Essential Nutrients Every Devon Rex Needs for a Healthy Coat

Short answer: a Devon Rex needs a complete and balanced, meat-based diet like any cat, with careful portions because the breed is described as greedy and always on the lookout for food. Purina recommends a quality adult food, kitten food for the first year, and says a healthy-weight formula may help with weight management. No source we reviewed recommends a special "coat diet", so skip the supplements unless your vet advises them.

Start with the basics

VCA Animal Hospitals explains that cats are obligate carnivores and cannot make enough taurine themselves, so they need a regular supply from food. Taurine supports vision, digestion, immunity and heart function, and a serious shortage can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy. Foods that are labelled "complete and balanced" contain enough, while dog food and many home-made diets do not. The Devon Rex is listed by Purina as prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a different heart condition that is genetic and not caused by diet, so diet cannot prevent it, but it is another reason to see a vet regularly. Our feeding guide covers the basics of portions and meals.

What is special about the Devon Rex?

• A lively, athletic cat. Purina and Your Cat describe a highly active, playful cat with a strong jump. Active cats burn energy, but they can also be greedy.
• A food thief. Your Cat notes that Devon Rex cats are greedy and quick to steal food, even from plates. Keep human food out of reach, and do not share dinner.
• A thin coat and warmth. The GCCF says the thin coat gives little insulation and the cat seeks warmth. A cat that loses heat more easily may use more energy, but the amount varies by individual, so judge by body shape and ask your vet.
• Size. The GCCF gives 6 to 9 pounds, and Purina 8 to 10 pounds for males and 5 to 8 for females. Use these as a rough guide only.

Feeding a Devon Rex kitten

Purina says kittens should eat kitten food for their first year. Offer several small meals a day of a food labelled complete and balanced for growth, with fresh water available. Switch to adult food gradually over about a week, and ask your vet at a check-up when to switch; see our check-up guide.

Feeding an adult

1. Choose a complete and balanced adult food from a reputable maker. Wet, dry or a mix are all fine; wet food adds moisture, which supports hydration (see our hydration guide).
2. Measure portions. Use the label as a starting point and adjust to your cat's body shape.
3. Split the day into several small meals, using a puzzle feeder or scatter feeding to slow a greedy eater and use that clever mind.
4. Count the treats, and keep them to a small share of daily calories.
5. Check body shape monthly. The PDSA's body condition score guide shows how: you should feel the ribs and see a waist from above.

Skin, coat and nutrition: what the evidence says

The Devon Rex's coat is delicate, and Purina notes that oil buildup can occur. Complete cat foods already provide the fats, vitamins and minerals needed for a normal coat. The sources we reviewed do not recommend supplements for this breed, and coat changes can be due to age and season (the GCCF says the coat changes with both), grooming or skin problems. If your cat has bald patches, scabs, itching or a greasy, dull coat that does not improve, see your vet before adding fish oil or anything else.

Weight and joints

The GCCF and Purina both mention luxating patella, a kneecap that slips out of place, as more common in the breed. Extra weight puts more strain on joints, so keeping a lean weight is one of the best things you can do; VCA has more on overweight and obesity in cats. If you see skipping or hopping on a back leg, or reluctance to jump, mention it to your vet.

Common mistakes

• Free-feeding a cat that eats greedily.
• Sharing plates, which teaches a thief to steal.
• Feeding dog food or an unbalanced home-made diet.
• Adding supplements without asking a vet.
• Changing food suddenly.

Quick checklist

• Complete and balanced food; kitten food for about the first year.
• Measured portions and puzzle feeders.
• Monthly body check and weigh-in.
• Fresh water, and some wet food.
• Vet advice before supplements.
• This is general information, not veterinary advice.

Keep reading

• Devon Rex grooming guide
• Devon Rex health guide
• 10 unique Devon Rex facts
• How much should you feed your cat?
• Essential nutrients for your Oriental cat
• Managing your Russian Blue's weight

Sources

• Purina: Devon Rex cat breed profile
• GCCF: Devon Rex breed profile
• Your Cat: Devon Rex cat breed information
• VCA Animal Hospitals: What is taurine and why is it so important?
• PDSA: Your cat's body condition score
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Overweight, obesity and pain in cats