Devon Rex
Other names: The Poodle cat
The Devon Rex resembles the Cornish Rex with its slender legs, muscular body and tail. But its curly hair is more reminiscent of a Poodle or a sheep. Its large, round ears are like those of bats. Suffice to say that this cat is very unique in its appearance.
Key facts about the Devon Rex
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Origins and history
It was in Devon, that a Haret cat with curly-looking fur was found and crossed with a tricolour domestic cat. A kitten, named Kirlee, was born with this frizzy coat. It was in 1960, when the Cornish Rex which already existed, could be crossed with Kirlee to see if the mutation of the hair was identical for these two breeds or not. As the kittens from these litters displayed the short coat of a domestic cat, it proved that the two "frizzy hair" mutations observed in the Devon and Cornish Rex were not identical and are especially recessive characteristics.
In order to fix the mutation, it was necessary to make many inbreeding crosses which gave birth to the appearance of myasthenia. As this disease was lethal, European and American breeders had to closely monitor the lines in order to avoid it. It was in 1967 that FIFe recognised this breed.
Physical characteristics of the Devon Rex
Adult size
Female : Approximately 12 in
Male : Approximately 12 in
This cat reaches its adult size at one year old.
Weight
Female : Between 4 and 7 lb
Male : Between 7 and 9 lb
Coat colour
Black, white, chocolate, red, cinnamon and all dilutions gray / blue, lilac, cream, fawn, etc.
All colours are accepted for this breed.
Type of coat
Short
Eye colour
Blue, aquamarine, green, golden yellow, walleyed
The colour of its eyes will match that of its coat.
Description
The Devon Rex has a small to average sized, muscular body. Its slim legs give it a slender look, especially with its short curly hair, which is as soft as silk. Its atypical head, small with huge ears gives it a slightly alien look that is sure to make you smile.
Good to know
It takes 6 months for this cat’s fur to take its adult form.
Temperament
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Affectionate
This Poodle Cat appreciates being cuddled and will seek out body warmth.
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Playful
The Devon Rex will be sure to demonstrate its feline agility thanks to its svelte and muscular body.
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Calm
This is not one of the calmer cats, but do not worry, some individuals are calmer than others, especially when it comes to warming up in bed. Ask the breeder which cats are the calmest of the litter.
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Intelligent
Its clever side means this cat will play an active role in your life, playing tricks on you and sneaking into your bed.
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Fearful / wary of strangers
This Poodle Cat is more likely to be intrigued by an unknown person than wary of them. But nonetheless give it a little time to adapt. In most situations, a good motivation, such as a treat, will certainly help.
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Independent
This cat is more known for being with its owners than it is for being independent. It is however still a cat, free to choose between spending time with you or pressing itself up against a window.
Behaviour of the Devon Rex
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Chatty
The Poodle Cat appreciates its owners presence and will seek attention. What better way to draw your gaze than by meowing gently and melodically.
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Need for exercise / Sporty
This cat needs to play on its own with its toys but also with you to use its energy on things that revive its hunter instinct. It is important to be able to keep it occupied daily to avoid it becoming bored.
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Tendency to run away
This breed is well adapted to life in an apartment, given its absence of much fur, it is not one for the outdoors.
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Greedy / Gluttony
This breed is notoriously lively, so its normal for it to have a big appetite. An interactive bowl is a good way to keep it busy whilst eating and will mean it eats a little slower.
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Is the Devon Rex right for you?
take the testCompatibility
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Devon Rex and cats
The company of a counterpart will entertain this cat and may also offer some warmth. But don’t expect it to accept another cat from day one, it can take a little time for a relationship to develop.
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Devon Rex and dogs
Its curiosity and enthusiasm will mean that your pets will live well together. Take time to introduce them, let you Poodle Cat have access to raised places and carefully educate your dog.
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Devon Rex and children
What makes this a great cat for respectful children is its funny appearance as well as its playfulness and enthusiasm.
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Devon Rex and the elderly
A young, active Devon Rex risks being too tiring for a quiet person. It is worth asking the breeder if they are interested in selling one of their adult cats.
Price
The average price of a Devon Rex kitten in breeding is between £200 and £500. This price varies according to the quality of the pedigree, where it comes from, compliance with breed standards, age when buying or even gender. It will cost on average £35 to £45 per month to provide for its need, providing quality food and regular care for its eyes and ears in particular.
Grooming
A light weekly brushing is enough to keep its hair shiny.
It is advisable to clean its ears weekly due to there being a lot of earwax.
It is also possible that it will need to be washed as cats of this breed sweat. It helps to get it used to water as soon as possible.
Shedding
The Poodle Cat almost doesn’t moult.
Nutrition of the Devon Rex
A quality diet is recommended to keep this cat in good health.
Health of the Devon Rex
Life expectancy
Expected to live between 12 and 16 years.
Strong / robust
This Poodle Cat will not like drafts or the cold so it is important to ensure that your house is warm in winter.
Tendency to put on weight
When a Devon Rex puts on weight, you’ll notice it very quickly. By adapting its diet to its level of activity and using an interactive bowl to feed it, you’ll be able to ensure it stays in shape.
Common illnesses
The Devon Rex can suffer from the same diseases as other domestic felines, such as oral problems.
It may also suffer from diseases related more specifically to this breed:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which results in the thickening of the heart muscle. This illness causes heart failure that can result in arrhythmias or even pulmonary edema. Screening is carried out by means of an echocardiography examination, which is usually renewed annually. A treatment can be administered which can reduce discomfort.
- Myasthenia gravis resulting in muscular dystrophy. The Poodle Cat will not hold its head so high, it will have an abnormal gait with more visible shoulders and it will tire quickly. Being a genetic disease, there is no treatment to date. A screening test has been available for a few years.
- A predisposition to dermatological problems is possible.
Reproduction
Females come in heat quite frequently and can give birth to an average litter of 4 to 6 kittens.
The Devon Rex is not allowed to be mated with any other breed.