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Home > Cats > Cat Breeds > Devon Rex: Cat Breed Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Devon Rex: Cat Breed Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Devon Rex stands on gray background

The impressively stunning Devon Rex is a unique specimen, indeed. These guys have oversized ears, adorable wrinkles, and extremely thin, curly fur—even their whiskers take on the wispy look. If you’ve spotted pictures of this peculiar breed, it probably piqued your curiosity.

Breed Overview

Height:

10 – 12 inches

Weight:

6 – 9 pounds

Lifespan:

10 – 15 years

Colors:

White, cream, orange, black, blue, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon

Suitable for:

Multi-pet households

Temperament:

Inquisitive, amusing, active, affectionate

So, what is the unique Devon Rex like, and what kind of care do they require? Let’s dig into the details regarding what you can expect when you own one of these remarkable felines.

Devon Rex Cat Characteristics

Energy:
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High-energy cat will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy cats require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a cat to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability:
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Easy-to-train cats are more willing and skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Cats that are harder to train are usually more stubborn and will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health:
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Some cat breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan:
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds' potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Sociability:
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Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other animals. More social cats have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches, while less social cats shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to lots of different situations.

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Devon Rex Kittens

devon rex kitten
Image ByVeera, Shutterstock

Rare and unusual, the Devon Rex cat breed can be pretty expensive. Several factors can influence the price, including location, quality, vet care, and breeder rates.

Finding a reputable breeder is essential to the health of your kitten. Each litter should have proper vet care, a quality bloodline, and proven genetics. Any breeder should be able to provide vet records and documentation for each kitten.

If you get lucky, you might be able to find a Devon Rex up for adoption at a local shelter or rescue. You can give one of these remarkable cats a second chance at life—plus, shelters perform all necessary vet care in the package. That way, you are fully aware of any preexisting health issues that they might have.

If you do adopt a Devon Rex, fees usually run cheaper, depending on the facility and required veterinary care. However, you likely won’t get a kitten. Typically, cats at shelters and rescues are full-grown cats that have been surrendered or found.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Devon Rex

Devon Rex cats are brilliant creatures that require lots of mental stimulation. They have a heightened sense of adventure and love to climb—so get prepared to have plenty of height-friendly areas for your kitty to explore.

You will notice quickly that these kitties will perch on high platforms in your home. The Devon Rex prefers to be an overseer of the household. Buying cat hammocks or entertainment pieces will channel their energy.

It’s essential to have lots of scratching surfaces available to curb any clawing tendencies. These cats are very active and tend to be vigorous at clawing. You can get them a variety of cat scratching posts to protect your valuables from any offense.

Playful and energetic, the Devon Rex isn’t a house cat that will laze about for long hours. They love to be up and moving around—getting into all sorts of mischief.

The Devon Rex is particularly curious, wanting to be in on the daily happenings. You might find these cats favor a window where they can watch the birds, cats, and passersby. Be careful not to let this cat dart outside, as they will likely try to explore the great unknown.

Apart from their wanderlust, these cats are incredibly affectionate toward humans. They will want your cuddles, even if a few minutes of belly scratches turn into playtime.

These cuties thrive on attention, making sure they are the epicenter of all things—so, you will have a shadow buddy their whole life. They make excellent companions and have extreme compatibility with virtually any family.

However, this breed requires an indoor-only lifestyle. So, no matter how much they want to escape from the house to take a stroll outside, their fur doesn’t protect them enough.

Devon Rex cat looking up
Image Credit: Oleksandr-Volchanskyi, Shutterstock

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

Devon Rex cats make incredible additions to virtually any family. You’ll find these cats are very interested in everything you do. So, expect them to follow you around and see what you’re getting into. They’ll be ready to cuddle when you sit down or help with dinner—you know, if you need a paw.

Because they are so attached to their owners, they don’t do well in homes where they’re alone too often. Even though they do have the typical feline independence, they are much more secure around those they love and might become depressed if they’re alone for too long.

They make terrific playmates for children because they will enjoy having little people who want to play as much as they do. Even though they will probably love your kids, they need to have equal respect. So older kids who know how to handle kitties are best.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The Devon Rex fits in very well with other pets, adjusting well to other cats, dogs, and household pets. High-energy dogs don’t seem to bother them too much, as they will enjoy antagonizing the situation.

As with any other pet, you need to socialize them early. Your Devon Rex should get used to all kinds of furry faces so they feel secure around newcomers. The more they are around other dogs and cats, they will be much more receptive to making friends.

You have to be careful with smaller pets, like rodents or rabbits. The Devon Rex is still a cat with a prey drive that they can’t help. Supervision is required, but it’s best to keep them apart completely.

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Things to Know When Owning a Devon Rex:

Food & Diet Requirements

Cats are natural carnivores. Even though they’re domesticated and eat a diet mixed with fruits, veggies, and grains, they still require mainly protein for optimal health.

These cats should eat a high-quality, nutrient-packed recipe that fits with their life stage and developmental markers.

You can feed your Devon Rex wet food or dry kibble. Each food type has its perks and downfalls—but often, having a combination diet is an excellent way to boost moisture intake and avoid dental issues.

This breed has no special dietary needs or known sensitivities. Each diet-related sensitivity is dependent on the individual cat.

Exercise 🐈

The Devon Rex is a highly active cat that needs lots of fun activities to do. Even if you can’t play each time they want, you should always have various options to keep them busy.

These cats benefit from self-exercise through chasing, scratching, and pouncing. Even though these cats will likely be much more active, house cats require a minimum of 15 minutes of exercise per day to stay healthy.

After cats get fixed, their energy levels might decrease naturally. If you find that your Devon Rex is lazier as they age, you can entice play by offering toys that pique their interest.

Devon Rex with different eye color
Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock

Training 🧶

Because the Devon Rex is highly receptive and in-tune, they can do very well with basic training. Litter training should be simple. After introducing them a few times, they should have the concept down pat.

Patiently working with your cat is the best method to successful feline training. Like most felines, these cats can have a mind of their own. They might resist training, acting disinterested. But with enough time, these cats will pick up on the concepts that you teach them.

Since they’re nosy, it might be a task to convince them they can’t be on the countertops or other high surfaces. But once you learn the personality of your cat, you can work with them accordingly.

Grooming ✂️

Devon Rex cats are extremely low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Because of their genetic mutation, they develop soft-down fur that is thin and easy to care for.

Your kitty’s skin will be sensitive since it’s extra vulnerable to the elements. If you plan to expose your cat to the sun, you must protect their delicate skin from the rays.

Even though these cats have unique care requirements, you can keep up with recommended guidelines, bathing them every 4-6 weeks.

Devon Rex cats have large ears, so always make sure not to get any water in their canals. Clean their ears during every pampering session to prevent moisture or bacterial buildup. Also, keep up with routine nail trims and teeth cleaning, too.

lilac devon rex cat sitting on the table
Image Credit: Vilvarin, Shutterstock

Health and Conditions 🏥

Devon Rex cats are surprisingly very healthy, despite their unique features. However, there are certain health conditions that you can find in the breed.

To prevent or get ahead of any problematic developments, keep up with scheduled veterinary appointments. These vet visits will help you and your vet determine if your cat is at risk for developing certain conditions.

Buying from a reputable breeder with a history of healthy litters is a great way to ensure the health and longevity of your kitten, too.

Minor Conditions
  • Feline urticaria pigmentosa
  • Patellar luxation
Serious Conditions
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Hereditary myopathy

Minor Conditions

  • Feline urticaria pigmentosa — this skin condition is caused by defective mast cells in the body, leading to skin irritation and redness.
  • Patellar luxation — this condition happens when the joints are loose in the knee areas, dislocating themselves often.

Serious Conditions

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — this condition causes heart walls to thicken, which can affect its overall effectiveness in function.
  • Hereditary myopathy — this genetic condition usually develops early on and becomes stable over time.

Male vs. Female

In terms of personality, any cat will be their own individual, despite gender. However, males tend to be slightly more lovable and accepting of newcomers. Females might be a little more particular about unfamiliar people.

Females have a more independent, adventurous streak—but males mature a bit slower. So, the boys might stay kitten-like a little longer.

Males and females both reach sexual maturity by about 6 months of age. Each one is capable of spraying to mark their territory. Males usually spray to ward off other males and attract mates. Females might spray while in heat.

To avoid any marking behavior, it’s best to get your cat fixed before reaching sexual maturity.


3 Little-Known Facts About the Devon Rex Cat

1. Devon Rex Cats Have Ultra-Curly Whiskers

Devon Rex cats have very distinct, curly whiskers to match their wavy coat, thanks to the Rex gene.


2. Despite Their Thin Fur, These Cats Are Not Hypoallergenic

If you are an allergy-prone person, you might think that this breed provides a hypoallergenic quality—but that’s not the case.


3. The Devon Rex Can Get Sunburns

The Devon Rex doesn’t have typical cat fur. They have a thin layer of down fur, which leaves their skin susceptible to exposure. Never let your Rex in the sun for long periods without protection.

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Conclusion

Now that you’re familiar with the super cool Devon Rex, do they sound like a match for your household? These cats are personable, curious, and clingy. They love spending time with their humans and want in on all the drama.

Remember, these cats require company almost always. If you are the kind of person who isn’t home enough, they might not be the best breed for you. Otherwise, these companion animals are fascinating in every way. You can check with local rescues and shelters to see if they have a Devon Rex available.


Featured Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock

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