The quirky Devon Rex is the product of a natural genetic mutation, not cross breeding like many other domestic cats. The only human intervention was careful breeding to ensure this specific genetic mutation survived once it was found.
The first cat ever found with this mutation was a kitten called Kirlee who was born in Devon in 1959. There isn’t too much known about Kirlee’s specific heritage, but it’s believed that his parents were a stray cat and a tom with a curly coat. Their mating produced a litter which had one unique curly haired kitten that stood out from the rest.
Kirlee, who had a resemblance both physically and genetically to the Cornish Rex, became the progenitor of the now popular Devon Rex cat breed which was so named after its county of origin and the rex rabbit which has a similar coat.
The Devon Rex cat has a unique appearance which is often referred to as being like a pixie or an elf. This is on account of their long skinny neck, wedge shaped head, high cheekbones and large ears which are set low on the head.
The Devon Rex has a wavy coat that is absent of harsh guard hair and is especially thick in certain areas of its body like the back, tail, legs and sides. Some will have a coat of loose, shaggy curls whilst others can be thin and suede-like and it can come in any genetically possible colour and pattern.
The Devon Rex is an adorable, loving cat with what some would call dog-like loyalty to their humans. They’re full of curiosity and take an interest in everything that’s happening in their home, so much so that they will follow you all around the house, communicating with you the whole time.
They’re a fun-loving breed and most will keep their kitten like behaviour throughout the whole of their life. This mischievous personality coupled with their affection towards their human makes them a wonderful companion.
Though they’re not the most active breed, they do like to play plenty of games and learn tricks. They’re also very fond of puzzle toys which will keep them busy whilst they stimulate their inventive brain.
Be prepared to lose your personal space if you own a Devon Rex because they love nothing more than to perch on your shoulder or lie next to/on you in bed so you can keep them warm.
The active, fun loving and affectionate Devon Rex is the perfect family pet, even if you have young children or dogs, so long as they’re cat friendly. Their love of attention and playing games makes them a wonderful companion for any child, so long as they’re treated with respect.
Prospective cat owners who are considering getting a Devon Rex must be prepared for a cat that craves attention. You must be happy to be followed everywhere you go in your house and to always have a cat on your lap or shoulder and even in your bed. If this sounds too clingy for you, then you may want to consider another, less sociable breed.
They’re not suitable for anyone who must regularly leave the house for work etc. because their social nature means they don’t cope well with being left home alone for long periods of time.
The Devon Rex is a big foodie who never knows when enough is enough or what is or isn’t good for him. This means they will quickly snap up any food that is left within their reach. If you own or are considering owning one, you must make sure you’re careful to not leave anything out for them, especially anything that could be harmful like chocolate.
Despite popular belief, they’re not hypoallergenic but they’re a better option than other cats due to their limited shedding.
One of the most desirable things about the Devon Rex is it requires minimal grooming compared to other breeds as their wavy coat only really needs brushing with your hand. Their hair is delicate, so you must brush them gently to protect their coat.
Not only do they not require too much brushing but they also don’t shed much at all, so your house and clothes won’t be covered in cat hair. This is great for those who like a clean home and anyone who has allergies.
Most Devon Rex’s won’t require bathing unless their coat is white which can start to look off coloured if it’s not regularly cleaned.
As with all cats, you must trim the nails as needed, which is usually weekly to prevent them painfully breaking if/when they get caught in carpet or furniture. Make this job easier for both you and your cat by getting them used to having their nails clipped when they're a kitten.
Check their ears weekly for infection which will show itself as unusual redness, bad odour and sometimes discharge, among other symptoms. To avoid infection, clean them with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle cleanser recommended by your vet.
Finally, to reduce the risk of trips to the veterinary clinic for costly dental treatment, brush their teeth frequently to avoid tartar build up and gum disease.
The Devon Rex is a big eater who’ll happily eat any snacks they’re given, or they find on the kitchen side. Unfortunately, this trait means they can easily put on weight if their owner isn’t careful with their food intake.
Generally, the Devon Rex is a healthy breed but there are some health problems they’re prone to more than others including Devon Rex Myopathy and Hip Dysplasia.
Hip Dysplasia is an inherited condition that means the thighbone doesn’t fit snuggly in the hip joint.
The symptoms are generally pain and lameness which will vary in severity and can be present in one or both rear legs.
Make sure you ask any breeder if the kitten’s parents have been tested and cleared for Hip Dysplasia. If they have not, or the issue is present in one or both, find another breeder.
Sadly, it’s not uncommon for the disorder to lead to hip replacement.
Devon Rex Myopathy is an inherited disease seen in both sexes of the Devon Rex and Sphynx cat breeds and usually becomes apparent from 3 weeks to 6 months of age.
The disease causes symptoms including generalised muscle weakness, low exercise tolerance and progressive protrusion of the shoulder blades.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment, but the disease usually stabilises at 6-9 months of age or it may progress slowly.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common heart diseases in cats and is the most common cause of sudden death in indoor cats. Essentially it is an abnormal thickening of one or several areas of the walls of the heart, usually the left ventricle.
The disease is caused by a variety of genetic abnormalities of the cardiac muscle proteins that are prevalent in Ragdolls, Main Coons, Oriental Breeds and Devon Rex’s, but also common in domesticated short hair cats.
The disease is usually diagnosed at middle-age but there’s also a juvenile form that affects young cats (usually Ragdolls).
There are many different forms of hypertrophy which means the impact of the thickening of the walls of the heart is variable. In mild cases, cats can remain symptom free for their whole life however, in severe cases, the ventricle will have a hard time distending which leads to increased intra-cardiac pressure and congestive heart failure.
Other complications of the disease include cardiac arrhythmias, leading to fainting or sudden death and clot formation in the left atrium. These clots may fragment and travel in the aorta and obstruct a major artery.
Symptoms range in severity from difficult breathing, to extreme lethargy, collapsing and even sudden death.
To diagnose HCM, your cat will likely need x-rays, electrocardiograms (ECG), blood work or blood pressure monitoring.
Treatment can involve hospitalisation to treat congestive heart failure which results in abnormal fluid accumulation in the lungs. Treatment typically includes oxygen therapy, diuretics, blood pressure monitoring, and medications to make the heartbeat more efficiently.
The aim of treatment is to slow the heart rate, correct abnormal heart beats, improve blood flow, decrease blood clot formation and alleviate fluid build-up.