Devon Rex Cat: Pixie Looks, Big Personality and Care

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

The Devon Rex looks like a pixie, with enormous ears, high cheekbones and a coat that ripples in soft waves. Its personality is equally unusual, a mix of clown, shadow and lap warmer. Owners often describe it as a monkey or a puppy in cat form.

Origins

The breed began in Devon, in southwest England, in 1960, when a curly-coated kitten named Kirlee was born to a stray cat. The mutation was separate from the one that produced the Cornish Rex, and breeders confirmed it by crossing the two types and finding straight-coated kittens. The Devon Rex was recognized in the 1960s and developed carefully.

Appearance

Devon Rex cats are small to medium, with a slender, muscular body and long legs. The head has a short wedge shape, with prominent cheekbones, a short muzzle and a pronounced whisker pinch. The eyes are large and set wide, and the ears are strikingly large and low set. The coat is very short, fine and wavy, with only the soft down hair and little guard hair. Whiskers and eyebrows may be short, crinkled or broken. All colors and patterns are accepted.

Temperament

Devon Rex cats are people-focused and clownish. They love to be with their owners and will leap on shoulders, sit on laptops and burrow under covers. They are playful throughout life, curious and intelligent. Many learn tricks and enjoy puzzle toys. They are social and tend to get along with other cats and cat-friendly dogs.

They do not like being left alone for long periods, and a lonely Devon Rex can become bored, loud or mischievous.

Grooming

The coat is delicate. Brushing is rarely needed and can break the fine hair, so use a soft cloth or a gentle touch. Oils can build up on the skin, particularly on the neck, back and ears, and occasional baths with a mild cat shampoo help. Ears collect wax readily because of the large size and low hair cover, so clean them regularly as your vet advises. Trim nails and brush teeth.

Warmth and sun

With so little coat, Devon Rex cats feel the cold. Provide warm beds and blankets, and consider a sweater in cool weather. They also burn easily, so limit strong direct sun. Keep them indoors, and avoid drafts.

Health

Known concerns in the breed include:

• Hereditary myopathy. A muscle disease with a DNA test.
• Patellar luxation. Kneecap displacement seen in the breed.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Reported in Rex breeds.
• Skin problems. Greasy skin and yeast infections are possible.
• Dental disease. As in many cats.
• Vitamin K-dependent coagulopathy. A rare bleeding disorder reported in the breed.

Ask breeders about testing and see our cat health guides and the emergency warning signs guide. Devon Rex cats can have large appetites, so use how much should I feed my cat to monitor weight.

Living with a Devon Rex

Provide tall cat trees, shoulder-friendly attention and interactive toys. Expect a cat that wants to be involved in cooking, working and sleeping. Cat-proof your home against a climber with strong jumping ability. Our indoor cat enrichment ideas can help keep this clever cat busy.

Is a Devon Rex right for you?

A Devon Rex suits people who are home often, enjoy a very interactive cat and can provide warmth. It does not suit someone who wants an independent cat or who is away all day. For another unusual coat, see the Sphynx. If you prefer something with more talk, read about the Siamese, and use the cat breed finder to compare.

Finding one

Choose breeders who test for myopathy and screen for HCM. Rex cats are less common in shelters, but rescues exist. Our guide to cat vet visit costs can help you plan.

Ear care in detail

Large ears with little hair collect wax and debris. Check them weekly, and gently wipe the outer ear with a cotton pad dampened with a vet-recommended cleaner. Never use cotton swabs deep in the canal. If you see dark discharge, a strong smell, head shaking or redness, see your vet, because ear mites and infections are common.

Hair loss and thin coat

Some Devon Rex cats have thin patches, particularly during seasonal changes or after stress, and kittens often go through a stage with a very sparse coat. Persistent bald patches, scabs or scratching need a vet visit to rule out parasites, allergies and infections. See our cat health guides for more.

Common mistakes

• Brushing a fine coat as though it were thick fur.
• Forgetting ear cleaning.
• Leaving a social cat alone for long days.