A slim but firmly muscled cat with a broad chest, long legs (the back pair a little longer than the front) and a long, tapering tail. The head is a short, wide wedge with high cheekbones, big oval eyes and very large ears that sit low and wide, which gives the breed its elfin look. The coat is short, fine and soft, forming loose ripples that show best where the fur is longest. Coat quality varies from cat to cat, from a full mop of curls to a thin, velvety covering, and it can change with the seasons. Whiskers and eyebrows are short and crinkled. The coat usually settles into its adult look from around 18 months.21345
Coloursall colours and patterns acceptedsolids incl. white, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lavender, cinnamon, fawntabby (classic, mackerel, spotted, ticked, patched)shaded, chinchilla and smoketortoiseshell and calicobi-colour and vanpointed, mink and sepia2134
Personality what they are like
A cheeky, sociable cat that wants to be part of whatever its people are doing. Devons tend to follow their owners from room to room, ride on shoulders, curl up on laps and slip under the bed covers at night. They are bright, can learn their names and simple tricks, and usually get along well with children, dogs and other cats. They are fairly quiet, using soft chirps and trills rather than loud calls, and often greet visitors with curiosity instead of hiding.23164
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderately to highly active and strong jumpers that like to explore high places. Provide climbing space, tall scratching posts, interactive and puzzle toys, and daily play. They are not suited to being left alone for long stretches; a bored Devon will find its own entertainment.3164
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very little brushing needed; stroking a hand over the coat is often enough, and a soft touch matters because the hairs break easily. An occasional bath with a cat shampoo can help. Clean the large ears now and then as they collect waxy build-up, trim claws about weekly and brush teeth regularly. Because the thin coat holds less heat, give them warm resting spots.3164
Home where they are happiest
An indoor home with warm sleeping places, window perches, climbing trees and cat-proofed shelves, since they reach surprising heights. Company for most of the day, human or feline, suits them best.314
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, good-quality cat food suited to life stage. Kittens do well on about three meals a day until six months, adults on two. Devons are keen eaters, so portion control helps; some self-regulate with dry food available. Keep fresh water available, ideally placed a little away from the food bowl.364
Company who they like around
Strongly bonded to people and happiest with plenty of company. They usually accept other cats and dogs as playmates, and FIFe notes they like having a feline friend, ideally another Devon.234
The story where it all began
The breed began with one kitten. On 15 July 1959 a stray female taken in by Beryl Cox in Buckfastleigh, Devon, had a litter that included a curly-coated, black smoke male she named Kirlee. The father was thought to be a curly-coated feral tom living around an old tin mine nearby. Because the Cornish Rex had appeared in the neighbouring county a few years earlier, breeders first assumed Kirlee carried the same mutation and mated him with Cornish Rex cats. All the kittens had ordinary straight coats, which proved the two curly coats came from different genes, later called Gene 1 (Cornish) and Gene 2 (Devon). A separate programme then fixed Kirlee's wavy coat by breeding him back to his own offspring and outcrossing to other cats, which is why the breed now comes in every colour. The GCCF and FIFe recognised the Devon Rex in 1967, cats reached the United States in 1968, ACFA accepted them in 1972 and CFA granted championship status in 1983. Kirlee died in 1970, and every Devon Rex traces back to him.13254
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Every Devon Rex in the world descends from one cat, Kirlee, born in Devon in 1959.3
2
Their curly coat comes from a mutation seen in no other breed. Crossing Kirlee with Cornish Rex cats gave straight-coated kittens, proving the two rex coats are genetically different.3
3
A Devon feels unusually warm to stroke. Its body temperature is normal, but the thin coat lets more heat through, so it feels like a soft hot water bottle.1
4
With their huge low ears and big eyes, Devons are often likened to the Mogwai from Gremlins or to Yoda from Star Wars.3
5
Kirlee himself reportedly could fetch and walk a tightrope, and many Devons today learn fetch too.6
6
The Devon's coat mutation sits close to the Sphynx's on the same chromosome, so the two breeds are sometimes called kissing cousins.3
7
Devon Rex cats with Siamese-style pointed colouring are known as Si Rex.5
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The Devon Rex breed originated in Devon, England, in 1960, where a rexoid coat mutation was discovered, giving the breed its name from its place of origin.7
I wake up by headbutting my human's chin, then ride a shoulder to the kitchen. After breakfast, I chase a feather toy until I flop on a lap. I chirp at the window at a bird, then explore the top of the bookshelf. I curl under the duvet for a nap, then greet the postman with a curious head tilt. I wrestle with my cat friend, then sprawl on a warm keyboard. At night, I slip under the covers and purr my human to sleep.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Devon Rex, and at what times?
Feed a complete, good-quality cat food suited to life stage. Kittens do well on about three meals a day until six months, adults on two. Keep fresh water available, placed a little away from the food bowl.364
What should a Devon Rex eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Stick to a balanced, complete cat food for their life stage. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as these are harmful to cats. Consult your vet for any dietary concerns.3648
Does a Devon Rex need baths?
An occasional bath with a cat shampoo can help, but it is not needed often. Their coat is delicate, so use a gentle touch and only bathe when necessary.3164
How often does a Devon Rex need brushing?
Very little brushing is needed; stroking a hand over the coat is often enough. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 14 days with a soft glove or cloth, as the hairs break easily.3164Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Devon Rex's claws, and how often?
Trim claws about weekly, being careful not to cut the quick. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests every 21 days. If you are unsure, ask your vet for a demonstration.3164Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Devon Rex need?
Devon Rex cats are moderately to highly active and need daily play, about 60 minutes according to Furry Diary's plan. Provide climbing space, tall scratching posts, and interactive toys to keep them entertained.3164Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Devon Rex's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth regularly, ideally daily as per Furry Diary's plan, and clean the large ears now and then to remove waxy build-up. Use a vet-recommended toothbrush and ear cleaner.3164Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Devon Rex live?
Devon Rex cats typically live between 9 and 17 years, with proper care and regular vet check-ups.613
Is a Devon Rex good with children and other pets?
Yes, Devon Rex cats are usually good with children, dogs, and other cats. They are sociable and curious, often greeting visitors instead of hiding.234
Can a Devon Rex be left alone?
Devon Rex cats are not suited to being left alone for long periods. They bond strongly with their people and can become bored, so they need company or a feline friend.3164
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Cornish Rex
Sphynx
Selkirk Rex
LaPerm