Who Is the Devon Rex? What You Need to Know About This Unique Cat Breed

The Devon Rex is one of the most unique and popular cat breeds out there. It’s certainly hard not to fall in love with this breed’s sweet, curious nature and adorable looks! But how can you be sure the Devon Rex is the right cat for you? Below, Cat in a Flat dives into the pros and cons of owning a Devon Rex, and everything you need to know before bringing this type of kitty into your life.

Where does the Devon Rex cat come from?

Where does the Devon Rex come from? The Devon Rex originated in Devon, England in 1960 when a woman came across a unique curly-haired kitten. Through breeding, she eventually produced the first Devon Rex and in 1979 it was recognized as an official cat breed. Since then, these kitties have made their way all around the world and into the hearts of feline lovers everywhere! 

What do Devon Rex cats look like?

What do Devon Rex cats look like? This feline breed is known for their unique appearance. They have large eyes and noses, rounded ears, and lean, muscular bodies. Because of their singular look, these kitties are often affectionately referred to as the E.T. of cats. In fact, it’s rumored that Steven Spielberg actually did base the beloved alien in his film E.T. on his own Devon Rex! 

These felines have short coats that can range from curly to velvety and can have a variety of color markings. Devon Rex cats can come in solid colors (such as completely white or blue), with tabby markings, or with shading around the face, tail, and sides. 

Main Devon Rex Characteristics

Lifespan: 9-15 years

Weight: 2.3 – 4.5kg / 6-9 lbs.

Length: 18 inches

Coat: Short hair

Color: Any color and coat pattern

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How to care for a devon rex

Grooming

The Devon Rex is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Although there is no such thing as a fully hypoallergenic feline, the Devon Rex comes very close as they have a short coat and minimal shedding. This means these types of kitties won’t require frequent brushing. You do need to be mindful of over-grooming—both by you or your cat—as this can cause bald patches. Instead of brushing, gently wipe your fur friend’s coat with a damp cloth once a week. 

You should also take note that the Devon Rex can suffer from ear wax build-up. Cleaning inside your kitty’s ears should be a part of your regular cat care. 

Exercise

These furry friends are high energy and require quite a lot of exercise. If you would prefer a low-activity kitty or don’t have the time for frequent playtime with your feline, the Devon Rex may not be the right breed for you. However, if you have the time and energy, this breed can be a lot of fun. Their intelligent nature means these kitties are easy to train and love learning tricks. You can even try leash training your Devon Rex so you can take them for walks! 

Keep in mind that Mr Whiskers’ short coat means it’s safer to keep them indoors, away from outside hazards. You should avoid allowing your feline to wander around outdoors on their own. Keep your indoor kitty happy by providing them with plenty of stimulating toys and cat trees around the home. It’s important to play a lot with your feline. If you’re away for long hours during the day, consider booking a cat sitter to come in and spend time with Mr Whiskers. A trustworthy sitter can ensure your Devon Rex gets enough activity and interaction while you’re gone. 

Socializing

In the right environment, Devon Rex cats can be very social, outgoing felines. They’re best suited for homes with adults and older children who can respect their space, but may not do well around babies or very young kids. Their social nature also means this breed will thrive living with another kitty to keep them company. 

Your fur friend will enjoy being a part of a busy household and most likely want to engage with you. This includes following you everywhere! As mentioned above, these kitties don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time, so you should aim to hire a housesitter whenever you go on holiday. 

Main Devon Rex health issues

Like with any type of feline, the Devon Rex can be prone to certain health issues because of its breed. Hence, it’s important to seek out a reputable breeder who will test for certain conditions prior to breeding. Here are some of the more common health issues in Devon Rex cats: 

Patellar luxation: This occurs when your fur friend’s knee cap pops out. This feline breed is predisposed to this condition, and it can lead to limping and lameness. 

Devon Rex myopathy: This is muscle weakness that affects the head and neck in this particular breed. The condition is hereditary, so it’s possible to breed it out—which is why choosing an ethical breeder is a must!

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: This is the most common heart disease in cats and the Devon Rex is a breed predisposed to this health issue. With this condition, the wall of the left side of the heart thickens with time, slowing down blood flow to the rest of the body. 

With any pet it’s important to be preventative about health. To keep your feline happy and healthy, make sure to get them vaccinated and take them to the vet for annual check-ups.

Should I get a Devon Rex cat?

Should I get a Devon Rex cat? You should always carefully consider your lifestyle and whether the Devon Rex is a good fit for you (and vice versa). It’s important that you have enough time to dedicate to this high-energy breed and you’re prepared to deal with any potential health issues. And make sure you do your research before purchasing a Devon Rex. You want to make sure your fur friend comes from an ethical breeder that truly cares about their cats. 

However, before purchasing, you should seriously think about adopting first. There are so many felines in shelters who need a good home—in the USA there are over three million cats in shelters awaiting adoption. This doesn’t include kitties who are living on the streets. By adopting, you’ll not only provide a home to a fur friend that truly needs it, but Mr Whiskers will love you all the more for rescuing them! 

Want to find out more about other kitty types and breeds? Check out our fun blog posts to learn about Maine Coon kitties, calico cats, ginger felines and more!