Low-shedding cat, indoor-only homes, apartment living
Temperament:
Inquisitive, interactive, friendly, intelligent
Who doesn’t want to share their home with an elfish feline? The Devon Rex is a whimsical-looking cat with oversized, pointed ears and light, wavy hair. Their personalities are as fanciful as their appearance, making terrific conversation starters and the best of friends.
The Devon Rex became a breed in the 1950s from a genetic mutation that breeders worked to produce further. Since then, they have become a purebred favorite for cat lovers all over. So, what makes a Devon Rex so unique, and should you welcome one into your family? Let’s find out.
Devon Rex Kittens – Before You Buy…
Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock
Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability
What’s the Price of Devon Rex Kittens?
Once you seek out a reputable breeder in your area, you can bank on the breeder charging between $600 to $1,500 per kitten. A few factors will play into the total cost, such as the area you live in, the breeder’s rates, and the kitten’s bloodline.
Because these cats can be a little tricky to find in some areas, you might have to travel to get a kitten. While we don’t recommend shipping animals, this is also an option for some.
On the flip side, there is a chance you can locate a Devon Rex at a local rescue or shelter. If you do, these cats will come with all applicable health checks and be spayed or neutered before their home arrival. Most will also have a microchip already in place.
If you adopt a kitten or adult Devon Rex, you can expect to pay between $75 and $150. However, because this is a rare and special kitty, the shelters may charge toward the higher end of this estimation.
Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock
3 Little-Known Facts About Devon Rex Cats
1. Devon Rex cats can get a sunburn, so you must keep their skin protected.
Devon Rex cats have a very unique downy coat that is very sparse. Because of their lightweight, thin coats, they have lots more skin exposure than regular felines. Make sure to protect your rex! If they are in the sun too long, it can have negative consequences for their sensitive skin.
2. Devon Rex cats do not like to be left alone.
You could consider the Devon Rex a bit needy. While this is excellent for some owners, some people have very active and busy lifestyles. If your rex is alone most of the time, it might be best to choose another less dependent cat. You wouldn’t have any trouble finding one elsewhere!
3. Devon Rex cats are also called “poodle cats.”
The ultra-cool thing about the Devon Rex is that they have curly coats. Their fur is light, soft, and feathery. Because of their wavy, curly appearance, they have acquired the nickname “poodle cat.”
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Temperament & Intelligence of the Devon Rex
Devon Rex cats are incredible creatures with super interactive personalities. They get to know their human families very well and expect to be included in all activities. They love to explore, have fun, and make new friends at any time.
Many people who own a Devon Rex would describe these cats as high-energy, silly, and clownish. They are always on the move, inquisitively exploring the home, climbing to the highest points, and always finding a milk ring to play with.
These cats are exceptionally smart, learning to get into all kinds of mischief. They might be escape artists, too—so keep an eye on them as you enter or exit your home. Once they set their mind to something, almost nothing can divert their attention.
Even though Devon Rex cats can be a little high-strung, they are equally affectionate. They likely won’t choose favorites, freely giving love to every member of the family. They will cuddle up with you on the couch or wind up in your child’s bed at night—they will snuggle anyone in the household.
If you welcome a Devon Rex into your life, this breed will surely keep you on your toes. One thing is for sure—there won’t ever be a full moment around this curly cutie.
Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Devon Rex cats can make an ideal family companion for any age and any number of occupants. They get along with just about anyone and aren’t often seen slinking into a corner away from newcomers. These curious cats love new faces and situations.
Even though they have high activity levels, they still make good candidates for apartment living, permitting that they have enough space to roam and play. They can also make terrific pals for kiddos, permitting the children to be old enough to respect the animal.
These cats love to be in the limelight. So, the more you focus on them, the better! If you are a single or older adult, they will gladly take all of your attention for themselves.
If you and your family are gone a big portion of the day, you might want to consider another breed. These cats thrive on attention and can become nervous, destructive, or depressed if they are alone too long, too often.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Devon Rexes can get along absolutely fabulously with other pets. When they grow up together, there is no pair too strange for this feline. They get along with other cats, canines, and even some large parrots. These cats are inquisitive and love making new friends.
Some owners might even describe their rexes to be a bit invasive with other pets. They are constantly rubbing up against other animals or trying to instigate play. They thrive very much on the companionship of animals and people alike.
However, their high prey drive doesn’t do so well with smaller cage animals because of their high prey drive. For the safety of every little creature in your home, it’s best to keep this breed separated from rodents, reptiles, and any other tiny pet you might have.
Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock
Things to Know When Owning a Devon Rex:
Food & Diet Requirements
Devon Rex cats are spunky and full of life. Since they burn quite a few calories throughout a day, you should feed them a high-quality, protein-rich diet with all necessary vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Some people prefer to feed their Devon Rexes a dry kibble diet. Others feed their cats a standalone wet cat food diet or a combination with dry kibble.
What’s becoming increasingly popular among cat parents are raw and homemade cat food recipes. These foods give owners plenty of control over what goes in their cat’s food bowl, ensuring only the most beneficial ingredients make the cut.
However, there is room for error if you aren’t careful since there is less regulation. Your cat still needs a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet that meets all necessary nutritional profiles. Always have any recipe you choose approved by your veterinarian before serving.
Ultimately, you and your vet will decide which diet works best for your Devon Rex. If they have any dietary sensitivities, you might have to change formulas a few times before they’re set for life.
Exercise 🐈
Devon Rex cats are playful and full of adventure. You won’t have to coax them into exercise, as they will likely be the ones bugging you for some romp time.
Luckily for you, your cat only needs about 15 minutes of vigorous exercise per day to stay healthy and happy. That time limit shouldn’t be an issue for a Devon Rex, as they will likely play much more than the minimum amount.
These cats are pretty good at entertaining themselves. You can buy them a variety of self-play toys, but make sure to buy a few interactive ones, too. Your kitty will love having you join in on the fun. In any case, a playmate is always welcome as well.
If you have multiple pets, the Devon Rex says the more, the merrier. This will offer you a free ticket when you just don’t have the time to entertain them yourself.
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Training 🧶
Litter training should be a cinch for your Devon Rex kitten. In fact, breeders often work on litter training before sending them off to their new homes. Your kitten should be familiar with a litter box or completely litter trained upon their arrival.
Of course, not all cats learn at the same pace. Some need a little extra assistance before they catch on. A sound recommendation is limiting your kitten’s space initially to acclimate them to their litter box. Show them the box after naps and meals to make sure they do their business where they should.
Some kittens catch on the first try, while others will need a few weeks before they are successfully trained.
When it comes to trick training, Devon Rexes are sharp. Intelligent cats that will cat on with repetition and proper teaching. Since they thrive so much on attention, it shouldn’t be hard to keep their focus either. These characteristics make them excellent candidates for advanced training.
Grooming ✂️
Your Devon Rexes coat is light and downy, so they are relatively low maintenance. Still, they benefit from weekly brushing to keep their coats silky and smooth.
Cats do most of the hard work for you when it comes to bathing. Nothing compares, in their eyes, to a good, old-fashioned tongue bath. However, it would help if you acclimated your kitten to bathing early.
Your Devon Rex should have a bath roughly every six weeks to remove any excess oils and coat debris. Also, it would be best if you brushed their teeth daily to prevent tartar buildup. Keep their large ears dry and moisture-free to prevent infections, too.
Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock
Health and Conditions 🏥
The best prevention for serious health issues is routine vetting. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in potential health problems. However, if you keep up with general wellness visits, treatments, and vaccinations, your cat will likely have a healthier life.
Devon Rex cats are generally healthy, but they can be susceptible to a few health issues. Before buying a kitty from a breeder, always ask about any potential diseases or deformities in the bloodline to get an idea about what to expect.
Here are a few health conditions you might expect. While some are hereditary, others are preventable.
Male and female Devon Rex cats will differ a bit in size. Males tend to be a bit bigger, with a height and stockier advantage. Males tend to have broader heads and more muscular bodies. Females are a bit daintier than males.
As far as personality is concerned, each cat can have their own set of traits. Almost every Devon Rex is clingy, loving, and curious. Females are generally more playful and independent. But males tend to be a little freer with their love and a bit needier of affection.
Both males and females can exhibit marking behavior when they reach sexual maturity. It’s a good idea to spay or neuter them before they hit this stage of development since it can be hard to stop once it starts.
However, males are more likely to act on this than their female counterparts, depending on external triggers.
Final Thoughts
So, does a Devon Rex sound like your next furry friend? These adorable cats match well to most living situations but just remember—these cats aren’t built for the outdoors. They should be indoors only unless they are under close supervision.
These friendly kitties will blend in with your family and existing pets without issue. Soon, you won’t be able to remember what your life was like without them. Choose a reputable breeder—or better yet, check with a local rescue or shelter to give a kitty a new start on life. Best of luck in your search.
Featured Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock
Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature she finds. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are cats and dogs.
