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Devon Rex Cat Breed Introduction
Devon Rex is a small to medium-sized short-haired cat breed from England. These cats are known for their atypical appearance, having a head that is oddly shaped, large eyes, as well as short and curly coats. They weigh 6 to 9 pounds and stop maturing at around 12 months. The Devon Rexes have a triangular face.
These cats are intelligent, social, and outgoing. Due to their short coats, these cats can be sensitive to the sun. Watch out to make sure they stay inside to reduce the risk of sunburn. Due to their tendency to crave attention so much, Devon Rexes don’t do well if left alone often. Busy owners who are mostly out would leave these cats feeling lonely. Rather adopt a bonded caretaker so Devon Rexes can keep each other company when you’re not home.
Devon Rexes makes wonderful family cats—they have an easy-going personality and generally get along with everyone, such as children and other animals residing in the house. These are also known to be excellent around children and enjoy playtime with them – they are just as active and playful already. Besides, Devon Rexes can sometimes also indulge in rough play without intending to. Those with children should be watchful of them when around this cat to make sure that they build better habits in their socialization.
Origin
These cats originated in the 1950s in Devon, England due to a suspected outcome of a voluntary mutation. Kirlee a curly-coated, brownish-black cat was born in a litter of straight-haired cats by a stray calico. Beryl Cox was the owner of the cat. A decade following its more popular cousin, the Cornish Rex, Devon Rexes arrived. In 1968, in the United States, the first Devon Rexes arrived.
As Beryl Cox knew of the effort to care for the already distinguished Cornish rex cat’s curly-coated gene, she reached out to the conservation program presenting Kirlee to help care for the breed. During this time, it was known that Kirlee had a distinctive wavy-haired gene than the Cornish rex—and the Devon rex was realized.
Devon Rex Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy of Devon Rexes is 9 to 15 years.
Care
The Devon Rexes have a curly coat. Even if they shed a low amount of hair, these cats need regular brushing. This also helps in keeping mats and tangles from forming on the cat’s short, curly coat. Using a slicker brush, remove loose and dead hair from the coat. Harshly pulling tangles and mats will make Devon Rexes not to look forward to grooming sessions with the owner. Rather, use your fingers to gently work on the tangle and spread the natural oils in the coat.
Devon Rexes needs a bath every 6 to 8 weeks using a feline hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner. Brush Devon Rexes’ coat before bathing them to remove dirt and mats that get messier when wet. After bathing them, thoroughly rinse off the cleaning products from the coat using lukewarm water to prevent skin irritation.
Brush Devon Rexes’ teeth two times a week to get rid of tartar buildup by using a toothbrush and cat-formulated toothpaste. Also, trim their nails at least biweekly. Clean their ears once a week using cotton balls dampened in an ear solution to remove dirt and excess wax.
Shedding
Devon Rexes are regarded as a low-shedding cat breed. Being curly-coated Devon Rexes sheds very little all year round.
Curly
These cats are medium-sized with curly coats.
Hair
They have short and fine curly coats.
Curly Haired
They have curly fine, wavy coats of hair. Devon Rexes’ coats are short all over, but specifically short near the head, ears, neck, paws, chest, and abdomen.
Long Haired
Longhair genes are available in the Devon Rexes cats. Two Devon Rex shorthair cats (breed standard) can therefore produce longhair kittens, if both breeders are L/l. These cats are known by the length of their coat, mostly at the tail (plume), and the look of the coat, which is almost similar to that of the Selkirk rex but is less voluminous.
Hairless
These cats are not hairless but have short-haired coats.
Devon Rex Cat Hypoallergenic
Devon Rexes cats are regarded as hypoallergenic. Being a low-shedding breed, Devon Rexes are generally considered to be an allergy-friendly pet. It’s good to keep in mind that no cat breed is truly hypoallergenic, but some breeds are more tolerable than others. These cats are famously chosen as pets by those with allergies or sensitivities.
Cornish Rex Vs Devon Rex Allergies
- They both do well with allergy sufferers by causing lower allergic reactions.
- Both of them are considered hypoallergenic.
Training
Devon Rexes are intelligent cats that are easily trainable. They start training at an early age of three weeks before they are adopted. The training sessions should be short, fun, and challenging. Pet owners should train their cats for five to ten minutes at a time.
However, if harsh correction is used when training them like yelling, that destroys the relationship with Devon Rexes to the point that they are no longer interested in your training sessions. Parents are encouraged to use treats, playtime, toys, petting, and verbal praise to inspire Devon Rexes’ positive behavior.
Socialization of Devon Rexes is the key to making them versatile to new things. To socialize Devon Rexes owners should expose them to a wide range of people, animals, places, surfaces, smells, sights, and sounds like lawnmowers, doorbells, and vacuum cleaners.
Teach Devon Rexes basic command words from the age of 8 weeks one at a time until the cat is well used to it. Some of the basic command words that Devon Rexes may cope to follow are wait, sit, stand, heel, stop, get in, etc. Also housebreak Devon Rexes by leash training, creating a feeding guide, and crate training.
Devon Rex Personality
– Active.
– Social.
– Playful.
– Energetic.
– Lively.
– Friendly.
– Intelligent.
– Outgoing.
– Relaxed.
Exercise
These cats are active and enjoy playtime. Devon Rexes should be exercised for at least 30 minutes daily. The Devon Rexes can get mentally and physically stimulated via games like cuddling, playing with toys, and climbing.
Meow
These cats are not overly vocal but they can communicate via soft chirps, purrs, and meows.
Other cat breeds include:
Size
They have a height of 10 to 12 inches ( approx. 25 to 30 cm ) and weigh 6 to 9 pounds ( approx. 3 to 4.1 kg ).
Height
Mature Devon Rexes have a height of 10 to 12 inches ( approx. 25 to 30 cm ).
Weight
They weigh 6 to 9 pounds ( approx. 3 to 4.1 kg ).
Full Grown
Full grown Devon Rexes stand 10 to 12 inches ( approx. 25 to 30 cm ) tall and weigh 6 to 9 pounds ( approx. 3 to 4.1 kg ).
Devon Rex Health Issues
Devon Rexes are healthy cats but can be at risk of some genetic health problems like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and patellar luxation. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common health issues seen in Devon Rexes cats which is a condition that alters the heart muscle. Frequent check-ups with a veterinarian and screenings for HCM are crucial for early detection and prevention of this issue. Dental health is another common health issue for Devon Rexes.
Because of their unique dental structure, Devon Rexes may be more prone to dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay. Regular dental care, such as brushing their teeth and providing dental treats or toys, can help keep their oral health. In addition, these cats may be more prone to respiratory infections and allergies. It’s good to keep their living environment clean and free of irritants to reduce the risk of these problems. Generally, Devon Rexes can live a happy and healthy life if proper care and regular veterinary check-ups are done, and these health problems can be managed.
Hair Loss
Hair loss in Devon Rexes can be because of food allergies, environmental allergies, or bacterial infections. Also due to hormonal fluctuation, female Devon Rexes can suffer from hair loss. Foods that do not contain enough protein can cause hair loss.
Eye Infection
Devon Rexes can be prone to eye infections such as conjunctivitis which causes eye discharge, pain, itching, and redness. Eye infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria, from their surroundings, or from other animals they come close with. If their immune system is unable to fight the infectious agent, an infection will develop. The Devon Rexes with eye infections may become lethargic and have no appetite.
Eye Problems
They can suffer from eye problems like Corneal dystrophy, Conjunctivitis, and Bacterial eye infections which cause pain, itching, redness, and discharge.
Allergies
Devon Rexes can be prone to allergies such as:
Flea Allergies – Devon Rexes can have allergies once infested with fleas.
Pollen Allergies – These cats can be allergic to tree, grass, and weed pollens. Devon Rexes that are allergic to pollen can show signs such as watery eyes and regular sneezing.
Food Allergies – Some Devon Rexes can have allergies to specific ingredients present in most cat foods. Devon Rexes with food allergies mostly displays gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, gassiness, and diarrhea.
Myopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common health issues seen in Devon Rexes cats which is an inherited condition that alters the heart muscle. Frequent check-ups with a veterinarian and screenings for HCM are crucial for early detection and prevention of this issue.
Cat Names
Devon Rexes’ parents can decide to get the name of the young cat before it joins them home from the breeder. They can get name inspirations from the best musicians, songs, TV shows, and creative projects we relate to help them name their pets. Their size, personality, or other qualities might make a good name.
Just know that naming your cat tells more about you as well as your pet. The cat’s names chosen should freely roll off the tongue. Some of the names that parents give to their Devon Rexes include:
- Luna.
- Bella.
- Lily.
- Lucy.
- Abigail.
- Chloe.
- Nala.
- Callie.
- Kitty.
- Bebe.
Breeding Devon Rex Cats
The heat cycle of Devon Rexes lasts for a period of 1 week to 3 weeks. Their first heat cycle begins between 4 and 12 months of age. These cats have many cycles during the breeding season. Some of the symptoms that Devon Rexes may exhibit while on a heat cycle include increased urination, bloody discharge, changes in eating behavior, tail flagging, mood swings, and swollen vulva.
Bloody vaginal discharge that usually lasts between 14 and 21 days indicates that the female cat’s hormone levels are changing, making her ready for fertilization. Owners are advised to screen the cats before breeding to ensure they have no underlying health problems.
Diet
The amount of food Devon Rexes feed on depends on their age, size, metabolism, body build, and activity level. Devon Rexes thrives on either commercial cat food, homemade, or raw food. On overage, the kitten feeds on a lean protein diet which supports the growth of muscles, tendons, and tissue. Kittens eat three times a day while adult Devon Rexes eat twice a day.
Fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids in their diet will keep their thick coat in good condition. Always feed these cats in a stainless steel bowl, not anywhere else. Some Devon Rexes may be prone to getting overweight. Therefore, parents should watch the weight level and calorie intake as well as treats that aid in training. Make sure your Devon Rexes have access to clean water at all times.
Devon Rex Colors
These cats come in many colors and the most common are black, blue, chocolate, cinnamon, lilac, Calico, Tortoiseshell, and white.
Color Patterns
These cats have tortoiseshell, calico, tabby, pointed, shaded patterns, and others.
Grey
Blue Devon Rexes are often called grey, the color can go from a pale blue-grey to a deep slate grey.
Black
Black Devon Rexes cats have curly coats, big eyes, and big ears.
White
White Devon Rexes cats have a pure white coat that shines in the light.
Orange
Orange Devon Rexes have stripes of alternating pale and darker colors. They can differ from pale cream to rich dark red shades.
Tortoiseshell
Tortoiseshell Devon Rexes are the same as the calico, but rather than having three colors mixed in, they usually have just black and orange.
Types
– Black Devon Rexes.
– “Blue smoke” Devon Rexes with unusually large ears.
– Devon Rexes cats with Siamese (colorpoint) colorings are known as Si Rex.
– Cream Devon Rexes with curly, soft coat typical to this breed.
– Orange Devon Rexes.
– Tortoiseshell Devon Rexes.
Eyes
These cats have oval-shaped large eyes that are set wide.
Ears
Devon cats have ears that are slightly rounded and large.
Head
These cats have a short head that has a broad wedge and a brow twisting to a flat skull.
Tail
They have long thin tails that narrows at the tip and are coated with short wavy hair.
Teeth
Devon Rexes that are full-grown contain 30 permanent teeth. However, Devon Rexes kittens have 26 milk teeth which start to show up two to four weeks after birth and start falling out at the age of 12 weeks.
Kitten
They are short-haired cats originally from England. They are nicknamed Poodle cats due to their curly coat. Devon Rexes are known for their atypical appearance, having a head that is oddly shaped, large eyes, as well as short and curly coats. They are intelligent, social, and outgoing.
Devon Rex Price
Devon Rexes costs between $1500 to $2500 depending on the age of the cat and the location of the breeder.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Devon Rex Cats Hypoallergenic
Yes, there low shedding coat makes them a good choice for people with allergies.
What Is A Devon Rex Cat
Devon Rexes are short-haired cats with medium build and a rare head type which gives them a ‘pixie-like’ look. These cats do well with older kids, other pets, and regular visitors to associate with.
How Long Do Devon Rex Cats Live
On average, these cats have a life expectancy of 9 to 15 years.
How Much Is A Devon Rex Cat
The cost of Devon Rexes ranges from $1500 to $2500 depending on the pedigree of the cat, age, location of the breeder, and how famous the breed is at the time of purchase.
Do Devon Rex Cats Shed
Yes, their short coat sheds, but only minimally.
How To Clean Devon Rex Ears
Devon Rexes’ ears are cleaned once a week using cotton balls dampened in an ear solution to remove dirt and excess wax. To perform this, soak a clean cotton ball in the cleanser and wipe off the tip of the bottle. Rub the base of their ears for 20 to 30 seconds to distribute the solution over their ear canal. Hold Devon Rexes’ ear flap, and use a cotton ball or gauze to clear any debris.
Devon Rex Quick Facts
- They are mischievous cats with lots of energy.
- Devon Rexes have minimal shedding because of their short and curly coat.
- Devon Rexes are small to medium-framed body cats.
