Sphynx vs Devon Rex: Hairless or Curly, Which Quirky Cat Suits You?

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

The Sphynx and the Devon Rex are two of the most unusual-looking cats in the world. One has almost no coat. The other has soft curls and giant ears. Both are playful, loving and demanding, and both attract people who want a cat with character. Their care needs, however, are quite different.

Coat and skin

The Sphynx is not completely bald. Most have a fine, peach-like down, and some have short hair on the nose, tail and toes. Without fur to absorb skin oils, the oils build up and stain furniture and bedding. Sphynx cats need regular baths, usually weekly to every few weeks, along with ear cleaning and nail care. See the Sphynx profile, how to bathe a cat and how to clean a cat's ears.

The Devon Rex has a short, fine, wavy coat made of down hairs, with little or no guard hair, and sometimes thin patches. It needs gentle handling and little brushing, and some cats get oily skin or ear wax. See the Devon Rex profile and Cornish Rex for a similar breed.

Both breeds feel the cold, and need warm beds, heated spots and sometimes sweaters. Both can get sunburned if allowed in strong light, so keep them indoors. See keeping cats cool in hot weather and winter safety for cats.

Appearance and size

Personality

Both breeds are social, affectionate and clever. They crave company, follow people from room to room, and love warm laps. They are often called dog-like, and they enjoy greeting visitors. Sphynx cats tend to be clownish and exhibitionist, and Devon Rexes are known as mischievous elves that jump to shoulders and climb everywhere.

Both need play and mental work. See indoor cat enrichment ideas. Both can suffer when left alone for long hours, so a second cat or a family that is home often is best. See leaving a cat alone and cat separation anxiety.

Allergies

Many people believe that hairless cats are hypoallergenic, but cat allergens come mainly from a protein found in saliva, skin and urine. A Sphynx can still carry allergen on its skin, and a Rex still grooms itself. Some allergic people report fewer symptoms around these breeds, but the evidence is limited. Spend time with the cat before you commit. See hypoallergenic cat breeds: the truth and living with cat allergies.

Health

• Heart disease. Both breeds can have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. See hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.
• Skin problems. The Sphynx can get acne, yeast and sunburn. See cat skin allergies.
• Ear problems. Both can build up wax because of large ears and little hair.
• Muscle disease. The Devon Rex can inherit a condition called hereditary myopathy, which causes muscle weakness.
• Dental disease. See cat dental disease.

Ask for screening results and meet the parents.

Cost

Both are specialty breeds, and kittens from reputable breeders can be pricey. Sphynx kittens are often more expensive. Include the costs of grooming supplies, warm clothes and extra vet care.

Which is right for you?

Choose a Sphynx if you want a unique look, can bathe the cat regularly and have the time for a very social companion.

Choose a Devon Rex if you want a pixie-faced cat with a softer coat and fewer skin demands, plus lots of play.

Both breeds do best in a warm home with attention. See best cat breeds for first-time owners and how to choose a cat breed.

Daily routine and household tips

Both breeds do best with a steady routine. Keep a washable blanket on the favorite sofa spot, since a Sphynx leaves oil on fabric, and wipe the cat's skin with a damp, unscented cloth between baths. Check the ears weekly and clean only when dirty. Offer a heated bed or a self-warming pad in cool rooms, and keep toys rotating, because both breeds are smart and bore quickly. Feed a complete diet, since fast metabolisms and little insulation mean these cats often eat more than similar-sized cats, and watch weight anyway.

When to see a vet

See a vet for skin changes, coughing, weakness or changes in eating. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.