Devon Rex

These energetic cats like to climb and are good at amusing their human friends with their antics. They flourish in households with lots of interaction and care. Devon Rex cats are not usually quiet or timid pets because they are highly social and enjoy being around people and forming new friendships.

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Devon Rex Appearance

The Devon Rex has a distinct, almost mystical appearance that makes it look like an elf. These medium-sized cats are 6 to 9 pounds and 10 to 12 inches tall. Large ears, large expressive eyes, high cheekbones, a long neck, and a slender body are some of their most notable features, further enhanced by their wavy coat.

These cute cats have short, fine hair that is curly all over, with noticeable curls around the head, ears, neck, paws, chest, and belly. Devon Rex coats can have patterns like tortoiseshell, calico, tabby, pointed, and shaded. They are in various colors: black, blue, chocolate, cinnamon, lilac, and white. 

Families with allergies may find the Devon Rex's short, soft fur easier to handle, even though no cat is entirely hypoallergenic. Although their curly hair tends to trap loose hairs, they still shed, but the amount that ends up on fabrics and furniture is lessened. Before adopting, it's a good idea to spend time with a Devon Rex to see how your allergies will respond.

The Devon Rex's curly coat gives it a similar appearance to the Cornish Rex despite having a completely different genetic foundation for curls. Compared to the Devon Rex, the Cornish Rex usually has a slightly longer coat and a more slender face.

Devon Rex Personality

Intelligent, friendly, and extroverted, Devon Rex cats make excellent pets. When given the proper care, they are gregarious animals who love the company of kids and other pets. Their favorite thing to do is play and snuggle with their family, which is a human. 

These cats maintain a clownish, playful demeanor throughout their lives, even as they age, and are very active. They constantly look for opportunities to interact with you, love entertaining their owners, and occasionally can be a little demanding of your time.

Devon Rex cats are relatively quiet, even with their gregarious personalities. Instead of using loud vocalizations to communicate, they make their presence known through gentle meows.

Devon Rex Living Needs

A home with lots of playtime and interaction is ideal for a Devon Rex. These playful cats frequently bring their favorite toys to their owners or indicate which ones they like with their paws. Keeping them happy requires giving them many toys and chances to interact with people.
Social animals usually get along well with older kids, other pets, and frequent guests. However, each cat is different, and its level of social needs varies based on its unique personality and past experiences. Because of its intense need for attention, Devon Rex may struggle if left alone for extended periods. It may feel lonely in a household with hectic schedules or in the case of owners who are frequently away.

Devon Rex cats make excellent travelers and frequently prefer to travel with their owners instead of being left alone at home. Adopting a bonded pair can give them company when you're not around.

Devon Rex cats, due to their short coats, can be sun-sensitive. To lower the chance of sunburn, it's critical to keep an eye on them and ensure they remain inside.

Devon Rex Care

A Devon Rex requires little maintenance and is easy to care for. They don't need as much maintenance as some long-haired breeds, but they require a little more care to keep their short coats in good condition. Devon Rex cats are more prone to greasy patches because of their short fur. Giving them regular baths with warm water and a mild pet shampoo is crucial for a clean and healthy coat. 

Their grooming regimen must include regular nail cutting, ear cleaning, and bathing. Keeping their litter box clean is crucial for comfort and hygiene. With little work on your part, these easy steps guarantee the happiness and health of your Devon Rex.

Devon Rex Health

Typically, Devon Rex cats make healthy pets and have a lifespan of nine to fifteen years. Like all breeds, however, they do have some health risks. These include congenital myasthenic syndrome (a muscular disorder), hip dysplasia, luxating patella, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and hereditary baldness.

Getting your kitten from a reputable breeder who checks for these health problems is essential. Routine screenings for certain conditions, such as hip dysplasia (HCM), which may not manifest symptoms until later in life, are crucial.

If you want to prioritize your Devon Rex's health, make regular veterinary appointments and heed your veterinarian's advice on care and preventative measures. By adopting preventative measures, you can guarantee your cat a long and happy life.

Devon Rex Exercise Requirements

By nature, Devon Rex cats are lively and daring. You won't have to coax them into playing since they'll frequently start the game.  Only roughly fifteen minutes of intense daily playtime is necessary for these active cats to remain healthy and happy. They usually enjoy playing far more than that minimal requirement, however.

Although Devon Rex cats can amuse themselves just fine, they enjoy engaging in interactive play with their owners. Combining interactive and self-play toys is an excellent idea to keep them interested. When you join in on the fun, they especially adore it.

Devon Rex cats do well in a multi-pet home if you have other pets. They can amuse each other while you're busy and enjoy the company of different animals.

Devon Rex Training

Your Devon Rex kitten should be pretty easy to litter train. Since most breeders begin the litter training process early, when you bring your kitten home, they'll probably be accustomed to using a box.

All kittens learn differently, however. Suppose your kitten is more of a helper. In that case, starting with a smaller space is a good idea, and working your way up to the litter box after meals and naps to reinforce the desired behavior.  While some kittens quickly pick up litter training, others might need several weeks to understand it fully.

Because of their intelligence, Devon Rex cats are known to pick things up quickly, especially when given regular training and encouragement. They are excellent candidates for more complex training techniques because they love attention and are frequently eager to please. Their gregarious disposition and sharp minds facilitate their ability to pick up new skills.

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Devon Rex History 

A kitten with an unusual wavy coat was born in Buckfastleigh, England, in the 1950s, and that is how the Devon Rex story started. Beryl Cox owned the kitten and cared for its mother, a stray tortoiseshell. This unique kitten's father was a curly-coated feral cat from the area. Karlee is the kitten Cox named.

Acknowledging the possible importance of Kirlee's gene for a curly coat, Cox contacted a breeding program that aimed to maintain the already established Cornish Rex breed. But soon after, it was found that Kirlee had a different gene that gave it its wavy hair, and thus, the Devon Rex breed was born.

Breeders started working to preserve and advance the Devon Rex breed after this discovery. The breed arrived in the United States by the late 1960s. All modern Devon Rex cats can trace their lineage to the late Kirlee, who lived in the 1970s.

Devon Rex Fun Facts

Adorable hair tufts that resemble tiny ear muffs can be found inside the ears of some Devon Rex cats.

Two cats named "Devon" and "Rex" are Devon Rex cats that appear in the 2019 Disney picture Lady and the Tramp.

Many famous individuals have shown their love for the Devon Rex breed. For example, Dita Von Teese expressed affection for her 17-year-old Devon rex, Aleister von Teese, who departed in June 2020. Before she passed away in 2016, musician Marilyn Manson also had a Devon Rex named Lily White. Lily White appeared in Manson's artistic creations, such as a painting titled Lily White and multiple short films.