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Devon Rex

Devon Rex Cat Breed Profile

Weight 5.5-10 lbs (2.5-4.5 kg)
Origin England
Color White, orange, gray, black; multi-colored
Fur Short, soft, curly, wavy
Lifespan 10-15 years
Personality Relaxed, intelligent, loves contact, enjoys learning tricks
Energy
Playful
Independent
Meowing
Shedding

Devon Rex Photo: Veera/Shutterstock

Breed Characteristics

You can always spot a Devon Rex at first sight! It has curly fur, big ears, large oval eyes and a short, wide, flat face. It almost looks like a (cute) gremlin. Some people even say a fairy, imp or even an alien! In any case, they’re easy to tell apart from other cats thanks to their unmistakable appearance.

Personality and Temperament

Devon Rexes love to sleep in bed with their owners where it’s lovely and warm and will wake them up with cuddles, purring and an affectionate headbutt. They love being close to their humans - they will jump on your lap, nuzzle your chin or rub along your shoulders.

Judging by their behavior, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’re a cross between a cat and a dog as they love playing fetch and learning tricks (e.g. piano!). They also love busying themselves with puzzles and other challenging toys. Devon Rexes are so playful, funny and intelligent that they’re often jokingly called “monkeys in catsuits”.


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Devon Rex Photo: Veera/Shutterstock

Keeping Them Happy

The Devon Rex cat is curious and loves people. They just want to be involved in anything that’s going on. Well. Not just involved, but right in the center! But they’re never too much as they love playing and being active just as much as being petted and taking long naps. Devon Rexes are very friendly cats that get on with everyone well, including other cats and dogs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Beautiful eyes
  • Outgoing personality
  • Very active
  • Very intelligent
  • Learns tricks
  • Easy grooming
  • Gets along well with other pets

Cons

  • Needs a lot of toys
  • Needs a lot of attention
  • Demanding
  • Doesn't tolerate being alone
  • Need plenty of space
  • Gets bored quickly

Devon Rex Photo: Veera/Shutterstock

Appearance

The Devon Rex is a medium-sized, slim cat. The “rex” in its name stands for its curly, wavy fur (you can also get rex rabbits and rex guinea pigs). Speaking of fur: Devon Rex cats shed very little, making this cat breed more suitable for people with allergies than other breeds. But this isn’t a hard and fast rule. You can find out more in our cat hair allergy article.


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The Devon Rex’s ears are very large and broad at the base compared to those of other cat breeds. Even their eyes look especially large in their faces and really draw you in with their oval shape. The nose is slightly upturned.

Devon Rex Photo: Veera/Shutterstock

History

The Devon Rex comes from the county of Devon in the South-West of England.

Cruel Breeding

The Devon Rex is considered as an animal cruelty. Why? Their fur was bred to curl. It looks very pretty, but that leaves her with very little and brittle hair. Even the whiskers are curled. As a result, they can't orient themselves well in the dark. For this reason it can't communicate well with other cats, too.

The Devon Rex is so beautiful! We completely understand anyone who falls in love with this breed. The question is: Is it ok to put your own needs ahead of your pet's health and well-being? After all, cats are very sensitive, loving creatures. If in doubt, it might be better not to buy a kitten. After all, every kitten sold supports further breeding. There are so many other wonderful breeds.

Fun Facts

The Devon Rex isn’t the only cat with a curly coat. There’s also the Cornish Rex, which also comes from England, from the county of Cornwall. The German Rex comes from Germany and the Selkirk Rex originated in the USA.

Comparable Breeds

Devon Rex Photo: Veera/Shutterstock