The Devon Rex looks like something from a fairy tale -- enormous bat ears, huge eyes, high cheekbones, and a short curly coat that feels like crushed velvet. Often called "pixie cats" or "alien cats," Devons are the comedians of the feline world: mischievous, attention-seeking, and perpetually entertaining.
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Devon, England, 1960 |
| Weight | 5-10 lbs (2.3-4.5 kg) |
| Lifespan | 9-15 years |
| Coat | Short, soft, curly/wavy -- can be sparse in areas |
| Distinctive Features | Large ears, pixie face, curly whiskers |
| Activity Level | High -- playful, acrobatic, attention-seeking |
The Curly Coat
- Caused by a different gene mutation than the Cornish Rex (they are NOT related)
- Soft, wavy, sometimes sparse -- some Devons have bald patches
- Whiskers and eyebrows are curly too (may break off)
- Very low shedding -- less allergen spread than most breeds
- Feels like suede or crushed velvet
- No brushing needed -- in fact, brushing can damage the delicate coat
Personality
- Clownish: Born entertainers. Will do absurd things for attention and reactions.
- Dog-like devotion: Follow you everywhere, sit on your shoulder, ride in the car
- "Shoulder cats": Famous for perching on owners' shoulders like parrots
- Food-obsessed: Devons will steal food from plates, open cupboards, and beg shamelessly
- Social with everyone: Love all people, other cats, and dogs
- Heat-seeking: Thin coat means they gravitate to warm spots -- laptops, radiators, under covers
- Trainable: Learn tricks easily, food-motivated
Care Requirements
- Grooming: Minimal -- gentle wipe-down, no brushing
- Bathing: Occasional baths to manage oil buildup (oily skin without dense fur)
- Ear cleaning: Large ears accumulate wax -- weekly cleaning
- Warmth: Need warm environment. Cat sweaters welcome.
- Diet: Monitor carefully -- they WILL steal food and overeat
Health Considerations
- Hereditary Myopathy: Breed-specific muscle weakness. DNA test available.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Screening recommended
- Patellar luxation: Kneecap dislocation
- Skin conditions: Malassezia dermatitis (yeast), especially in skin folds
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Devon Rex cats hypoallergenic?
They are BETTER for some allergy sufferers because their short, sparse coat sheds less dander into the environment. But they still produce Fel d 1 allergen in saliva and skin oils. About 50% of mildly allergic people report better tolerance with Devon Rex. Severely allergic people will still react. Always test before committing.
