Devon Rex: Origin, Temperament, Cost, Care, Facts, & More

Think about the feeling you’ll have looking into the deep eyes of your beloved cat. People who already own a Devon Rex cat know this feeling very well. It is one of the cat breeds that has expressive eyes that can make anyone fall in love easily.

Devon Rex are intelligent, playful, and affectionate cats. These felines also have a striking appearance, including large, expressive eyes, elfin ears, and unique curly coats. They are perfect for people who have outgoing personalities, as they will be a great companion. These cats love to make friends; whether it be other pets or humans, they never hesitate.

 If you’re looking for a cat with a similar personality, Devon Rex could be a great fit! Today, in this blog, I will be sharing detailed information on the Devon Rex cat breed. From its history and temperament to cost and care tips, I’ve covered everything. So, keep reading till the end and decide whether this cat breed is suitable for your family or not! 

Overview:

Now, let’s understand more about this cat breed by looking into its history and appearance. 

History 

What is a Devon Rex cat? 

• Devon Rex was first found in the Devonshire region of England in 1959 by a woman named Beryl Cox. 
• She discovered a novel, curly-coated kitten, which she later named ‘Kirlee.’
• After some time, she tried to breed Kirlee with a female Cornish Rex cat. However, this was a complete failure, as all the kittens were born with straight coats.
• After realizing this, Beryl developed a more specific breed program to save this kitty.
• Around 1968, the Devon Cox breed first arrived in the United States, and in 1979, it got official recognition from various clubs, including the Cat Fanciers’ Association. 
• Now, this cat breed has become one of the most popular pets all around the globe. 

Appearance 

What does a Devon Rex cat look like? 

• As you can see, Devon Rex has a distinct appearance, and that’s because this breed is actually crossbred to several breeds, such as Siamese, Cornish Rex, and British Shorthairs. 
• These different combinations of genetic traits give this feline a beautiful and delightful appearance.
• With big eyes, high cheekbones, and low-set rounded ears, these cats look like aliens.
• They also have a lean but muscular body with strong, athletic legs. 

How big do Devon Rex cats get?

Here is the Pixie Cat general height and weight chart for your reference: 

Age (weeks)	Height (in)	Weight (lbs)
0	4	0.5
4	6	1.5
8	8	2.5
12	9	3.5
16	10	4.5
20	11	5.5
24	12	6.5
28	12	7.5
32	12	8.5
36	12	8.5
40	12	8.5
44	12	8.5
48	12	8.5
52	12	8.5

Coat Colors

• People who don’t have cat fur or are allergic to it will be happy to know that these felines have short coats. 
• These cats have short, fuzzy coats that are easy to groom and maintain. 
• However, the best thing is that these lovely cats are available in almost any coat color you can imagine.

These cats are commonly available in coat colors such as: 

• Brown
• Blue
• Chocolate
• White
• Cream 
• Tan
• Orange
• Lavender
• Red

Characteristics and Temperament

Do you love to be around a talkative cat? 

If yes, you’ll love this poodle cat! 

• These felines may be small in size, but they sure have prominent personalities. 
• These cats are highly energetic, intelligent, and sociable and are always looking for attention.
• This is why they immediately create a strong bond with their humans and become their favorite companions. 
• This means these felines have overall good temperament and behave well with other pets and children, making them an ideal choice for families.
• However, These cats suffers from separation anxiety, so they can’t be left alone for a long time.

Here is the characteristics table for the Devon Rex cat:

Devon Rex Characteristics
Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Vocalize	Medium
Amount of Shedding	Low

Health and Nutrition

Are Devon Rex healthy breeds? 

No, the cat breed is entirely healthy; similarly, Devon Rex also suffers from a few health issues, including:

• Patellar luxation
• Hip Dysplasia
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Apart from these, poodle cats are sometimes also prone to a muscle weakness condition known as Devon Rex Myopathy, which majorly affects the head and neck. This is why regular vet checkups are crucial to keeping your beloved pet’s health under control. 

• Another important thing that you should do is give your cat a healthy diet. These kitties might look small, and you probably think that they need a light diet, but that’s not true at all. 
• This breed has a huge appetite and can do anything to get more treats from their owners.
• This is why it’s vital to know what and how much food you should give to your cats. 
• Always give your cat high-quality cat food specially created for active breeds. 
• You can also consult your vet about creating a diet plan as per your cat’s age, activity level, and health condition.

So, how much should you feed the Devon Rex cat?

Age	Feeding Amount	Frequency	Food Type
Kitten (0-4 months)	1/4 cup dry food or 1/2 can wet food	3-4 times per day	Kitten food
Kitten (5-8 months)	1/2 cup dry food or 1 can wet food	3-4 times per day	Kitten food
Kitten (9-12 months)	3/4 cup dry food or 1-1.5 cans wet food	3 times per day	Kitten food
Adult (1-7 years)	1 cup dry food or 2 cans wet food	2 times per day	High-quality adult cat food
Senior (8+ years)	3/4 cup dry food or 1.5 cans wet food	2 times per day	Senior cat food

Exercise and Training 

• As we already mentioned several times, Devon Rex is a highly active and energetic breed, so you don’t have to do much! 
• However, make sure to give them enough exercise and playtime. 
• Play interactive games and provide your Devon Rex kitten with stimulating toys like a cat tree or a ball to strengthen their body as well as the bond between you.
• Whether it’s about walking on a leash or potty training, these felines are quick to learn things. 
• The only thing you need to remember is to keep the training sessions short and interactive and use positive reinforcement methods.

Grooming Needs 

• The best thing about this breed is that even after having a unique coat, they need minimal grooming. 
• These felines have short fur, which doesn’t get easily matted and tangled; hence, they don’t require brushing often as compared to other cat breeds. 
• A gentle brushing every week is sufficient to remove their loose fur and keep their coat healthy and shiny. 
• Apart from brushing, make sure to clean your Devon Rex kitten’s ears and teeth on a daily basis. 
• You can also visit professional grooming services from time to time to make your kitty look fabulous. 

Is Devon Rex hypoallergenic?

Yes, Devon Rex is a hypoallergenic cat breed. These felines have short coats and shed less than other breeds, making them appropriate for people suffering from allergies. 

Devon Rex Price 

How much is a Devon Rex cat? 

Devon Rex kittens are considered an expensive cat breed because they’re a rare breed. The Devon Rex cost can range anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 from a reputable breeder. However, this is just the initial cost; the overall price can vary according to the breeder’s reputation, location, and age of the kitten. 

Lifespan

How long do Devon Rex cats live? 

On average, the Devon Rex lifespan is about 10 to 15 years if provided with a well-balanced diet, good care, and lots of love.

FAQs

Final Words

Devon Rex cats are a rare and unique cat breed that have playful personalities and an affectionate nature. These felines are perfect companions who can stay indoors comfortably around kids and other pets. After reading this detailed blog on the Devon Rex cat breed, you now understand their temperament, grooming needs, and health considerations. So, if you think you can fulfill these things, you can add this cute kitty to your family to have incredible life adventures. 

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