Devon Rex
The pixie-faced, big-eared mischief maker
The Devon Rex was found in Devon in 1960, when a curly-coated stray cat gave birth to a curly kitten called Kirlee. Breeders assumed he must be related to the Cornish Rex, but breeding the two together produced straight-coated kittens, proving that two different genes were at work.
The result is a distinct breed with a face like a pixie and a personality to match.
Devon Rex at a glance
- Origin
- Devon, England
- Size
- Small to medium
- Weight
- Usually 2.5 to 4.5 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 12 to 15 years
- Coat
- Very short, soft and wavy, with fine guard hairs
- Colours
- Almost any colour and pattern
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 5 out of 5
- Affection
- 5 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 3 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 1 out of 5
- Good with children
- 4 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 4 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A Devon Rex has an unmistakable face: a short, wedge-shaped muzzle, high cheekbones, huge, low-set ears and big, wide-set eyes. The body is slim and muscular, with long legs. The coat is short, soft and wavy, and it often looks a little thin on the chest and belly, with whiskers that can be short and crinkled.
Personality
Mischievous, affectionate and always up to something. Devon Rexes love to perch on shoulders, snuggle under blankets and be in the centre of everything. They are playful and energetic, food-loving and good at learning tricks, and they tend to be happier with company.
Care and grooming
Keep them warm and indoors, or in a safe enclosed garden. Skin oils can build up on a Rex’s coat, so an occasional wipe or bath may be needed, and the large ears need regular checking. Keep portions measured, as they love their food. Provide plenty of play, and company during the day.
Health to know about
Known conditions include kneecap problems (patellar luxation), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and a muscle condition called Devon Rex myopathy, for which a DNA test is available. Ask breeders for results, and look out for oily skin and ear wax. Rexes are not hypoallergenic.
Could suit
- People who want a playful, affectionate companion
- Homes where someone is around most of the day
- Families who enjoy a cat that gets involved
Think twice if
- If you want an independent cat
- If you are out all day with no other pets
- If you have allergies
“Big ears, small body, enormous plans. I would like to sit on your head now.”
Compare the Devon Rex
Name ideas for a Devon Rex
- Kirlee
- Pixie
- Gizmo
- Yoda
- Elf
- Dobby
- Clotted
- Scone
- Puck
- Tinker
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Do Devon Rexes shed?
Very little, as their coat is short and fine, but they are not hypoallergenic.
Why do Devon Rexes sit on shoulders?
They love warmth and attention, and a shoulder is warm, high up and right next to their favourite person.
Is a Devon Rex the same as a Cornish Rex?
No. They have different genes, different body shapes and different coats, though both are curly.
Do Devon Rexes need baths?
Sometimes. Without a thick coat to absorb skin oils, they can get greasy, so an occasional wipe or bath may help. Ask your vet or breeder.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
