Appearance, Personality, History, Care & Helpful Information for Pet Owners
Whether you’re welcoming a new furry friend or simply learning more about your current companion, understanding a dog’s appearance, personality, history, and care needs is key to building a happy, healthy relationship. This guide covers everything pet owners need to know—from breed characteristics and temperament to grooming tips and health considerations—helping you provide the best care possible for your beloved pet.
Devon Rex: The Playful, Pixie-Like Cat with a Curly Coat
The Devon Rex is a small, short-haired cat breed that first appeared in England in the late 1950s, thanks to a spontaneous genetic mutation. Known for their oversized ears, curly coat, and elfin, pixie-like appearance, these unique cats quickly won over cat lovers with their quirky charm.
Often described as playful, social, and people-oriented, Devon Rex cats are happy-go-lucky companions who thrive on interaction and affection. Their distinctive look and engaging personality have earned them a devoted following among enthusiasts seeking a lively, affectionate feline friend.
Read on to learn more about the Devon Rex’s temperament, care requirements, and fascinating history.
Breed Overview
- Other Names: Pixie Cat
- Personality: Active, playful, social
- Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
- Length: 10 to 12 inches
- Coat Length: Short
- Coat Colors: All colors
- Coat Patterns: Solid, tabby, shaded, tortoiseshell, calico, and more
- Eye Color: Any color
- Lifespan: 9 to 15 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Origin: England
Devon Rex Cat Characteristics
The Devon Rex is often affectionately described as a quirky mix of cat, dog, and monkey due to their lively curiosity and highly social nature.
“A typical Devon Rex is incredibly people-oriented,” says Shannon Ketter, breeder and owner of Pixie Stixs Cattery. “They almost always want to be near you, seeking your attention and affection.”
Ashley Kemper, breeder of both Sphynx and Devon Rex cats and owner of California Sphynx, adds, “They’ll greet you at the door, follow you around, meow back when you talk to them, curl up to sleep with you, and even ride on your shoulder like a parrot!”
While kittens and young adults tend to be very hyperactive, Ketter notes they usually mellow into affectionate “cuddle bugs” as they grow older.
| Trait | Level |
|---|---|
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Vocalize | Medium |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
History of the Devon Rex Cat
The Devon Rex breed traces back to 1959, when a curly-coated kitten named Kirlee was born to a stray calico cat in Devon, England. His finder, Beryl Cox, recognized Kirlee’s unique coat and offered him as a stud to help preserve the curly coat gene known from the Cornish Rex breed.
However, breeding trials revealed Kirlee’s coat gene was different from the Cornish Rex, leading breeders to develop the Devon Rex as its own distinct breed. By the 1970s, the Devon Rex was officially recognized by cat fancier associations worldwide.
Devon Rex Cat Care
Caring for a Devon Rex is generally straightforward but does require attention to their high energy, social needs, and grooming.
Exercise & Activity
Devon Rex cats are highly active and love to climb, leap, and explore. Indoor environments should offer plenty of opportunities for play and physical activity. Due to their rare and eye-catching looks, it’s safest to keep them indoors to protect them from theft and outdoor hazards like traffic, predators, and diseases.
If your Devon Rex desires outdoor time, consider options such as a secure catio, leash training with a harness, or walks in a cat stroller to safely satisfy their curiosity.
Devon Rex Cat Care & Enrichment
To help channel a Devon Rex’s boundless indoor energy, provide plenty of enrichment activities. Cat trees, puzzle feeders, wand toys, and interactive games like fetch offer both mental and physical stimulation. This breed is smart and trainable, often enjoying learning tricks and commands.
Grooming
Devon Rex cats have fine, curly fur without guard hairs—the protective top layer found on most cats—which can lead to oily skin. Because of this, occasional baths help control oil buildup and keep their skin healthy.
Ashley Kemper, breeder and expert, notes, “Some Devon Rex cats accumulate more earwax than other breeds, so regular ear checks and gentle cleanings are important.”
While they do shed, it’s much less than many other breeds. Their coat feels more like soft cotton fuzz than traditional fur. A gentle rub with a damp cloth often removes loose hairs. Their low-shedding coat also means they produce less of the Fel d1 protein, a major allergen, making them a potential option for some allergy sufferers—though no cat is completely hypoallergenic.
Regular nail trimming is necessary both for the cat’s comfort and to protect your furniture.
Common Health Issues in Devon Rex Cats
Generally healthy, Devon Rex cats live on average 9 to 15 years. However, some breed-specific conditions to watch for include:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): The most common feline heart disease. Responsible breeders screen breeding cats using echocardiograms and genetic tests.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A hereditary condition causing kidney cysts, eventually leading to kidney failure. Genetic testing is recommended.
- Hip Dysplasia: Abnormal development of the hip joint, causing pain, limited mobility, and arthritis.
- Luxating Patella: A condition where the kneecap slips out of place, potentially leading to joint pain and inflammation.
Ask your breeder for health clearances and monitor your cat for any signs of discomfort.
Appearance of the Devon Rex Cat
The Devon Rex is unmistakable with its elfin, whimsical look. They have a slender, small but surprisingly muscular body, and a wedge-shaped head featuring prominent cheekbones and a short muzzle. Their large, wide-set eyes come in almost any color.
One of their standout traits is their oversized ears, broad at the base and set low on the head, giving them a distinctive, almost impish expression.
Their short, soft coat—often described as suede-like or downy—forms loose waves or ripples because of the lack of guard hairs. Devon Rex cats come in every color and pattern imaginable.
Diet and Nutrition
The Devon Rex has no special dietary needs beyond what any healthy cat requires: a high-quality, meat-based diet.
Portion control is essential to prevent weight gain. Always provide fresh water and feed measured meals regularly—typically three to four times a day for kittens, and twice a day for adults.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Devon Rex Cat
Because they’re rare and in demand, Devon Rex cats are seldom found in shelters or rescues. The best route to bringing one home is through a reputable breeder who:
- Prioritizes health and temperament
- Is transparent about lineage and genetic testing
- Welcomes visits or video chats to see living conditions
- Does not rush sales or sell kittens too young
Prices typically range between $1,000 and $3,000. Avoid backyard breeders and pet stores that may source from mills and don’t provide proper care or socialization.
Devon Rex Summary
The Devon Rex is a loving, spirited breed, instantly recognizable by their curly coat, large ears, and playful personality.
Pros:
- Friendly and social with people and pets
- Low shedding and potentially better for some allergy sufferers
- Highly intelligent and trainable
Cons:
- Requires occasional bathing for oily skin
- Needs a lot of attention and interaction
- Rare and relatively expensive
Similar Breeds to Explore
If you like the Devon Rex, consider checking out:
- Cornish Rex
- Selkirk Rex
- Sphynx
Or browse our full collection of cat breed profiles for more inspiration.
FAQ About Devon Rex Cats
What makes Devon Rex cats special?
They combine an elfin, unique look with a playful, people-loving personality that often resembles a dog’s behavior.
Are Devon Rex cats hypoallergenic?
No cat is truly hypoallergenic, but Devon Rex cats shed less and produce less allergenic protein, which may help some allergy sufferers. Individual reactions vary.
Are Devon Rex cats difficult to care for?
Not really, but they do have special needs: they crave human interaction, can be sensitive to cold due to their thin coat, and may require occasional baths.