation: happens more often in Devons due to their leg structure.
If such fragility scares you and you dream of a cat that looks like a true warrior, take a look at the comparison of the giants of the feline world – Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Savannah, Siberian, Norwegian Forest, and Chartreux. The contrast between them and Rexes is simply colossal!
Who Are These Cats For?
The choice between a Cornish Rex and a Devon Rex is more a question of aesthetics, as their characters are very similar. However, there are a few markers indicating that a Rex is YOUR cat:
- You want a cat that will participate in all your activities, from cleaning to watching TV series.
- You aren’t annoyed by clinginess and constant “meowing.”
- You have children (Rexes play wonderfully and show no aggression) or a dog (they will quickly become best friends).
- You are ready to devote time to ear care and bathing.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Curly Cats
Is it true they have “hot” blood?
No, that’s an illusion. Due to the short fur, their body heat is felt instantly upon touch, but their internal temperature is standard for felines.
Do they get along with other cats?
Yes, especially if the other cat is also active. But Rexes tend to dominate not through force, but through cunning and persistence. They will always take the best spot on the bed.
How much does a Rex kitten cost?
The price depends on the class (pet, breed, show). On average, a healthy kitten with papers costs between $800 and $2,000. Never buy Rexes “offhand” from backyard breeders without a pedigree – the risk of getting an animal with genetic defects is very high.
Conclusions
The Cornish Rex and Devon Rex are more than just cats with funny looks. They are intelligent partners, eternal children, and the warmest hot water bottles on cold evenings. They demand commitment but give back so much love that any grooming difficulties fade into the background. If you are ready to let a little alien into your life but are still hesitating, visit the nearest cat show – one look into those huge eyes will decide everything for you.