History:  

The Devon Rex breed originated in the 1960s in Devon, England, when a feral cat with curly fur was found. The cat, named Kirlee, was the first of its kind and became the foundation for the breed. Breeder Sarah Lazenby started a breeding program and successfully developed the breed, which has distinctive, soft, wavy fur and large, bat-like ears. The breed quickly gained recognition and became popular in Europe and the United States. In 1967, the CFA officially recognized the Devon Rex, and it was accepted for championship competition in 1979.

Size: Medium to large-sized cat 

Height: 23-30 cm

Weight: 2.5 - 4.5 kg 

Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years

Breed Appearance:  

The Devon Rex is a medium-sized cat with a slim, muscular body and a distinctive, soft, curly coat. Their coat is short, fine, and wavy, often feeling like suede or velvet to the touch. They come in a wide variety of colours, including black, white, cream, tabby patterns, and more. 

The Devon Rex has large, oval eyes set at an angle, which can be green, gold, or blue. Their most notable features are their large, bat-like ears and their delicate, elegant appearance. The breed’s overall look is similar to the Cornish Rex, with both having curly coats and playful personalities.

Breed Type - Family/guard: 

Devon Rex cats are playful, affectionate, and social, known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are highly energetic and enjoy interactive play, often bonding closely with their owners. This breed is intelligent, curious, and loves to explore, making them excellent companions for families and other pets, including dogs.

Training:

Devon Rex cats are highly intelligent and eager to engage with their surroundings, which makes them relatively easy to train. They enjoy interactive play like fetch and puzzle games and often learn tricks quickly when motivated with treats and praise. Positive reinforcement is key to their training success. Like the Cornish Rex, younger Devon Rex cats are typically more adaptable to learning new behaviors. Consistency and early socialisation are important to help them adjust to various environments and routines effectively.

Health & Care:

Devon Rex cats are generally healthy but can be predisposed to specific genetic conditions. It’s important to obtain a kitten from a responsible breeder who provides health screening results. Common issues include hereditary myopathy (a muscle condition), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and patellar luxation. 

Their delicate coat can also lead to skin problems, such as rashes or yeast infections, and may require occasional gentle cleaning. Routine vaccinations—including panleukopenia, calicivirus, feline herpesvirus, rabies, and Felv—are crucial for overall health and longevity.

Living Conditions:

The Devon Rex is a loving and sociable cat that thrives in interactive households. They form close bonds with their family members and do not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. These cats crave attention and companionship, making them ideal for families, including those with children or other pets. Due to their curious and energetic personality, Devon Rex cats need mental stimulation and physical activity to stay happy. They love cuddling and sitting on laps, especially if they’ve had enough play and feel secure in their environment.

Exercise:

Devon Rex cats are highly active and playful, requiring daily physical activity to stay healthy and mentally stimulated. They love climbing, jumping, and chasing toys, often performing acrobatic moves. Interactive toys, laser pointers, and puzzle feeders help satisfy their energy levels. Safe outdoor adventures on a harness or in an enclosed space are also enjoyable for them. Regular exercise not only supports their lean muscle development but also helps prevent behavioural issues and obesity, ensuring they remain fit and happy.

Grooming: 

The Devon Rex has a delicate, fine coat that requires minimal brushing, as over-grooming can damage the curls. However, due to their oily skin and lack of guard hairs, regular bathing is necessary to keep their coat and skin clean. Bathing should be introduced early to make it a stress-free routine. 

In addition to baths, grooming involves weekly nail trimming, dental care with pet-safe toothpaste, and gentle ear cleaning to prevent wax build-up. Their grooming needs are relatively low but consistent attention is key to their overall hygiene and well-being.

Advantages:

• Devon Rex cats are affectionate and people-oriented, bonding closely with their owners and enjoying constant companionship.

• Their soft, curly coat sheds very little and requires minimal brushing.

• They are playful, energetic, and love to entertain with their acrobatic antics.

• Devon Rex cats are intelligent and easily trainable, responding well to interactive games and routines.

Disadvantages:

• Their delicate coat and oily skin require regular bathing to maintain cleanliness and prevent irritation.

• Devon Rex cats are sensitive to temperature changes and may need extra warmth during colder months.

• They may be prone to genetic health issues like hereditary myopathy or heart problems.

• These cats need plenty of mental and physical stimulation, and without it, they may become bored or engage in unwanted behavior.