10 Vet-Verified Devon Rex Cat Facts You’ll Be Surprised to Find Out!
Finding the perfect cat is often a difficult task, especially if you want a unique cat that wants to spend time with you instead of always being off in their own world. Enter the Devon Rex. This breed is somewhat of a newcomer in the cat world, but when it comes to uniqueness, they are at the top of many lists. These medium-sized cats are fun to be around, make great house companions, and are among the few breeds that don’t hesitate to show their love for you. Let’s look at incredible Devon Rex facts to help you see that these kitties are truly special.
The 10 Facts About Devon Rex Cats
1. The Poodle Cat
While a Devon Rex has a lot going for it, one of the things that sticks out the most is the breed’s unique coat. Many have nicknamed the Devon Rex the “poodle cat” due to their coat. These cats are considered low-shedding, just like a Poodle, with short, wavy fur that can appear in a host of colors. You’ll also notice that the Devon Rex’s coat lacks a lot of guard hair. This makes the fur extremely fragile. Many suggest that you should avoid brushing or combing your Rex’s coat to avoid causing it any damage.
2. A Pixie Kitty
The Devon Rex’s coat may be famous, but so is that cute face. This breed is often said to have a pixie-like appearance. Others have used words like "elf" or "alien" to describe them. The Devon Rex has a sharp facial profile. The cheeks are wide, and you’ll notice a dip in their profile that’s quite distinct. Add in the sharp chin, wide eyes, and low-set ears that are quite large, and you can understand where the "pixie" reference comes from.
3. Jumpers
The body of a Devon Rex is made for jumping. This kitty has a lightweight body with long legs. This helps them take on acrobatics around the house. You’ll also notice they have large toes, which is odd for breeds of cats mostly intended for indoor life. With all these traits combined, don’t be shocked to find a Devon Rex leaping from countertops, tables, and backs of sofas.
4. A Newer Cat Breed
Unlike many breeds with ancient roots, the Devon Rex has a much more recent history. The breed was first recognized in 1959 in Buckfastleigh, Devon, U.K., when a local cat enthusiast, Beryl Cox, noticed a feral tomcat with a naturally curly coat living nearby. Although she couldn’t tame him, the tom eventually fathered a litter with a domestic calico female. Among the kittens was a blackish-brown male with the same distinctive curls. Cox named him Kirlee, and he went on to become the foundation of the Devon Rex breed.
5. Coming to America
The Devon Rex wasn’t imported to the United States until 1968. When they arrived, however, instant popularity struck. With the love people in the U.S. gave this breed, it isn’t surprising that the American Cat Fanciers Association recognized the breed only 4 years later in 1972. The International Cat Association recognized the Devon Rex in the same year it was formed, 1979. The Cat Fancier Association finally followed suit in 1983.
6. A Devon Rex’s Unique Whiskers
Yes, the look and fur of a Devon Rex are unique, but so are their whiskers. When you look at the Devon Rex, you may be shocked to see that they do not have long whiskers like other cats. Instead, the Devon Rex has very short, curly whiskers—that is, if they have whiskers at all. Some kitties in this breed have no whiskers. Those that do may experience breakage or loss of whiskers, as they are very fragile. While we know whiskers are sensory tools for cats, Devon Rex cats without them may rely on other senses to navigate the world around them.
7. A Quirky, Playful Breed
The personality of a Devon Rex is a bit all over the place. This breed does great with families due to their loving, cuddly natures. They are also very playful. You may find your Rex racing through the house, bolting from couch to chair, or even hanging from the curtains. The next minute, they may be curled up at your side, wanting to simply chill for a bit. These kitties are very quirky. They play fetch, have been known to love to play hide and seek, and are destined to keep you on your toes as much as possible.
8. A House Cat (for a Reason)
We mentioned the Devon Rex’s unique coat earlier, and the lack of guard hairs the breed has. This lack of guard hair makes the Devon Rex more susceptible to sunburn. The best way you can help your kitty is to limit the amount of time they spend sunbathing. The last thing you want is your kitty suffering the pain of a sunburn. You can also consider using a vet-approved sunscreen in the more at-risk areas.
9. An Intelligent Cat Breed
The high-flying antics of the Devon Rex are something fun to watch but do not sell this breed short. There is more than meets the eye with the Devon Rex. Not only are they acrobatic and full of energy, but they are also highly intelligent. You can easily teach your Rex a few tricks to show off to friends and family. They can even be taught how to run agility and training courses.
10. A Loyal Cuddle Bug
If you’re looking for a cat breed that is fond of attention and being with their owner, look no further than the Devon Rex. This breed loves to spend quality time with their owner and enjoys showing affection. They are one of the few cat breeds that welcome your attention. You’ll also find that they love to cuddle. Not only do they want to be near you and show how much they love you, but they also use your body heat to help regulate their internal temperature. Without a proper coat, a Devon Rex needs all the cuddles they can get.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Devon Rex is an amazing cat breed. With a unique look, a great personality, and enough quirks to make life fun, they could be considered a perfect kitty companion. If you’re hoping to bring a cat into your home that is playful and sure to be by your side most of the time, this breed could be your answer.
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Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock
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A native of East Tennessee, Melissa is an avid animal lover who enjoys writing in her notebooks and playing outside with her many pets. Currently, she has two cats, Princess and Pepper, who are total opposites that demand constant attention. Her three dogs, Jazzy, Whitey, and Demon, are spunky troublemakers.
Melissa is also a dedicated wife and mother to two children. Beyond her career as a freelance cat writer, she's a published Indie author under the pen name Rena Marin!
