Home
Breeds

10 Unique Devon Rex Facts That Will Surprise Every Cat Lover

Devon Rex kitten with large ears sitting on a plain background

Short answer: the Devon Rex is a small, pixie-faced cat with huge ears, a soft wavy coat and a mischievous personality. It descends from a single curly-coated kitten born in Devon, England, in 1959, and it is a different breed from the Cornish Rex. Here are ten facts that explain why owners find it so entertaining.

1. Every Devon Rex traces back to one kitten called Kirlee

Your Cat says the first Devon Rex, Kirlee, was born in Devon on 15 July 1959 to a non-pedigree mother, and Purina notes that all Devon Rex cats descend from that curly-coated kitten. The GCCF recognised the breed in 1967.

2. It is not a Cornish Rex

Breeders first assumed a link to the Cornish Rex, which also has a curly coat, but the GCCF and Your Cat explain that breeding tests showed the Devon Rex is a separate mutation that is incompatible with the Cornish. Two cats with curly coats, two different genes.

3. The coat has very little guard hair

The GCCF describes a short, dense, soft, wavy coat with little guard hair. It can be shorter on the head, neck, legs and paws, may not wave in those places, and can change with the cat's age and the season. The coat looks its best from about 18 months. Our Devon Rex grooming guide covers how to look after it.

4. Even the whiskers and eyebrows are crinkled

The same sources mention short, crinkled whiskers and eyebrows, which are fragile and break easily. That is part of the breed's quirky look.

5. The face really is "pixie-like"

The GCCF describes a medium-sized cat with a short, broad, wedge-shaped head, high cheekbones, large low-set ears and big oval eyes. Purina calls it a dainty, elfin face with oversized ears. If you love the look, remember that large ears collect wax, which brings us to fact 9.

6. It is small to medium, but surprisingly athletic

The GCCF gives about 6 to 9 pounds, and Purina gives 8 to 10 pounds for males and 5 to 8 pounds for females. Your Cat's breed profile mentions 4 to 5 kg for males, so numbers differ between sources. All agree on a lean, muscular body with slim legs and a long tapering tail.

7. It is a champion jumper

Your Cat says Devon Rex cats are strong jumpers that can reach the tops of kitchen cupboards, and Purina describes a highly active, playful cat. Give it height to explore, such as a tall cat tree or shelves; see our Devon Rex enrichment guide.

8. It chirps rather than talks, and it needs people

According to the GCCF, Devon Rex cats are intelligent, mischievous, very active and people-oriented, good with children and other pets, and chirp rather than talk. They can become destructive if bored or left alone for long periods. A clever, sociable cat suits a home where someone is around, or a household with another cat. You can read about training in our Devon Rex training guide.

9. The ears can get greasy

Your Cat mentions greasy ears that need regular cleaning. Wipe only the visible part of the ear with a damp cloth or a cat-safe cleaner, and never put anything into the ear canal; our guide to cleaning ears safely explains the steps.

10. It loves warmth, and it is not hypoallergenic

Because the thin coat gives little insulation, the GCCF and Your Cat say these cats feel warm and seek out warm spots. Purina calls the coat low-shedding, but the GCCF stresses the breed is not hypoallergenic, so anyone with allergies should spend time with a Devon Rex before committing.

Health: what to ask a breeder

Sources describe the breed as generally healthy, with some conditions to ask about:

  • Devon Rex myopathy. An inherited muscle disease (the GCCF calls it Devon Rex myopathy; Your Cat describes it as a recessive spasticity condition). A reliable DNA test exists, so ask whether breeding cats are screened.
  • Luxating patella. The kneecap can slip out of place; the GCCF and Purina say it appears more common in the breed.
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Purina lists this heart condition among the breed's concerns.

Lifespan figures vary: the GCCF says 12 to 16 years, Your Cat 10 to 15 and Purina 9 to 15. Our Devon Rex health guide covers these conditions in more detail.

Is a Devon Rex right for you?

It suits someone who wants a playful, affectionate, clever cat that enjoys company and does not mind a little mischief. It may not suit a household that is empty all day, or someone who wants a calm, plush cat; for that, see our British Shorthair guide.

Quick checklist

  • Born from Kirlee in Devon in 1959, separate from the Cornish Rex.
  • Wavy, fine coat; gentle grooming only.
  • Needs company, play, climbing and warmth.
  • Clean the ears regularly.
  • Ask about DNA testing and knee health.
  • This is general information, not veterinary advice.

Keep reading

Sources

Further reading

Reminder: Kittyslovers (The Best Kitty Corner) is an independent blog. Our authors are not veterinarians and this article has not been reviewed by a veterinary professional. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your cat's health, diet, supplements and medication. Found an error? Let us know.