The Devon Rex cat breed has a fun loving personality that will steal your heart. These cats with distinctive curly coats are wonderful pets because of their outgoing and friendly temperament.
It’s no surprise that the Devon Rex is one of the most popular types of cats because of its unique physical appearance and endearing personality. Keep reading this article from Canvas Personalized to find out more about the history and unique characteristics of these interesting felines.
1. Breed Overview
| Origin | England |
| Weight | About 7 – 12 pounds |
| Length | About 18 inches |
| Height | About 10–12 inches |
| Lifespan | 15 – 20 years |
| Coat Color | Black, blue, chocolate, cinnamon, lilac, white, tortoiseshell, calico, tabby, pointed, and shaded patterns. |
| Coat Length | Short hair and curly coat |
| Eye Color | Amber, Aqua, Blue, Copper, Green, Gold, Hazel, Odd-eyed, Orange, Yellow |
| Personality Traits | They are a sociable, extroverted, and intelligent breed. Devon Rex adores spending time with her pet parents, especially when it involves cuddling and playing. |
| Suitable for | These very friendly animals enjoy the company of children (if they are taught how to interact with cats!) as well as other pets and people. |
History Of Devon Rex Cats
The Devon Rex is a breed of cat that was first discovered in Devon, England in the 1950s. In 1960, a woman named Beryl Cox found a curly coated kitten that she named Kirlee. The kitten’s unique appearance and behavior led Cox to believe it was a Cornish Rex. However, attempts to crossbreed Kirlee with Cornish Rex queens proved different.
To get kittens with the same curly coat traits as Cornish Rex cats, Kirlee was bred to female Cornish Rex cats. Unfortunately, this combination only resulted in kittens with straight coats. The wavy coat and other distinctive Devon Rex features were gradually traced back to a DNA mutation that was formerly thought to be unrelated. After coming to this conclusion, Cox established a more extensive breeding attempt to ensure the survival of Kirlee’s mutation.
It wasn’t until 1979 that the Cat Fanciers’ Association officially recognized the first Devon Rex as a new breed, despite the first cat of that name arriving in the country in 1968. As of late, you may find Devon Rex puppies for sale from reputable breeders all across the United States.
What Does A Cornish Rex Cat Look Like?
The Devon Rex is known as “Poodle cat” or “Pixie cats” as well. This breed stands out from the crowd with its unusual, almost alien like appearance. They feature wide-set eyes, wide-set noses, high cheekbones, and low-set, rounded ears. Even little tufts of hair may be seen on the ears sometimes.
The bodies of Devon Rex cats are slender and muscular, and their legs and feet are long and athletic. They may seem bony at the shoulders and chest due to their short fur and large head, yet this cat can jump impressively high.
These curly cuties have fine, wavy coats of hair. Their coats are short all over, but especially short near the head, ears, neck, paws, chest, and abdomen. Their coats come in nearly every available color, including black, blue, chocolate, cinnamon, lilac, and white. Devon rex cats can also have tortoiseshell, calico, tabby, pointed, and shaded patterns, amongst others.
And while there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic pet, the Devon rex’s short and fuzzy fur can be a good fit for a family with allergies. This isn’t to say the Devon rex doesn’t shed – they do, but their waved hair does help to lessen the number of loose hairs left behind on furniture and fabric. But before bringing home a Devon rex kitten, spend time with the breed to see how your allergies react.
The Poodle cat is often compared to the Cornish rex, and they have similar looks, though the wavy coat they have in common is caused by totally different genes. The Cornish rex also tends to have a somewhat longer coat and a more slender face.
2. Pixie Cats Cat Temperament and Personality
These outgoing cats have a natural aptitude for comedy. Some people refer to Devon Rex cats as “little terrors” or “monkeys in cats’ clothing” because of their tendency to do things like swing from the curtains or climb the wall.
On top of that, they have several characteristics with dogs, namely an interest in playing fetch and the ability to be taught to walk on a leash. They are very easygoing and affectionate felines that actually hate being left alone. When people come to the house, they might be surprised to find that a nosy Devon Rex has already checked them out before they can sit down. Guests that share the cat’s affection will get a warm welcome from the feline.
Rexes, however, are not lap cats and will quickly abandon the guest in favor of exploring the room and trying to get them into dangling and throwing their toys. This cat will like having a lot of different things to scratch at and play with, so make sure to get a multilayer scratching post for it.
As a result, if you’re seeking a cat that appreciates human companionship and has the time to provide it, a Devon Rex may be the best option. Take a look at the table below to overview and evaluate this cat breed’s personality and temperament in the event you love having them or not!
| Intelligence | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | High |
| Affection Level | High |
| Playfulness | High |
| Tendency to Vocalize | Medium |
| Energy Level | High |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Amount of Shedding | Low |
3. Devon Rex Cat Care
Grooming Care
The Pixie cat is easy to care for. With such sparse, easily broken fur, you won’t have to worry about brushing your cat very often. Moreover, grooming your pet or yourself too much might cause bald patches. Instead, once a week you may wipe your cat’s hair gently with a damp towel.
If you suffer from allergies, the Devon Rex may be the next best thing for a perfectly hypoallergenic cat. It has a very short coat that sheds very little. It is one of the breeds that sheds the least, but there will still be some light shedding. Therefore, you should clean your Devon Rex on a regular basis.
Nails and Ears Care
Aside from keeping her litter box clean, you’ll also need to cut her nails and clean her large ears on a monthly basis. Watch out for ear wax that has gained in the ear also. To avoid problems with wax buildup, you should clean the inner ear of your cat on a regular schedule.
Exercise
It’s important to offer warm settings in the winter for Devons since they like basking in the sun. Furthermore, keep your high-energy Devon Rex active by giving her plenty of play opportunities and by being ready to indulge her goofy and entertaining attitude. Cat trees and other toys and the playful nature might help you meet your feline friend’s fitness requirements.
The Devon rex is one of the most intellectual cat breeds available; they can be taught complex new tricks, play fetch, and are easily housetrained. Be wary, however; these cats’ intelligence and independence make them stubborn. It’s helpful to employ rewards like compliments, games, and treats that Devon Rex loves.
Diet and Nutrition
When hungry, Pixies will go to any lengths to steal food from a table or counter. Be careful not to give in to your cat’s persistent begging and turn human food into a regular part of your Devon Rex’s diet. Instead, make sure you’re providing it with high-quality cat food that will help it maintain a healthy weight. It’s important to remember that snacks should be given properly.
Commercial cat food typically works well for the Devon Rex. Yet, make sure to provide a diet that allows for increased calorie expenditure to match the high activity level of the breed. Before preparing a diet for your cat, you should always contact a veterinarian.
Common Health Problems
Despite the breed’s very low rate of infection, there are still a few issues to watch out for.
Patellar luxation:
The disease known as luxating patella occurs when the kneecap “pops out” of its usual position. Lameness or an unusual gait may result from the illness, and it is believed that Devon Rexes have a hereditary predisposition for it.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:
The most frequent kind of heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The left side of the heart, which is responsible for pumping blood to the rest of the body, thickens with age in those who suffer from this problem. Arrhythmias, blood clots, and cardiac failure are all possible outcomes of this syndrome.
Devon Rexes is one of the cat breeds that are more likely to have this problem.
Devon Rex Myopathy:
Muscle weakness due to Devon Rex myopathy often manifests in the head and neck. Most cases manifest between the ages of three weeks and six months. In this Poodle cat breed, this illness has a recessive genetic pattern.
It is essential to bring your Selkirk rex in for regular checkups and immunizations, just like you would with any other breeds. To ensure their protection, these felines should also be vaccinated and kept indoors.
4. Are Pixies Good for Families?
The addition of a Pixie to the household is a wonderful experience. Their cheeky and lively personalities make them ideal companions for children and people who aren’t afraid to get in on the activity.
In spite of the fact that the Devon Rex’s ravenous hunger sometimes gets it into trouble, you should rest assured that it is harmless. These cats are rare, so feel fortunate if you have the opportunity to bring a Devon Rex as a great playmate or mental stimulation into your life.
5. How Much is a Devon Rex Cat?
A Devon Rex cat is one of the rarer varieties of feline. If you want to adopt a Devon Rex, the best place to do it is through a shelter that specializes only in cats of that breed. However, locating a Pixie for sale from breeders will be the most workable option. In general, the cost of a Devon Rex will range from $600 to $1,000.
>>> Check out other types of short-haired cat breeds that you haven’t ever heard of before:
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In sum, if you’re looking for a friendly and energetic pet, go no further than the Poodle cat. With their special beauty and lovable personalities, they are sure to send you delight and affection.
Even though they were found to have a few health concerns in the past, these problems have been greatly reduced because of careful breeding. The Devon Rex cat is an excellent choice whether you’re a cat lover or simply want a new pet.
