Devon Rex
England · 1960Pixie-faced, curly, mischievous shoulder cat
Devon Rexes have huge ears, big eyes and a short, wavy coat. They are playful, people-loving cats, often described as part cat, part dog, part monkey.
At a glance
Life with a Devon Rex
They perch on shoulders, sleep under the covers and steal food from plates. They want to be in the middle of everything and do best with company. The thin coat sheds very little, but they feel the cold.
- People who want a very affectionate, playful cat
- Homes with other pets
- People who don’t want much cat hair around
- You’re away all day
- You don’t want a cat on your shoulders and kitchen counters
- You need allergy-free — they still make the allergen
Often suggested for people with allergies — but no cat is allergy-free. All cats make the main allergen (Fel d 1), and the amount varies from cat to cat. Spend an hour or more with the kitten and its parents before you pay.
- Don’t brush hard: stroke with a soft cloth or your hand, bathe only if the skin gets oily.
- Clean the big ears every week.
- Keep them warm in winter.
Health
Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS, a muscle disease), loose kneecaps (patellar luxation), HCM and skin yeast problems occur. Many are blood type B.
- CMS (Devon Rex/Sphynx myopathy) DNA test
- Heart scan (echocardiogram) of the parents
- Kneecap (patella) check by a vet
Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.
See Devon Rex kittensSimilar breeds
Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.