The pixies of the cat world have impish looks and mischievous personalities. Devon Rex are often said to resemble the Gremlins from the Star Wars series while their waif-like tousled curls of the coat remind us of the tousled mop of the Little Orphan Annie.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: United Kingdom
Used for: Companion
Average Life Span: 9-15 years
Color: All genetically possible colors and patterns
Coat: Soft and wavy
Average Height: Small to medium-sized
Average Weight: 5-10 pounds
History and Domestication
The progenitor of this breed was Kirlee, kitten born in Devon, England in 1959. It was believed that Kirlee shared the same genetic structure as the Cornish Rex, another English breed from Cornwall. However, the subsequent test breeding established that Kirlee was different and the unique structure was due to genetic mutation. This kitten had a wavy coat and not much could be made of his ancestry. His mother was a roaming stray while the father was thought to be another stray tom with a curly coat. The new breed was named Devon Res, after the birthplace Devon and the resemblance of the curly coat to that of the Rex rabbit.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The small to medium-sized cats are well-muscled with impish looks. They have sturdy bodies and the hind legs are longer than forelegs. The head is in the shape of a modified wedge with large and inquisitive eyes, strong chin, a short muzzle and high cheekbones. The large ears are low-set. The body is compact and supple and covered with loose curls and waves. Their whiskers and eyebrows are short and crinkled in the same fashion as the cat.
Care, Grooming and Health
The cat of these cats is easy to maintain. Many times, all you have to do brush your hand over the coat. Groom them gently so as to avoid breaking the soft coat. These cats do not shed much and the fur is so fine that you can barely spot it on furniture or clothes. Bathe them only when necessary because without necessary baths, hey may start to look dingy.
This cat has a moderate activity level and would be happy to follow you around the house. Devon Rex is generally a healthy breed but congenital hypotrichosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia have been observed this breed.
Living Conditions
This is an active and social cat and ideal for families with kids and cat-friendly dogs. He loves playing fetch, retrieving and will learn new tricks easily.
Temperament
These cats are intelligent, highly active and mischievous. They are very playful and powerful jumpers and no corner of your house goes unexplored. You can always find them perched on top of something or the other. They are people-oriented and would share their discoveries with you so do not be alarmed by their company at all times. They will happily perch on your shoulder while you cook or sit in your lap while you read or snuggle up to you in bed.
