History & Origin
Devon Rex began in 1960 when a feral curly-coated tomcat fathered kittens with a stray in Devon, England. The Devon Rex gene is separate from the Cornish Rex gene — the two breeds cannot interbreed without losing the curly coat.
Temperament & Personality
Mischievous, social, dog-like. Devons climb everything, fetch, and follow humans constantly.
Health Watchouts
Top conditions reported by CFA/TICA parent clubs, AAFP, the Winn Feline Foundation, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.
Devon Rex myopathy
Rare with screeningHereditary muscle weakness disorder, usually appears 3–6 weeks of age.
Screening: DNA test where available; pedigree review
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Breed-elevated riskThickening of the left ventricular heart wall — the most common heart disease in cats. Elevated risk — annual echocardiogram from age 2.
Screening: Annual echocardiogram from a board-certified cardiologist; DNA test where available (Maine Coon, Ragdoll)
Hip dysplasia
Slight elevationJoint malformation.
Screening: Annual gait observation
Patellar luxation
Slight elevationKneecap dislocation.
Screening: Veterinary palpation
Periodontal disease
70%+ of cats by age 3Plaque hardens to tartar and inflames gums, leading to tooth loss and bacteremia.
Screening: Annual oral exam; daily brushing or VOHC-approved dental treats; professional cleaning every 1–2 years
Enrichment & Play
Extremely active and curious — vertical space is essential.
- Tall cat trees
- Wall shelving
- Wand toys 2× daily
- Puzzle feeders
- Clicker training
- Harness walks
- Companion cat
Nutrition
Daily calories: Adult: 220–290 kcal/day.
Two measured meals daily; higher metabolism due to thin coat.
Common allergens to watch: Beef.
⚠ Slim breed — visible weight gain is concerning.
Grooming & Coat Care
Wipe weekly with a soft damp cloth — brushing damages the curls. Clean ears weekly.
Cost of Ownership
Lifetime cost depends on lifespan, vet care, and litter/food choices. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →
Cost band for Devon Rex: medium.
Living Situation Fit
Active social households with vertical space.
Choosing a Kitten
Demand HCM and myopathy screening. Pet-quality kittens $1,000–$1,800.
Frequently Asked Questions
Devon Rex vs Cornish Rex — what's the difference?
Devon has wavy curls and a pixie face with huge low-set ears. Cornish has tighter marcel waves and a slimmer 'greyhound' face. Devons are usually more social and dog-like.
Are Devon Rex hypoallergenic?
Lower allergen production than average due to minimal shedding, but no cat is fully hypoallergenic.
