Known for their unique ‘alien-like’ appearance, the Devon Rex makes for a friendly, active, and highly sociable feline companion. The Latin word ‘Rex’, which means ‘King’, is included in many other cat breeds such as the Cornish Rex, Selkirk Rex, and more. However, each Rex is a completely different for one another and the Devon Rex may the most unique breed of the entire ‘Rex’ cat family. Keep reading to learn about the history, temperament, appearance, coat care, health concerns, and interesting facts of the loyal Devon Rex.

Devon Rex History

Originating near an abandoned mine in Devon, England, the Devon Rex is a recent breed of cat as the first one was reportedly bred in 1960. A local woman named Beryl Cox found a stray female tortoiseshell cat, which mated with an unknown stray from the mine, and gave birth to a fascinating litter featuring unique curly coats. With hopes to preserve this interesting a new breed of cat, Beryl Cox contacted a local breeder and sold one of the kittens to them in hopes to maintain their specific traits. Soon after, this new breed was defined as the ‘Devon Rex’ and quickly became popular around the world. Devon Rex’s’ first began to appear in the United States, although it took until 1983 for the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) to accept the Devon Rex as a standalone breed. 

Temperament

Intelligent, sometimes mischievous, and often playful, the Devon Rex never really loses their fun-loving kitten traits. After their daily dose of exploring, fetching, play-hunting, and spying out the window on neighboring cats, they love to snuggle in your lap and catch up on their beauty sleep. Devon Rex’s are much more social than other cats as they play well with older children, enjoy meeting well-mannered strangers, and are incredibly people-oriented to the ones they love. Due to their high intelligence, Devon Rex’s are easily trainable, when compared to other breeds, and can learn a large variety of different tricks if motivated by treats.

Appearance & Coat Care

Known for their ‘elf-like’ or ‘alien’ appearance, Devon Rex’s feature large eyes, triangular heads, short whiskers, an upturned nose, and tall rounded ears. Depending on which gene they’re born with, Devon Rex’s either have straight hair or wavy-curly fur. While not hypoallergenic, their fur colors general consists of pattens in black, tortoiseshell, white, calico, silver, and much more. Finally, Devon Rex’s have large toes and long legs which help them jump considerably higher than other cats. These feline’s require little grooming and are known to shed a minimal amount.

Health Concerns

Fortunately, the Devon Rex is considered a healthy cat breed as they are susceptible to very little health issues. However, they are occasionally known to develop issues such as digestive problems, Lymphoma, corneal ulcers, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). If you believe your Devon Rex has acquired any of these health issues, it’s important to contact their veterinarian at once.

Devon Rex Facts

• Due to their unique appearance, Devon Rex’s are sometimes known as the ‘Poodle Cat’.
• Because of their short coats, these cats are often found curling up in a blanket or wearing sweaters when outside.
• Devon Rex’s can be born with any eye color.
• They enjoy food a bit more than other cat breeds, so make sure they’re not sneaking off with snacks they shouldn’t be eating!
• Known to be great travelers, consider taking your Devon Rex as a co-pilot on your next road trip.
• Due to their mischievous nature, Devon Rex’s are commonly referred to as ‘Dennis the Menace’.

Dietary Requirements of Devon Rex Cats

As mentioned, Devon Rex’s love to eat and, if left to their own devices, may consume to the point of obesity. To manage your furry friend’s food intake, measure their food and feed your Devon Rex twice a day. For an optimum diet, be sure to sprinkle a scoop of Dr. Bill’s Feline Ultimate Fitness & Health on their food every day. Feline Fitness & Health is a delicious, concentrated nutritional powder, scientifically formulated to provide a balanced blend of 50-nutrients that support optimum fitness and health in growing, physically mature, and senior cats. Designed to promote a strong, lean body, a healthy immune system, a balanced digestive tract, flexible joints, plus healthy eye, heart and brain function. Feline Fitness & Health is safe for growing and adult Devon Rex cats of all ages.