Devon rex
The Devon rex appeared in 1959 near a disused tin mine in Devon, a curly kitten called Kirlee born to a stray.
It was initially assumed to share the Cornish rex mutation; test breedings proved the two genes are entirely separate.
The look is unmistakable — a wide face with enormous low-set ears, huge eyes, prominent cheekbones and a short, soft, loosely waved coat that is thin enough to see skin through in places. Devons are relentlessly people-focused, frequently ride on shoulders, eat anything within reach, and have a reputation among breeders as the mischief-makers of the cat world.
- Origin
- Devon, England, 1959
- Size
- 2.5–4.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 9–15 years
- Coat
- Short, soft and loosely waved; sparse in places
- Temperament
- Mischievous, people-obsessed, agile, food-driven
- Grooming
- Minimal; handle gently
Related: Cornish rex · German rex · Selkirk rex · Tennessee rex
3 devon rex photos, newest first
Living with a devon rex
Almost no brushing — the coat is delicate and over-grooming causes bald patches. Ears need frequent cleaning; Devons produce a lot of wax.
They run warm-seeking and feel the cold, so expect one under the duvet.
Two specific conditions are worth knowing. Devon rex hereditary myopathy causes muscle weakness and has a DNA test. The breed also carries the blood type B gene at high frequency, which matters for breeding and for transfusions. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and patellar luxation occur. They are notorious food thieves, so weight needs watching.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual cats vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.
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