Devon Rex Cat
Updated July 19, 2026
The Devon Rex is a small-to-medium, high-energy breed with an elfin face, very large low-set ears, prominent eyes, and a fragile wavy coat produced by a mutation distinct from the Cornish Rex.
Shoulder-riding and people-focused, Highly playful, Trainable and food-motivated, Acrobatic, Sensitive to isolation and cold
6-9 pounds
9-15 years
At a Glance
Maintenance Level
Affection Level
Energy Level
Good with Kids
Vocalization Level
Jump to Section
About Devon Rex Cat
The Devon Rex is a small-to-medium, high-energy breed with an elfin face, very large low-set ears, prominent eyes, and a fragile wavy coat produced by a mutation distinct from the Cornish Rex.
Coat Length
Short Hair
Breed Group
Rex
Weight
6-9 pounds
Great For
What Makes Devon Rex Cats Special
The Devon Rex's oversized ears, high cheekbones, short muzzle, and enormous eyes create an unmistakable pixie-like expression.
Its fragile waves cover a hard, springy little athlete that often rides on shoulders, retrieves toys, seeks warmth, and inserts itself into every household activity.
Devon Rex Cat History & Origin
The breed traces to Kirlee, a curly-coated male born near Buckfastleigh in Devon in 1959 to a straight-coated female cared for by Beryl Cox. A planned mating to a Cornish Rex produced straight-coated kittens, proving that Kirlee carried a different recessive rex mutation. His descendants became the foundation of the Devon Rex.
Kirlee's mother was a stray tortoiseshell-and-white cat, and his curly-coated father was seen near a local tin mine.
The first Cornish Rex-Devon Rex mating produced straight coats because the mutations occur at different genetic loci.
Breeders expanded the very small foundation through carefully recorded outcrosses.
Devon Rex Cat Characteristics
Individual Variation
Cats are individuals and not all cats, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Devon Rex Cat Appearance
A short modified-wedge head, prominent cheekbones, very large low-set ears, and oval eyes sit above a slender-looking but muscular body.
The short coat forms loose ripples and waves, with coverage and density varying naturally between body areas and life stages.
Physical Features
Ears
Exceptionally large, very wide at the base, rounded, and set low on the sides of the head.
Eyes
Large, oval, widely set, and sloping toward the outer ear edges; any color is accepted.
Nose
Very short with a marked stop and rounded transition to the forehead.
Coat & Build
Tail
Long, fine, tapering, and covered as fully as possible in short waves.
Devon Rex Cat Temperament
The Devon Rex's oversized ears, high cheekbones, short muzzle, and enormous eyes create an unmistakable pixie-like expression.
Its fragile waves cover a hard, springy little athlete that often rides on shoulders, retrieves toys, seeks warmth, and inserts itself into every household activity.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
Devon Rex cats can be active, affectionate companions, but several inherited conditions are documented. Responsible breeders use DNA testing and cardiac and orthopedic assessment while selecting for a functional coat and body.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Verify DNA results for Devon Rex congenital myasthenic syndrome, ask about cardiac and patellar screening, inspect skin, ears, and nail folds, maintain dental care, and seek prompt assessment for weakness, head bobbing, collapse, or exercise intolerance.
Caring for Your Devon Rex Cat
Grooming Requirements
The coat is delicate and variable, ranging from a full loose wave to sparse areas. Excessive brushing can break hairs, while the ears and nail folds may collect oil quickly.
Brushing
Use fingers or a very soft brush only when necessary. Avoid vigorous brushing and combing that can damage the waves or create bare patches.
Bathing
Bathe when skin oil requires it, from occasionally to every few weeks. Use a mild cat-safe shampoo, rinse fully, dry gently, and keep the cat warm.
Eye Care
Check the eyes weekly and wipe minor discharge with a separate soft, damp cloth for each eye; persistent irritation needs veterinary attention.
Nail Care
Every 1-2 weeks, with gentle cleaning of oily debris around the nail beds.
Essential Grooming Tools
Exercise & Play
Devon Rex cats are energetic climbers, jumpers, and social problem solvers. They need several active play sessions and frequent household interaction every day.
Daily Requirements
Provide about 40-60 minutes of active play daily, divided into several sessions, plus stable high perches and free exploration.
Mental Stimulation
Rotate puzzles, teach tricks and cooperative care, and provide warm shoulder-height perches. Devons quickly learn how to obtain food and attention.
Recommended Activities
Nutrition & Feeding
Feed a complete-and-balanced life-stage diet. Devons can be enthusiastic eaters, but their fine frame should remain lean and firmly muscled.
Daily Amount
Use the food manufacturer's feeding guide as a starting point, measure the daily ration, divide it into two or more meals and training rewards, and adjust with a veterinarian to maintain ideal body condition.
Special Considerations
A sparse coat can increase heat loss, but that does not justify unrestricted feeding. Monitor weight, use puzzle feeders, provide wet food and fresh water, and investigate sudden hunger or weight change.
Living Environment
Space Requirements
Can thrive in apartments or houses with tall stable cat trees, warm beds, scratching surfaces, long play routes, and frequent social contact.
Climate Preferences
Indoor climate control is essential. The sparse coat offers little insulation or sun protection, so prevent cold exposure, intense direct sun, and burns from heaters or unregulated warming pads.
Ideal Lifestyle Match
Best for an interactive household that enjoys a mischievous, physically affectionate cat. Chronic isolation and minimal enrichment are poor matches.
Colors & Patterns
Most colors and patterns are accepted; coat wave, coverage, and texture matter more than any single color.
Solid Colors
Patterns
Eye Colors
All colors, including gold, green, hazel, blue, aqua, and odd-eyed
Fun Facts About Devon Rex Cat
The foundation cat Kirlee was born in Devon in 1959.
A Cornish Rex-Devon Rex mating produced straight-haired kittens, proving the coat mutations differ.
The Devon's large ears are set unusually low on the head.
Its whiskers are often short, brittle, and crinkled.
Sparse hair does not make the breed hypoallergenic.
A DNA test is available for COLQ-related congenital myasthenic syndrome.
Heavy brushing can damage the delicate waves.
Many Devons seek shoulders, laps, blankets, and other warm contact points.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Devon Rex hypoallergenic?
No. It may shed less visible hair, but it still produces allergens in saliva and skin secretions, and individual human reactions vary.
Is the Devon Rex the same as the Cornish Rex?
No. They developed in neighboring English counties but have different coat mutations, body and head standards, and coat textures.
Why do Devon Rex cats need a DNA test?
A DNA test can identify the recessive COLQ variant that causes congenital myasthenic syndrome, a potentially serious disorder of nerve-to-muscle transmission.
Specialized Care Guides
Kitten Care
Verify parental COLQ and cardiac records, introduce skin, ear, nail, dental, and carrier care gently, provide safe climbing, and teach bite inhibition and cooperative handling.
Senior Care
Arrange veterinary checks at least every 6-12 months as advised, monitor heart, patellas, neuromuscular strength, skin, teeth, kidneys, weight, and mobility, and preserve warm accessible beds.
First-Time Owner Tips
Suitable for a highly engaged first-time owner who can provide extensive play, warmth, gentle skin and coat care, and verified DNA, cardiac, and patellar screening.
Looking for a Devon Rex Cat?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.