Devon Rex

Quick Facts

Elfin look with huge ears, wide eyes, and a soft, rippled coat that feels like a warm suede blanket
Exceptionally people focused, often called “velcro cats” because they follow their humans everywhere
Agile, playful climbers who love perches, puzzle toys, and interactive games well into old age
Low-shedding, curly coat that suits many allergy‑prone households, although not truly hypoallergenic
Intelligent, trainable, and talkative, often learning tricks, leash walking, and even fetch

Appearance & Coat

The Devon Rex is a small to medium sized cat with a very distinctive look. Many people describe them as pixie like or elfin because of their combination of huge ears, large oval eyes, and a short, slightly upturned nose. The head is a modified wedge shape, wider than it is long, with prominent cheekbones and a strong chin. Viewed from the front, the face looks heart shaped, which enhances their expressive, almost mischievous expression.

The body of the Devon Rex is fine boned but muscular. They are lighter when you lift them than they may appear at first glance, yet they feel firm and athletic rather than delicate. The chest is broad and the back is slightly arched, giving a “ready to pounce” posture. Legs are long and slim, with the hind legs slightly longer than the front, which contributes to their springy, agile movement. Paws are small and oval, and the tail is long, fine, and well covered in short, wavy fur.

The most striking feature after the ears is the coat. The Devon Rex has a short, soft, wavy coat with very little guard hair. This makes the fur feel like a mix between velvet and suede when you run your hand along their body. The waves and ripples can vary from tight curls to loose marcel waves, often more pronounced across the back, sides, and tail. Because the coat is sparse, you may sometimes see small bare patches or thinner areas, especially on the neck, belly, or around the ears. This is normal in the breed, although extreme baldness is not desired in breeding animals.

Devon Rex cats come in almost every recognized color and pattern. You can find:

Solid colors, such as black, blue, white, red, and cream
Tabbies in classic, mackerel, or spotted patterns
Bicolors and tricolors, including tortoiseshell and calico patterns
Colorpointed Devon Rex that resemble a curly coated Siamese in color distribution

Eye color depends on coat color and pattern, and may be gold, green, blue, or odd eyed in some white cats.

Coat care for a Devon Rex is surprisingly minimal, but it is also different from caring for a typical shorthaired cat. Many Devons do not enjoy heavy brushing, and harsh grooming can easily damage the delicate curls. A soft grooming glove or a very gentle rubber brush once a week is often enough. For some individuals, even this is unnecessary, and simple hand stroking does the job.

Because of the lack of guard hair, the coat tends to accumulate natural skin oils more readily. Some Devon Rex cats may need an occasional lukewarm bath if their fur starts to feel greasy, particularly around the chin and chest. Avoid overbathing and use only very mild, cat appropriate shampoo, otherwise the skin can become dry and flaky.

Ears need special attention. Their large size and open shape allow wax and dust to build up more quickly than in many other breeds. Lightly clean the ears with a damp cotton pad or a product made for feline ear care when you see visible dirt, but never insert cotton swabs deep into the ear canal. Regular nail trimming and dental care complete the grooming routine.

Finally, remember that the sparse coat offers less insulation. Many Devon Rex cats appreciate warm beds, blankets, and sunny windowsills. In colder climates they often enjoy cat sweaters in winter, although care should be taken to choose soft, non irritating fabrics that do not rub or break the curls.

Temperament & Personality

Living with a Devon Rex is a little like sharing your home with a clever, affectionate, and slightly naughty fairy. This is a highly people oriented breed that thrives on interaction. Most Devons do not enjoy being left out of family activities. They will often follow you from room to room, supervise whatever you are doing, and then curl up on or beside you the moment you sit down.

Devon Rex cats tend to be very affectionate and physically demonstrative. Many like to sit on shoulders, ride on their person’s back, or nestle under a cardigan or blanket. If you hope for a quiet, aloof lap cat who is content to lie at a distance, the Devon Rex may surprise you. They often prefer maximum closeness, and many will happily sleep in your bed, often under the covers, especially in cooler weather.

With families and children, the Devon Rex can be a wonderful companion. Their playful, clownish nature means they often enjoy gentle, interactive games with respectful children. A Devon may chase toy cars across the floor, catch small soft balls, or join an enthusiastic feather wand session. Parents should still supervise play, so that children understand how to hold and handle a slender bodied cat without squeezing.

Devon Rex cats usually get along well with other pets, including other cats and friendly dogs. Their sociable character means that many Devons enjoy having another active animal in the home as a playmate and companion when their humans are away. They often do best in a household where someone is at home for a good part of the day, or where there is another pet to keep them company.

There are a few common challenges that potential owners should consider. The Devon Rex is intelligent and energetic. If bored, they can become creative in ways that may not always please you. Devon owners often share stories of cats who open cupboards, steal pens, unroll toilet paper, or explore high shelves. These antics are rarely malicious. They are almost always a search for stimulation and attention.

Another point is their voice. Not all Devon Rex cats are talkative, but many enjoy “chatting” with their humans. Their voices are often soft and chirpy rather than loud, but in a very quiet home it can still be noticeable. They may trill when they greet you, comment on their food, or respond when you call them by name.

Because of their strong attachment to people, some Devon Rex cats can be prone to mild separation issues. They may meow at the door when you leave or become restless if their usual routine changes. Thoughtful introductions to time alone, plus plenty of interactive play and enrichment, help reduce this concern.

In daily life, expect a Devon Rex to be present in almost everything you do. They are likely to “help” you type, investigate grocery bags, watch television beside you, and greet guests. Many visitors remember a Devon Rex household for the friendly, curious cat who behaved more like a tiny, curly coated host than a shy feline hiding under the bed.

Training & Exercise

The Devon Rex is an athletic and intelligent breed, and that combination makes them both easy to entertain and likely to become bored if left with little to do. While they are not as frenetic as some working breeds of dog, their activity level is clearly above average for cats. They enjoy frequent short bursts of high energy play, interspersed with cuddling and naps.

Daily exercise is important for a Devon Rex. At least two to three structured play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes each can make a noticeable difference in their behavior. They particularly enjoy:

Feather wands and teaser toys, which allow them to leap and twist
Small soft balls, crinkle toys, or foam toys that can be carried and fetched
Climbing and jumping on cat trees, shelves, and window perches

Because they are agile climbers, a tall, sturdy cat tree is almost essential. Placing it near a window creates a natural lookout point, turning bird watching into a mentally and physically stimulating activity.

Training a Devon Rex can be surprisingly rewarding. They are quick to understand cause and effect, and many are strongly food or play motivated. Clicker training works well. You can teach simple tricks such as:

Sit
High five or paw
Spin in a circle
Jump through a hoop
Targeting a hand or stick with their nose

You can also use training to make daily care easier. For example, teaching your Devon to come when called, to accept nail trimming, or to willingly enter a carrier removes stress from both cat and human. Short sessions of a few minutes, using tiny treats and plenty of praise, suit their attention span.

Leash training is another option for some Devon Rex cats. With a comfortable, well fitted harness and a gradual introduction indoors, many enjoy supervised walks in quiet areas. Outdoor adventures provide extra mental stimulation, new scents, and the chance to explore safely.

Puzzle feeders and food dispensing toys are excellent tools to occupy a Devon Rex, especially for cats that spend several hours a day alone. They encourage natural hunting behaviors and slow down fast eaters. Rotating toys and rearranging climbing furniture from time to time keeps the environment interesting.

One common mistake owners make is assuming that a Devon Rex will automatically “self exercise” because they are active. While they certainly enjoy solo play, they also very much need structured, interactive play with their humans. Without this, you may notice:

Night time zoomies
Attention seeking meows and paw taps
Exploration of off limit places, like countertops or curtains

Chasing punishment rarely helps. Instead, focus on providing appropriate outlets for their energy and curiosity, and then gently redirect them when they choose a less acceptable activity.

Mentally, the Devon Rex benefits from variety and gentle challenges. Simple training games, such as hiding treats around a room or teaching them to search for a particular toy, keep their quick minds busy. For a breed this people centered, the training sessions themselves also serve as valuable bonding time, reinforcing the close partnership that many Devon owners love so much.

Health

Overall, the Devon Rex is considered a generally healthy breed, but like all pedigreed cats, there are some hereditary and breed associated health issues that responsible breeders and owners should be aware of. Understanding these conditions helps you choose a kitten from health conscious lines and also supports early recognition and treatment if problems arise later.

One key area of attention is the skin and coat. The unique curly coat is more delicate than that of many other cats. Some individuals are prone to greasy skin, mild dermatitis, or broken hairs that lead to patchy fur. Overgrooming by the cat or overbrushing by the owner can worsen this. A balanced diet, gentle grooming, and a calm home environment usually help maintain a healthy coat. Occasionally, a veterinarian may recommend medicated shampoo or supplements if skin issues develop.

There are a few genetic concerns that breeders often test for or monitor:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, frequently referred to as HCM, is a heart disease that can affect several cat breeds, including the Devon Rex. Responsible breeders often perform regular heart scans on breeding cats to reduce the risk of passing this on. Pet owners should be attentive to signs like unusual lethargy, rapid breathing at rest, or decreased exercise tolerance, and should consult a veterinarian promptly if they appear.
Patellar luxation, a looseness of the kneecap, may occasionally be seen in the breed. Mild cases can be managed, while more severe cases sometimes require surgery. You might notice intermittent limping or a “skip” in the cat’s back leg.
Some lines can show a tendency toward dental issues, including plaque buildup or gingivitis. Regular tooth brushing, dental treats, and periodic veterinary dental checks are helpful preventative measures.

Ear care is especially important. The large, open ears of the Devon Rex collect wax and debris quite easily. If not cleaned regularly, this can lead to irritation or infection. A veterinarian can demonstrate safe cleaning techniques and recommend suitable products. It is vital not to use cotton buds inside the ear canal, as this can cause trauma.

Because of their strong appetite and love of treats, Devon Rex cats can be prone to gaining weight if their diet and exercise are not balanced. Extra weight stresses the joints and heart and can shortens a cat’s healthy lifespan. Using measured meals rather than free feeding, monitoring body condition regularly, and maintaining daily play sessions all help to keep your Devon lean and fit.

A typical lifespan for a well bred, well cared for Devon Rex is around 12 to 16 years, and many live longer. Routine veterinary care plays an important role in supporting longevity. This includes:

Annual or semi annual health checks, increasing in frequency as the cat enters senior years
Vaccinations tailored to your cat’s lifestyle and local disease risks
Regular parasite prevention, particularly if the cat occasionally goes outdoors or meets new animals
Periodic blood work and urine analysis in older cats to detect early kidney, liver, or thyroid problems

When choosing a breeder, it is sensible to ask which health tests are carried out on their breeding cats, especially with regards to heart screening and any recommended breed specific tests in your country. A responsible breeder will be open about the health of their lines and willing to explain how they work to reduce the risk of hereditary problems.

For pet owners, the most valuable contribution to a Devon Rex’s health is a stable routine, high quality diet, plenty of interactive play, and a home where the cat feels secure and loved. Stress can aggravate many minor health conditions, so a calm, enriched environment is more beneficial than it might first appear.

History & Origins

The history of the Devon Rex begins in 1960 in Buckfastleigh, Devon, in the south west of England. A local woman noticed an unusual curly coated kitten in a litter born to a stray cat near a disused tin mine. This kitten, later named Kirlee, had a soft, wavy coat unlike the straight haired cats around him. His unique appearance drew attention, especially among people already interested in the relatively new Cornish Rex, another curly coated breed that had appeared not far away in Cornwall.

At first, breeders thought Kirlee might share the same curly coat gene as the Cornish Rex. He was bred to Cornish Rex cats in hopes of strengthening and expanding the curly breed. However, the kittens from these matings all had straight coats. This made it clear that the curly coat from Devon and the curly coat from Cornwall were caused by two different recessive mutations. Kirlee therefore became the foundation of a completely separate breed, which was named the Devon Rex after the county of his origin.

Careful breeding programs began to develop the Devon Rex as a distinct variety. Breeders worked to stabilize the coat texture, refine the body type, and maintain the charming, elf like look that Kirlee had passed on. Because the gene pool was very small at that time, controlled outcrossing to selected domestic cats was used under guidance from cat registries, to widen genetic diversity while preserving the unique appearance and temperament.

By the late 1960s and 1970s, the Devon Rex was recognized by several major cat associations and appeared on show benches in the United Kingdom and abroad. The breed’s unusual look and engaging personality soon attracted attention in Europe and North America. Over the following decades, numbers gradually increased, and the Devon Rex became firmly established as a recognized pedigree breed across many countries.

Today, the Devon Rex is kept almost entirely as a companion and show cat. They are not working cats in any traditional sense, although their high intelligence and people focused nature would probably have made them very effective mousers and household helpers in earlier times. Instead, they shine as family pets, therapy cats in some settings, and charismatic stars at cat shows.

Modern breeding efforts continue to focus on maintaining the Devon Rex’s characteristic traits. These include the large, low set ears, the expressive head shape, the wavy coat, and the affectionate, playful temperament. At the same time, many breeders are committed to monitoring and improving health, using health screening and careful selection of breeding pairs.

The story of the Devon Rex is a good example of how a single unusual kitten, noticed and valued by observant humans, can give rise to an entire breed. From an abandoned mining area in Devon, the descendants of Kirlee have spread around the world, charming people with their pixie faces, curly fur, and deeply affectionate natures.

Living with the Breed

Choosing to live with a Devon Rex means welcoming a very interactive and engaging companion into your home. This is not a cat that simply coexists quietly in the background. Instead, the Devon usually positions itself at the center of household life, eager to be wherever the family is and involved in whatever they are doing.

Prospective owners should be prepared for a high level of daily interaction. A Devon Rex typically needs:

Regular play sessions spread throughout the day
Frequent cuddling, petting, or simply being close to their humans
Environmental enrichment like climbing spaces, scratching posts, and interesting toys

If you work long hours outside the home, you may want to consider having two compatible cats so they can entertain each other. Many Devon Rex cats benefit from having a fellow feline or a gentle, cat friendly dog as a companion.

Because of their sparse coat and slender body, Devon Rex cats tend to feel the cold more than many other breeds. Apartments and houses that are cool in winter may require extra warm spots, such as insulated beds, soft blankets, and access to sunny windowsills. Many Devons love heated pet beds, as long as these are good quality and used safely. They are typically kept as indoor cats, partly for their safety and also because their coat offers less protection against harsh weather.

In terms of daily care, the Devon Rex is relatively low maintenance, but there are a few tasks to keep on top of:

Gentle coat care, avoiding heavy brushing
Regular ear cleaning to prevent wax buildup
Nail trimming every couple of weeks
Routine dental care as advised by your veterinarian

The financial commitment for a Devon Rex will vary depending on your region, lifestyle, and the quality of veterinary care and diet you choose. As a broad guideline, you can expect annual costs to include:

High quality cat food, often slightly more expensive for premium brands, but beneficial for coat and overall health
Routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, checkups, and parasite prevention
Litter, toys, and replacement of worn scratching posts or climbing trees
A budget for occasional health issues, and possibly pet insurance to cover unexpected veterinary bills

Buying a kitten from a reputable breeder will also be a significant initial expense. This price reflects health testing, proper early care, and the breeder’s long term investment in maintaining breed quality and health. You will also need initial equipment such as:

A sturdy cat carrier for vet visits and travel
At least one tall cat tree or climbing system
Several scratching posts placed in different rooms
Food and water bowls, ideally wide and shallow to avoid whisker stress
A comfortable bed, plus extra blankets for warmth
Interactive toys and puzzle feeders to keep your Devon busy

Mentally, living with a Devon Rex is very rewarding for people who enjoy a close, playful relationship with their cat. They often adapt well to apartment living, as long as they receive enough attention and enrichment. However, they may not be ideal for households seeking a very independent, undemanding pet.

Good communication with breeders and veterinarians is valuable. An experienced Devon Rex breeder can guide you on grooming techniques, diet choices, and typical behavior patterns, while your veterinarian can help you design a health care plan tailored to your individual cat.

In everyday life, a Devon Rex will likely greet you at the door, join you on the sofa, sleep near you at night, and respond when you speak to them. They are bright, funny, and often surprising. With thoughtful care, enough playtime, and consistent affection, they usually repay the commitment many times over with years of companionship, warmth, and entertainment.

Characteristics

Great with kids

High energy

Super smart

Low grooming

Easy to train

Characteristic	Value
Breed Type	Purebred
Child Friendly	5/5
Energy	5/5
Hair Shedding	1/5
Health	3/5
Intelligence	4/5
Grooming Needs	1/5
Learning Ability	4/5
Height	30 – 35 cm
Weight	2 – 4 kg
Life Expectancy	9 – 15 years

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Devon Rex cats really hypoallergenic and suitable for people with allergies?

They are often better tolerated by some allergy sufferers because of their sparse, wavy coat and reduced shedding, but they are not truly hypoallergenic. They still produce the usual cat allergens in dander and saliva, so sensitive individuals should spend time with one before committing.

What is the typical temperament of a Devon Rex?

They are usually very people focused, active and playful well into adulthood. Many are described as “velcro cats” that follow their owners, enjoy being carried and seek frequent interaction while also adapting well to indoor living.

How much grooming does a Devon Rex coat need and can you damage it by brushing?

Their delicate, rippled coat generally needs only gentle hand stroking or a soft cloth to remove loose hairs. Frequent or harsh brushing can break the fine hairs and create bald patches, so grooming should be minimal and very gentle.

Do Devon Rex cats get cold easily because of their short, thin coat?

They have less insulation than many breeds, so they can feel the cold more, especially in draughty homes. Many enjoy warm spots, blankets and heated beds, and they should be kept indoors in cooler climates.

What health problems are Devon Rex cats prone to?

They have an increased risk of certain inherited conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, patellar luxation and some muscle disorders such as Devon Rex myopathy. Responsible breeders screen their cats, but prospective owners should discuss health testing and be prepared for regular veterinary checks.

Are Devon Rex cats good with children and other pets?

Their playful and social nature usually makes them well suited to respectful children and other friendly pets. They tend to enjoy interactive games and companionship, but as with any cat, introductions should be gradual and supervised.

How active are Devon Rex cats and what kind of play do they need?

They are typically energetic and curious, often enjoying climbing, jumping and puzzle style play. Providing vertical spaces, interactive toys and daily play sessions is important to prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors.

Why do some Devon Rex cats have bald spots or very thin fur on their body?

Patchy or very sparse fur is common in the breed and can be entirely normal, as their coat is naturally fine and variable. However, sudden hair loss, redness or itchiness can indicate skin disease or overgrooming and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Do Devon Rex cats need special skin or ear care?

Their skin can accumulate natural oils more visibly because the coat is so light, and some individuals benefit from occasional gentle wiping or infrequent mild baths. The large ears may also build up wax more quickly, so regular, careful ear checks and cleaning when needed are advisable.

Are Devon Rex cats suitable for full‑time indoor living in apartments?

They adapt very well to indoor and apartment life due to their size, sociable nature and high trainability. They do, however, require environmental enrichment, climbing structures and daily human interaction to stay mentally and physically healthy.