Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a distinctive cat breed known for its pixie-like appearance, wavy coat, and clownish personality. Discovered in Devon, England in 1960, this breed features oversized ears, large expressive eyes, and an elfin face that has earned comparisons to elves, pixies, and even aliens. They are intensely people-oriented, playful throughout life, and often described as a cross between a cat, a dog, a monkey, and a clown. Devon Rex cats are true companions in every sense, forming bonds so intense they are called 'velcro cats' for their tendency to attach themselves to their humans. Their combination of exceptional intelligence, trainability, and devotion makes them one of the most interactive cat breeds available. Their minimal shedding and small size make them practical indoor companions, while their entertaining antics and affectionate nature provide endless joy. They are ideal for owners who want a cat that participates fully in family life.
Key Stats
Weight
5-9 lbs
Height
8-12"
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Energy
5/5
Is This Breed Right For You?
Origin & History
The Devon Rex originated in 1960 in the town of Buckfastleigh, Devon, England. A woman named Beryl Cox noticed a feral tom cat with an unusual curly coat living near an abandoned tin mine. When this cat mated with a straight-coated female, one kitten in the resulting litter had a distinctive wavy coat. Cox named this remarkable kitten Kirlee, and he would become the foundation of the entire Devon Rex breed.
Initially, breeders believed Kirlee carried the same curly-coat gene as the Cornish Rex, which had been discovered a decade earlier in nearby Cornwall. However, when Kirlee was crossed with Cornish Rex cats, all resulting kittens had straight coats, proving conclusively that the two mutations were genetically distinct. Geneticists identified the Devon Rex gene as Gene II (later designated as 're'), separate from the Cornish Rex Gene I ('r').
The breed was developed through careful breeding programs in both Britain and the United States. Early breeders faced significant challenges with an extremely limited gene pool, as every Devon Rex in the world traces its ancestry back to the single cat Kirlee. This genetic bottleneck required careful management to prevent inbreeding while preserving the desired traits. Outcrossing to British Shorthairs, Burmese, Siamese, and other breeds helped establish crucial genetic diversity while maintaining the unique coat mutation and distinctive pixie-like appearance. Breeders worked carefully to select for the broad head, large low-set ears, and impish expression that characterize the breed today. CFA recognized the Devon Rex in 1979, initially grouping them with Cornish Rex before granting them separate breed status that acknowledged their distinct genetic origin and unique physical characteristics. TICA recognized the breed as well, and the Devon Rex quickly gained popularity across North America and internationally. Today, the Devon Rex is beloved worldwide for its unforgettable pixie-like appearance, exceptional clownish personality, and intensely devoted companionship that has earned this breed a passionate following.
Traits & Characteristics
Individual cats may vary from breed-typical traits
Family & Social
Personality
Cattitude
Adaptability
Health & Wellness
Key health information for Devon Rex owners
Health Screening
- Hip & Elbow Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Eye Certification
Exercise Needs
- 30+ minutes daily
- Mental stimulation important
- High energy breed
Watch For
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Luxating Patella
- Skin Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)
- Devon Rex Hereditary Myopathy
Care Guide
Everything you need to know about caring for a Devon Rex
Grooming
weekly
Exercise
30+ min/day
Training
Very Easy
Health
Generally Good
Training Your Devon Rex
Training Approach
Use positive reinforcement with treats, praise, and play. Devon Rex cats are food-motivated and eager to please. Clicker training works excellently. Keep sessions short and engaging to maintain their interest.
Training Tips
- Teach tricks like sit, high-five, and fetch
- Use puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
- Harness and leash training works well
- Channel their energy into positive activities
- Involve them in household activities
Common Challenges
- May use intelligence for mischief if bored
- Can become demanding of attention
- May open cabinets and doors
- Needs constant mental engagement
Is a Devon Rex Right For You?
Great Match If...
- You have children or a family
- You want an easy-to-train cat
- You're active and outdoorsy
- You want a loyal companion
Think Twice If...
- You want a low-energy cat
- You're away from home often
Frequently Asked Questions
Devon Rex cats make excellent family pets for households that can provide the substantial attention and interaction this breed craves, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 rating for compatibility with children. They are remarkably patient with children, genuinely enjoy being handled and cuddled, and love participating enthusiastically in family activities. Their playful, clownish nature provides natural entertainment for family members of all ages, and they often become the center of attention at family gatherings with their acrobatic antics and charming personality.
They typically get along very well with other cats, rating 5 out of 5, and with cat-friendly dogs, rating 4 out of 5. In fact, having companion pets is strongly recommended for Devon Rex households to help meet their intense social needs during any time the family is away.
Their small size of 5 to 9 pounds, indoor-only lifestyle, and minimal shedding make them practical for various living situations including apartments. However, prospective families should understand that the Devon Rex intense need for companionship and constant interaction is a genuine commitment. They are best suited to households where someone is home frequently, or where multiple pets provide company throughout the day. Families who meet these needs are rewarded with one of the most devoted, entertaining, and interactive cat companions available.