An active, energetic breed, the Devon Rex enjoys delighting her parent with playful performances rewarded with loving attention.
APPEARANCE
Size: Small
Weight: Under 4 kg
Coat Length: Short Curly
Coat Colour: All colours and patterns
Eye Colour: All colours
Grooming: Low
Longevity: 9 – 13 years
Attention Needs: Moderate
RECOGNITION: ACF, ANCATS, CCCA
History of the Breed
During the early exhibition of Cornish Rex cats in England, the breed sparked curiosity, featuring frequently in newspapers. Beryl Cox, residing near an old tin mine with a colony of curly-coated cats, discovered a picture that piqued her interest. Despite the straight-haired barn cat mother, Cox’s curly-coated kitten, named Kirlee, traced its lineage to one of the tin mine strays. This marked the inception of the Devon Rex breed.
Initially, breeders explored a potential connection between the curly coats of Cornish Rex and Devon Rex, attempting crossbreeding. However, all resulting kittens displayed straight coats, affirming the distinctiveness of the two breeds.
Appearance
The adult Devon Rex, while medium-sized, gives the impression of a large-headed cat with a broad chest. Males typically exhibit medium boning, while females may possess lighter boning, resulting in some notable size differences.
Characterized by a triangular head, eyes below which the nose seems to change direction, and extremely large, low-set ears, the Devon Rex sports a unique appearance reminiscent of a pixie or elf. The soft, curly coat, prone to lacking fur in certain areas, contributes to their distinctive look. Delicate grooming can cause fur breakage, and broken whiskers are common due to their fragility.
Personality
The Devon Rex is an active, energetic breed, often delighting owners with playful antics resembling that of a clown. In exchange for such enchanting performances, Devon expects and appreciates affectionate attention, reciprocating with purring.
Living With Devon Rex
Given their penchant for jumping, owners should provide cat trees and perches for exercise. Nutritional intake must be carefully regulated due to their love for food. Devons enjoy basking in warm sunlight and require cozy spots in winter. Due to the fragility of their fur, brushing is not recommended; instead, gentle rubbing with a cloth ensures proper grooming.
