SmallUnited Kingdom

Devon Rex

"The Devon Rex is an enchanting, pixie-like cat with her unmistakable curly coat and large ears. She captivates with her extremely affectionate, playful, and active nature. Anyone looking for a loyal, communicative companion who wants to share every moment with their humans will find the perfect, lively family member in her."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 28 cm

Age12-16 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Body Length

40-48cmBack Height: 25-30cm

Body length from nose to base of the tail.

Weight3.5-4.5 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€60+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

Extremely playful, active, and acrobatic cat that loves to climb.

Affection Level

How cuddly and attached the breed is – some cats constantly seek physical contact, others are more aloof.

Very people-oriented; constantly seeks proximity and attention from her owners.

Independence

How well the cat can cope on its own. Independent breeds need less attention.

Dislikes being alone and relies heavily on social interaction.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

Due to her gentle and playful nature, she is ideal for families.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

Very lovable and trainable, also well-suited for dedicated novice owners.

Apartment Friendly

Considers space requirements, the general need for rest, and how well the cat can cope with indoor living.

Perfect for indoor living due to her size and social personality.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

The short, wavy coat requires only occasional, gentle brushing.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Due to the unique coat, she sheds very little.

Vocalization

How talkative the breed is. Some cats meow frequently and loudly, while others are rather quiet.

A very communicative cat that likes to express her needs.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

The Devon Rex is characterized by an extremely sociable and playful temperament, often described as 'dog-like.' She is highly intelligent, eager to learn, and can even be taught to fetch. Her affection is legendary; she wants to be wherever her humans are. This breed is extremely curious and explores her surroundings with almost inexhaustible energy. Despite her lively nature, she is gentle and very open to children and other pets. Loving training through positive reinforcement works excellently with her due to her intelligence.

Living & Exercise

Since the Devon Rex is very active, she requires a varied environment with many climbing and play opportunities. A tall cat tree is essential to satisfy her urge to move indoors. She loves interactive toys that allow her to utilize her intelligence. As she is very sociable, she should never be left alone for long periods; an animal playmate is ideal. Due to her low body temperature, she often seeks warm spots, which is why radiator beds or cozy hideaways are highly appreciated.

Health & Grooming

The health of the Devon Rex is generally robust, although attention should be paid to breed-specific genetic diseases such as HCM (heart disease) due to the narrow gene pool. Her short, wavy coat is easy to care for and requires minimal effort, although too frequent brushing can damage the structure. Since she has little undercoat, she is sensitive to cold and drafts. The large ears should be checked regularly and cleaned gently if necessary. A balanced diet is important as this active breed has a high metabolism.

History

The history of the Devon Rex began in 1960 in the English county of Devon, when a naturally mutated curly-haired cat was discovered. A feral tomcat had mated with a domestic cat, resulting in the cat 'Kirlee,' the foundation sire of the breed. For a long time, it was assumed that the Devon Rex was related to the Cornish Rex, but genetic tests proved that they are completely different mutations. The breed quickly became popular due to its unique appearance, often compared to a goblin. Today, she is appreciated worldwide for her charming, intelligent nature.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.

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To Breed Portrait→

Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex is a fascinating, curly-coated cat with an athletic build. Known for its friendly, playful, and extremely people-oriented nature, it brings plenty of life into the home. Its unique, soft coat and lively spirit make it an unforgettable companion for active cat lovers.

To Breed Portrait→

Korat

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