The Devon Rex is a small, elfin cat with huge ears, wide-set eyes, and a soft, wavy coat. It is known as a people-focused companion that is playful, mischievous, and happiest when involved in whatever you are doing. The fine coat sheds lightly but needs gentle handling, and the breed's high energy suits homes with time for interaction. Expect a clever, climbing, attention-loving cat that often prefers shoulders and laps to quiet independence.
History
The Devon Rex began in Devon, England, in 1960. A cat owner named Beverley Cox noticed a curly-coated kitten in a litter born to a stray cat near a disused tin mine in Buckfastleigh. She kept the kitten, named Kirlee, and saw that the curly coat resembled that of the Cornish Rex, which had appeared in Cornwall about a decade earlier.
Early pairings between Kirlee and Cornish Rex cats produced straight-coated kittens. This showed that the two curly coats were caused by different genes, so the Devon Rex was developed as its own breed rather than a variation of the Cornish Rex.
Breeders then built up the type carefully from a very small starting population. Outcrosses to other breeds were used in the early years to broaden the gene pool, and some registries still permit limited outcrossing under their own rules. Major registries recognized the breed over the following decades, with dates varying by organization. Today the Devon Rex is kept around the world as a companion cat with a distinctive pixie look.
Personality and temperament
The Devon Rex is often described as a cross between a cat, a monkey, and a small dog. It is intensely social and tends to choose a favorite person, then follow that person from room to room. Many Devons greet visitors at the door, ride on shoulders, and settle on laps, pillows, or any warm spot near their people.
This is an active, curious cat. Expect climbing, leaping onto high shelves, and investigating open cupboards. Many enjoy fetch, puzzle toys, and learning tricks, and their intelligence means they can get into mischief if bored. Some are known to steal small objects or food, so keep tempting items out of reach.
The breed is usually vocal in a gentle way, with soft chirps and trills rather than loud demands. Devons generally do best in homes where someone is around for much of the day. Long stretches alone may lead to boredom or clingy behavior, and a compatible feline or dog companion can help in some households.
With respectful children and cat-friendly dogs, they usually fit in well, enjoying the extra activity. As with any breed, individual personality varies, so meeting the parents and the kitten helps you judge temperament.
Care, grooming and feeding
Grooming: The Devon Rex coat is fine and delicate, so grooming should be gentle. Most cats need little brushing, and heavy brushing can damage or break the delicate hairs. A soft cloth or a very light touch with a soft brush is usually enough. Bathe only as needed, as some cats can become greasy. The large ears tend to collect wax and debris, so check them weekly and clean with a vet-approved product if advised. Trim nails regularly and brush teeth or follow your vet's dental care plan.
Exercise and enrichment: This is an energetic, athletic cat. Provide tall cat trees, window perches, interactive wand toys, food puzzles, and daily play sessions. Rotating toys helps keep a clever mind engaged. Secure windows and balconies, since the breed likes to explore high places.
Warmth: With such a thin coat, many Devons seek warmth and may enjoy heated beds, sunny spots, or your lap. Keep them indoors, where temperature and safety are easier to manage.
Diet: Offer a complete and balanced diet suited to age and activity level. Many Devons have hearty appetites and lively metabolisms, but they can still gain weight if overfed, so measure portions and use treats sparingly. Fresh water should always be available. Your vet can help you choose a diet and feeding plan for your individual cat, especially if skin, weight, or heart concerns come up.
Health considerations
The Devon Rex is generally considered a reasonably robust breed, but some conditions are discussed more often than in many other cats. Not every cat will be affected, and good breeders screen their breeding stock.
Commonly mentioned concerns include hereditary myopathy (a muscle condition sometimes called Devon Rex myopathy or spasticity), for which genetic testing is available. Patellar luxation (a slipping kneecap) is also discussed, as is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition seen across many breeds. Because the coat is thin, some cats are prone to skin problems such as greasy skin or yeast overgrowth, and ear wax buildup is common. Dental disease can also occur.
Ask breeders about genetic testing, heart screening, and the health history of the parents. Schedule regular veterinary checkups, including dental and heart evaluations as your vet recommends. Contact your vet promptly if you notice muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, limping, skin changes, or breathing trouble. This information is general and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
Is the Devon Rex right for you?
- Households where someone is home often and can offer daily interaction
- Families with considerate children and cat-friendly pets
- Owners who enjoy interactive play, trick training, and a cat that follows them around
- Apartment dwellers who can provide vertical space and enrichment
- People who are away for long hours and cannot offer companionship or a feline friend
- Anyone expecting a calm, independent, low-attention cat
- Homes that cannot keep a cat indoors and reasonably warm
Frequently asked questions
Is the Devon Rex hypoallergenic?
No cat is truly hypoallergenic. The Devon Rex has a short, fine coat and may shed less visibly, but allergens come mainly from saliva and skin, not just hair. If allergies are a concern, spend time with the breed first and speak with your doctor.
Does the Devon Rex need a lot of grooming?
Not much brushing, but it does need gentle care. The fragile coat can break with rough brushing, so a soft cloth or light touch is usually enough. Plan on regular ear cleaning as advised, nail trims, dental care, and occasional baths if the skin becomes greasy.
Is the Devon Rex the same as the Cornish Rex?
No. Both have curly or wavy coats, but they come from different genes and originated in different English counties. Devons usually have a shorter, more pixie-like face, larger ears, and a coat with more varied texture, while Cornish Rex cats are typically sleeker and more slender.
Do Devon Rex cats get along with children and other pets?
Often yes. They are social, playful, and usually enjoy company, including respectful children and cat-friendly dogs. Introduce new pets gradually and teach children to handle the cat gently, especially around its delicate coat and large ears.