Cornish Rex vs Devon Rex
Both are slim, curly-coated, big-eared cats from the south-west of England, and they look alike at first glance. They come from different genes, though, and they are different in the face, the body and the coat.
Side by side
| Cornish Rex | Devon Rex | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Cornwall, England | Devon, England |
| Size | Small to medium | Small to medium |
| Weight | Usually 2.5 to 4.5 kg | Usually 2.5 to 4.5 kg |
| Lifespan | Often 11 to 15 years | Often 12 to 15 years |
| Coat | Very short, soft and wavy, with no outer guard hairs | Very short, soft and wavy, with fine guard hairs |
| Energy | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Affection | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Chattiness | 3 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Grooming needed | 1 out of 5 | 1 out of 5 |
| Good with children | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
Scores are our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
The main differences
- Face: the Cornish Rex has an egg-shaped head and a Roman nose, and the Devon Rex has a short muzzle, high cheekbones and a pixie face.
- Ears: both have big ears, but the Devon’s are huge and set lower on the head.
- Coat: the Cornish has only the soft undercoat, and the Devon has some guard hairs, so its coat is a little coarser and looks thinner in places.
- Body: the Cornish is slim, arched and greyhound-like, while the Devon is sturdy and long-legged.
Choose a Cornish Rex if
- You love an athletic, elegant, whippet-style cat
- You want a very lively, playful companion
- You want a plush, rippled coat
Choose a Devon Rex if
- You want a mischievous, shoulder-perching clown
- You love the pixie face and giant ears
- You want a clingy, people-focused cat
Our verdict
Both need warm homes, company and lots of play, and neither is hypoallergenic. The Cornish Rex is the sleeker athlete, while the Devon Rex is the cheekier, more clingy elf. Ask breeders about heart screening and kneecap problems, and about Devon Rex myopathy testing for the Devon.
Read the full guides: Cornish Rex and Devon Rex. Or see more cat breeds. This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a Cornish Rex and a Devon Rex?
They have different genes. The Cornish Rex has an egg-shaped head and only the soft undercoat, and the Devon Rex has a pixie face, huge low-set ears and a coat with some guard hairs.
Are Rex cats hypoallergenic?
No. Cat allergens come from saliva and skin as well as fur.
