Devon Rex

Is a Devon Rex right for you?

The Devon Rex is one of the most easily recognised breeds, with its curly coat, large ears, and big eyes; because of its looks it is called the "pixie cat" or "alien cat". Its character is equally unusual: exceptionally sociable, playful, and glued to people.

Allergy warning: the protein that causes cat allergy (Fel d 1) is not in the hair but in saliva and skin secretions. The Devon Rex produces this protein; it is not a "safe" breed for an allergic person.

Before you adopt

When buying a kitten, ask about HCM (cardiac) screening and Devon Rex myopathy.

Also ask about the hereditary bleeding disorder (vitamin K dependent coagulopathy) in the line; knowing the status before surgery matters.

Devon Rex cats appear in breed rescues; adopting an adult means the skin condition and temperament are already visible.

Temperament

The Devon Rex does not fit the classic definition of a cat. It is not aloof but clingy. It climbs onto your shoulder, sits in your lap, gets under the duvet, and jumps onto the kitchen counter.

Its search for attention never ends. It does not like being left alone; a second animal is often the right decision with this breed.

It is extremely sociable; it greets guests, plays with children, and makes friends with dogs.

It is energetic and keeps playing throughout life. It is intelligent; it plays fetch, learns tricks, and opens cupboards.

It seeks warmth. It finds the warmest spot in the house: the top of a radiator, on top of a computer, under a duvet, in a person's lap.

It is devoted to food and may steal from your plate; kitchen security is a genuine issue with this breed.

Health issues and lifespan

Average lifespan is 10 to 15 years.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): The most common heart disease in cats; reported in this breed. It progresses silently; the first sign may be rapid breathing, lethargy, or sudden paralysis of the hind legs. Periodic echocardiography is recommended.
• Devon Rex myopathy (hereditary spasticity): A muscle disease specific to this breed. Difficulty holding the head up, prominent shoulder blades, weakness that worsens with fatigue, difficulty swallowing. A genetic test exists and parents should be screened.
• Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation: Reported in this breed.
• Skin problems: Because the coat is thin, skin oil accumulates on the surface. Greasiness, yeast infection, and acne occur. Malassezia dermatitis is common in this breed.
• Ear wax: The large ears build up wax quickly; weekly cleaning is needed.
• Hereditary bleeding disorder (vitamin K dependent coagulopathy): A rare inherited clotting problem in this breed; knowing the status before surgery is important.
• Chilling: Its thermal insulation is poor; a cold environment causes stress and reduced immunity.

Feeding

An adult Devon Rex (2.5-4.5 kg) needs more calories than other cats; because of its thin coat it constantly spends energy maintaining body temperature. The energy equivalent of 55-80 g of dry food per day is typical.

• Kitten (2-12 months): Kitten food, three to four meals a day.
• Adult: High protein, high-calorie formula. The mistake made in this breed is excessive restriction; in fact the Devon Rex burns a great deal.
• Senior (10+ years): Cardiac and renal monitoring.

Its appetite is good and it has a tendency to steal food; counter and table security should be arranged, and human food should not be left within reach.

Grooming and skin

A curly, very fine coat that is not suited to brushing.

• Do not brush, or be very gentle. The hair is fragile; a hard brush leads to bald patches. Gently stroking by hand is enough.
• Weekly wiping with damp cloths or a gentle bath if needed; this prevents skin oil build-up.
• Ears must be cleaned weekly; build-up is rapid in this breed and this is the most important grooming task.
• Nail beds should be checked; oil and dirt collect there.
• Nails every two weeks, teeth several times a week.
• Some individuals show seasonal thinning of the coat; this is usually temporary.
• Sun protection: thinly haired areas can burn; do not let it sunbathe at a window for long periods.

Living space and enrichment

1. Warmth. When the room temperature drops, a heated bed or clothing is needed. Shivering and constantly seeking warmth are signs of being cold.
2. Soft surfaces. Because of the thin coat, hard flooring is uncomfortable.
3. Vertical space and climbing. An active breed; a cat tree and shelves are needed.
4. Active play twice a day. A high-energy, intelligent cat.
5. A companion. If it will be alone for long periods, a second animal should be seriously considered.
6. Kitchen security. Because of its tendency to steal food, counters and cupboards should be protected.
7. Strictly indoors. Because of cold, sun, and injury risk it must not be let outside.

History

The Devon Rex appeared in 1959 in the Devon region of England. A woman named Beryl Cox noticed a curly-coated male cat living on an abandoned mine site; one of that cat's kittens with a stray female was a curly-coated male named Kirlee. All Devon Rex cats today descend from Kirlee.

At the time, the Cornish Rex breed found a few years earlier in neighbouring Cornwall was already known. Assuming Kirlee carried the same mutation, he was crossed with Cornish Rex cats; however, all the kittens were born with straight coats. This showed that the curly coats of the two breeds arise from different and independent genetic mutations, and the Devon Rex was defined as a separate breed.

The breed's genetic base was very narrow, so in the early period crossing with domestic cats increased diversity. The Devon Rex was also used in the development of the Sphynx; the Sphynx's sociable and playful temperament rests largely on that contribution.

Its coat contains only two of the three hair types and has a wavy structure; to the touch it feels like suede or soft astrakhan.