Devon Rex Cat vs Sphynx Cat: Pictures, Differences, & Which to Choose

The Devon Rex and Sphynx cat are hairless breeds that make amazing pets. While appearing similar, they are also very different in many ways. If you are thinking about getting a new pet and would like to learn more about both these breeds before making a decision, you’ve come to the right place. We’re about to take a close look at both breeds to learn more about their characteristics, appearances, temperament, and more to help you make an informed decision.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Devon Rex Overview

Appearance

The Devon Rex is a medium-sized cat with tall pointy ears and large eyes. It also has a long neck and an odd-shaped head. The Devon Rex is not entirely hairless, it has short, down-like hair that can be straight or curly, and it can be any of a wide variety of colors. It usually stands between nine and twelve inches tall and weighs six to nine pounds. It originated in England in the late 1950s, when a cat owned by Miss Cox gave birth to the first one.

Breeders originally thought the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex were related but breeding t two will only produce a straight coat that neither coat has, so they are determined to be different breeds.

Characteristics

Many owners describe these cats as having plenty of personality. They enjoy clowning around to get extra attention and like being around children. These cats are extremely vocal and like to hide around the corner and meow until you come to look for them to get your attention. It’s an energetic breed that will enjoy plenty of high perches around your home. Since its hair is extremely short, it will likely seek out warm places around your home, so make sure it has access.

Hypoallergenic

Unfortunately, the Devon Rex is not hypoallergenic, and they do shed. So if you or another family member is allergic to cat dander, you will have a problem with these cats as well.

Sphynx Overview

Appearance

The Sphynx is a hairless breed with only a light peach-fuzz type hair on its body. There is much less hair than on the Devon Rex. It’s a medium-sized cat that usually weighs between six and eight pounds and stands eight to ten inches tall. It has a muscular body, wedge-shaped head, and large almond-shaped eyes. The ears are large, and they can sometimes have a potbelly. Even though they don’t have fur, they can still be many different colors, including white, black, chocolate, blue, red, lavender, and many others, because the skin turns the color the fur would normally be.

Characteristics

The Sphinx is one of the more playful breeds, and it will often spend many hours chasing after small toys, and it’s a perfect choice if you have small children. These cats will even get along with dogs and other pets in most cases. These cats continuously try to get warm and will constantly look for attention and sit on your lap. They will do the same to other family members and pets. We also found that they like to hide in the blankets of a made bed and can be hard to find. It will thank you for your efforts with plenty of love and affection, and it’s extremely intelligent, but it does not do well if left alone too long, and if you have touchable hot places like a furnace or radiator, it can get burned trying to seek out heat.

Hypoallergenic

Unfortunately, even though the Sphynx has no fur, it still produces a small amount of dander, so it is not hypoallergenic. However, most owners state that since these cats produce much less dander than regular cats, most sufferers’ symptoms are much less pronounced.

What Are the Differences Between the Devon Rex & Sphynx?

Size

The Devon Rex and the Sphynx are both medium-sized cats and are quite similar. In most cases, the Devon Rex will be slightly larger in both weight and height, but it will be almost undetectable.

Coat

While experts consider both breeds hairless, the Devon Rex has short, soft, curly fur covering much of its body, while the Sphynx only has a light peach fuzz, and you can see the skin.

Colors

You can get both cat breeds in a wide variety of colors. With the Devon Rex, the fur will have colors and patterns, but with the Sphynx, the skin changes color.

Hypoallergenic

Unfortunately, neither the Devon Rex nor the Sphynx is hypoallergenic, and both can create a reaction and someone allergic to cats. However, the dander produced is significantly less with both breeds than with medium or long-haired cats because it accompanies shedding, so if you only suffer light symptoms, you may be able to own one of these cats without a problem.

Personality

Both the Devon Rex and the Sphynx have amazing personalities and are well suited to homes with children and even other pets. They are energetic and love to play games for hours on end and will be quick to sit on your lap and cuddle up to stay warm as the day winds down.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

The Devon Rex and Sphynx are amazing breeds that make great family pets. The biggest difference between them is that one has short curly hair while the other has none, and the breed that is right for you will depend on your preference. While both are good if you have family or friends that suffer from cat allergies, the Sphynx is a little better. However, the Sphynx tends to be a little colder and will spend more time hiding under covers or relaxing by a heater if no one Is playing with them, and you need to be a little more cautious about sunburns as well as burns from heaters.

We hope you enjoyed reading this short guide and found the answers you need. If we have helped you choose your next pet, please share this look into Devon Rex and Sphynx cats on Facebook and Twitter.

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Featured Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock / Pixabay