Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a breed of surprising origin — a curly-coated, large-eared, impish-looking cat discovered in a litter born to a stray cat in Devon, England in 1960.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
9–15 years
Weight
2.7–4.5 kg (6–10 lbs)
Height
25–30 cm (10–12 in)
Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality food. Devon Rex have large appetites and efficient metabolisms — monitor weight carefully to prevent obesity.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Devon Rex is a breed of surprising origin — a curly-coated, large-eared, impish-looking cat discovered in a litter born to a stray cat in Devon, England in 1960. The Devon Rex's unique coat is caused by a different gene mutation from the Cornish Rex (which has a similar wavy coat) — the Devon Rex mutation affects a different part of the hair shaft, and the two breeds cannot produce curly-coated offspring when crossed. The Devon Rex is often compared to a pixie or an alien — large bat-like ears, a small oval face, and a short, wavy, velvety coat that feels unlike any other cat breed.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Devon Rex has a distinctive pixie appearance — a triangular face with prominent cheekbones, a short muzzle, and disproportionately huge, wide-set ears that fan out from the sides of the face. The coat is short, soft, and wavy or curly — it covers the entire body in irregular waves and is very fine, almost velvety in texture. Whiskers are often curly and fragile. The body is slender and well-muscled. Large, oval eyes are set low and far apart.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Coat Length
rex
Coat Type
curly
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-2-3-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Devon Rex are mischievous, clown-like, and perpetually seeking warmth and attention. They will sit on shoulders, drape themselves around necks, and burrow under covers. They are highly active and playful but also seek constant human contact. They are often described as "part cat, part monkey, part dog." They are excellent with children and other pets.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
5/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Ideal Weather
15°C to 28°C
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor-Only
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
50%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Vocal Profile
chatty
Stress Signals
clinginess, food stealing increase, over-grooming, excessive vocalisation
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •The curly coat is low maintenance — gentle weekly brushing is sufficient. The large ears accumulate wax and debris more rapidly than normal cats — weekly ear cleaning. The Devon Rex feels the cold and should be provided with warm sleeping spots. Their large appetite means portion control is important.
Nutrition Notes
Devon Rex myopathy (spasticity) — DNA test available. Higher metabolism (works to stay warm). Voracious appetite — will steal food. Malassezia (yeast) skin issues — diet affects skin health. NOT hypoallergenic despite marketing.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Devon Rex myopathy (hereditary spasticity) — DNA test. HCM. Malassezia dermatitis (greasy skin). Luxating patella. Hip dysplasia. "Pixie cat" — elf-like face. Different gene from Cornish Rex (Devon gene ≠ Cornish gene). NOT hypoallergenic. 9-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
400 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hereditary myopathy (Devon Rex myopathy/Congenital myasthenic syndrome) — a muscle disease causing weakness and exercise intolerance with a DNA test available. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Malassezia (yeast) skin infections from the fragile coat. Patellar luxation.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Myopathy DNA test essential. NOT hypoallergenic. India: warm climate suits (thin coat).
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$75 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Devon Rex and Cornish Rex have similar curly coats but are caused by different genetic mutations — crossing a Devon Rex with a Cornish Rex produces straight-coated offspring, confirming they are genetically distinct.
Devon Rex cats are often listed as "hypoallergenic" in popular culture — this is partially but not fully accurate. Their low-shedding coat reduces allergen spread but they still produce Fel d 1 protein in their saliva and skin.
The Devon Rex's curly whiskers are fragile and often break — Devon Rex owners sometimes find the characteristic curled whisker fragments around the home.
