Devon Rex Grooming Guide: How to Care for Their Unique Wavy Coat

Short answer: a Devon Rex needs very little grooming, but it needs the right kind. The GCCF and Your Cat advise gentle hand grooming only, to avoid breaking the delicate hair, plus regular ear cleaning. Purina adds that an occasional bath may be needed to control oil buildup from the thin coat. Avoid hard brushing, and check the ears, nails and teeth on a regular schedule.

Know the coat

The GCCF describes a short, dense, soft, wavy coat with little guard hair. The hair is shorter on the head, neck, legs and paws, and may not wave there. It can change with the cat's age and with the seasons, and looks its best from about 18 months. Purina calls it low-shedding. The GCCF is clear that the breed is not hypoallergenic, so low shedding does not mean allergy-proof. For a quick overview of the breed, see our 10 Devon Rex facts.

1. Stroke, don't brush hard

Your Cat and the GCCF say that light hand grooming is enough, since the coat is fragile and can break. In practice:

• Use a clean, slightly damp hand or a soft cloth to lift loose hair, stroking in the direction of the coat.
• If you do use a tool, choose a very soft brush or a rubber grooming mitt and use a light touch; ask your breeder or vet what suits your cat.
• Avoid wire or metal combs and anything that pulls.
• Keep sessions short and calm, and reward your cat with a treat afterwards.

The thin hair on the head, neck and legs is the most delicate. A cat that shows bare patches, scabs or itching needs a vet check rather than more brushing.

2. Baths: occasionally, and gently

Purina says a Devon Rex may need an occasional bath to control oil buildup. Because the coat is thin, skin oil is not absorbed by dense fur, and it can leave the coat feeling greasy or the skin looking sticky. A bath routine for a cat that needs one:

1. Use a shampoo made for cats, never human shampoo.
2. Use lukewarm water, put a towel or mat in the sink or tub for grip and keep the cat calm with treats.
3. Avoid the eyes and ears, rinse thoroughly and dry the cat fully in a warm room. These cats feel the cold easily, as the GCCF says the thin coat offers little insulation.

Ask your vet how often is right for your cat, because bathing too much can dry the skin. For hairless and near-hairless breeds, our Peterbald care guide shows a similar approach to oily skin.

3. Ears

Large, low-set ears are a feature of the breed, and Your Cat points out that they can get greasy and need regular cleaning. Check them every week:

• Wipe the visible part with a soft damp cloth or a cotton pad and a cat-safe ear cleaner.
• Never put cotton buds or anything else into the ear canal.
• See your vet if the ear is red, smells, is very dirty or your cat shakes its head or scratches.

Our guide to cleaning ears safely explains the steps in detail.

4. Sun protection for pale cats

Your Cat notes that pale-coated Devon Rex cats may need sun protection on their ears in summer. Limit time in strong direct sun, such as a hot windowsill at midday, and ask your vet whether a pet-safe sunscreen is suitable.

5. Nails and teeth

Trim nails regularly; the PDSA has a clear guide on how to clip your cat's claws, and our own claw trimming guide covers the steps. Brush teeth if your cat allows it; see our dental care guide and FirstVet's brushing instructions.

6. Keep it warm

The GCCF and Your Cat say Devon Rex cats feel warm to the touch and seek out warm spots. Provide soft, enclosed beds away from draughts, and do not leave a wet cat in a cool room.

A simple routine

1. Several times a week: a gentle hand-groom, and a look at the skin and coat.
2. Weekly: check and wipe the ears, and look at nails and teeth.
3. Every few weeks: trim nails.
4. As needed: an occasional bath if the coat looks greasy.
5. Yearly: a vet check-up; see what to expect.

When to see the vet

• Bald patches, scabs, red or itchy skin.
• Smelly, dark or very dirty ears, or head shaking.
• Sores or crusts on the ear tips.
• Heavy shedding or a coat that suddenly changes.

Quick checklist

• Gentle hand grooming only, no hard brushing.
• Occasional bath with a cat-specific shampoo, if needed.
• Weekly ear care.
• Sun care for pale cats; warmth in cold weather.
• Regular nail and dental care.
• This is general information, not veterinary advice.

Keep reading

• 10 unique Devon Rex facts
• Essential nutrients every Devon Rex needs
• Devon Rex health guide
• How to clean your cat's ears safely
• The ultimate care guide for Peterbald cats
• The complete hygiene checklist

Sources

• GCCF: Devon Rex breed profile
• Purina: Devon Rex cat breed profile
• Your Cat: Devon Rex cat breed information
• PDSA: How to clip your cat's claws
• FirstVet: Brushing your cat's teeth