Devon Rex
Distinctive curly coat (mutation). Large ears, pixie face. Playful, active character. Relatively hypoallergenic.
Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA
Ideal for
- ✓Families with time to cuddle
- ✓Flats
- ✓Anyone looking for a sociable cat
Reconsider if
- ×Homes where it's alone for many hours
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Is the Devon Rex a good match for you?
Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).
💶 Estimated cost of ownership
50-85 €/month
Quality food (25-40 €), litter (8-12 €), prorated preventive vet care (12-20 €), skin/ear hygiene products and accessories (8-15 €). Separately: annual check-up with cardiac assessment (40-70 €).
History and origin
A curly-coated breed that arose in Devon (England) from a spontaneous mutation different from that of the Cornish Rex. Its oily skin predisposes it to Malassezia dermatitis, and it shows a predisposition to patellar luxation and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Temperament and character
Character typical of its breed. Sociable or reserved depending on the individual. Early neutering (4-6 months) is the best preventive measure.
Living together
Children: good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if it lives with them from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.
Life stages of the Devon Rex
Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 14-17 años.
Kitten
0-6 months
Vaccination, skin/ear hygiene due to its fine, oily coat and thermal protection.
Junior
6 months-2 years
Neutering, HCM genetic test, patellar assessment and dermatological control.
Adult
2-10 years
HCM echocardiography, Malassezia management, patellar and weight control.
Senior
11+ years
Cardiac follow-up, dermatological and joint control and a geriatric diet.
Care
Brushing: according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).
Litter tray: N+1 litter trays (decision 70).
Feeding: quality wet + dry.
Vet: annual check-up + blood work from age 7.
Care in detail
🍽️ Nutrition
Its active metabolism and thin insulating coat mean it eats quite a lot for its size: quality calorie-dense food, in several meals. Watch that it doesn't get cold or lose weight.
✂️ Grooming
The curly coat is very fragile: no hard brushes, just run a hand or a rubber glove over it. It needs regular cleaning of the oily skin and ears; an occasional bath.
🎓 Training
Very clever and mischievous ('a pixie with a cat's face'): it learns tricks, how to open things and fetch games. Channel its energy with enrichment.
🏃 Exercise
Very energetic and acrobatic: it climbs, jumps and plays non-stop. It needs tall structures, toys and company or it becomes destructive out of boredom.
Breed-specific health
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) common in many breeds — genetic test recommended. PKD in Persian and derived breeds. Life expectancy 14-17 years.
🩺 Health predispositions of this breed
Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.
Common diseases in cats
Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Screening and prevention for the Devon Rex
Recommended tests and screenings
- ✓Genetic test for Devon Rex hereditary myopathy (spasticity)
- ✓Echocardiographic screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- ✓Blood typing (high frequency of type B → neonatal isoerythrolysis)
- ✓Test for vitamin K-dependent coagulopathy in affected lines
Prevention
Early neutering, regular cleaning of the oily skin and ears (predisposition to Malassezia dermatitis), protection from the cold and, in breeding, blood-typing the queen and stud.
Check-up schedule
Annual check-up with cardiac and dermatological assessment; in breeding females, blood-type before mating.
Warning signs
- !Muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing or head held low (myopathy)
- !Oily skin, redness or waxy dirt in the ears
- !Laboured breathing or lethargy (heart disease)
- !Bruising or abnormal bleeding (coagulopathy)
Devon Rex gallery
Frequently asked questions about the Devon Rex
- How long does a Devon Rex live? ▾
- The life expectancy of the Devon Rex is 14-17 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.
- How much does a Devon Rex weigh? ▾
- An adult Devon Rex weighs between 2-4 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is pequeño.
- Where does the Devon Rex breed come from? ▾
- The Devon Rex originates from Inglaterra (Devon). A curly-coated breed that arose in Devon (England) from a spontaneous mutation different from that of the Cornish Rex. Its oily skin predisposes it to Malassezia dermatitis, and it shows a predisposition to patellar luxation and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- How much exercise does a Devon Rex need? ▾
- The Devon Rex has alta energy. **Brushing:** according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).
- Is the Devon Rex good with children? ▾
- **Children:** good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if it lives with them from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.
- Who is the Devon Rex NOT recommended for? ▾
- It isn't the right breed for: Homes where it's alone for many hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.
- What health problems does the Devon Rex have? ▾
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) common in many breeds — genetic test recommended. PKD in Persian and derived breeds. Life expectancy 14-17 years.
- Is it hypoallergenic? ▾
- Not entirely. It sheds very little, which helps, but it still produces the Fel d1 allergen from its saliva. It's worth spending time with one before adopting if there's an allergy.
- Does it get cold? ▾
- Yes. Its curl is fine and offers little insulation; it seeks out warmth and appreciates blankets and warm spots in winter.
- How do you brush such a delicate coat? ▾
- Very gently: simply run a damp hand or a rubber glove over it. Hard brushes break the hair.
- Why is its skin oily? ▾
- With so little hair, the skin oils aren't spread out. Gentle regular cleaning of the skin and ears prevents dermatitis.
- Does it get bored easily? ▾
- Very. It's hyperactive and sociable; it needs play, height to climb and company so it doesn't get stressed or cause damage.
Learn more about cats
Practical veterinary guides to support your Devon Rex.
Sources and references
Content compiled from official breed standards and leading veterinary sources.
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