Learn all about the Devon Rex breed: origin, personality, care and more

 Learn all about the Devon Rex breed: origin, personality, care and more

Tracy Wilkins

Think of a playful and energetic kitty: that's the Devon Rex. Although this is not one of the most popular cat breeds among Brazilians, it is practically impossible to meet a Devon Rex and not fall in love with it. In addition to being a great companion, the behavior of the breed's cat is quite peculiar and many people even compare the kitty to a dog. See the guide below and enjoy!learn more about all the features of "Devon Rex Cat" .

What is the origin of the Devon Rex?

The first Devon Rex kitten was found in the year 1960 in the British county of Devon, which is located in the southwest of England. At first, many people believed that the new breed was a variation of the Cornish Rex because of the physical similarities, such as the curly hair and the big ears, but also because of the geographical proximity between them. After some time it was discovered that the new breed was a variation of the Cornish Rex.proved that each of these felines arose independently and therefore do not share the same genes. The discovery was made possible thanks to a cross between the two breeds that gave rise to kittens with smooth and not curly hair, proving that each of these kittens carries different and recessive genes that are responsible for the wavy coat.

As a result, breeders began to focus on breeding the Devon Rex so as not to lose the animal's lineage. Ten years later, the breed was officially recognized by the bodies of Great Britain, and, in 1979, by the United States.

Physical characteristics of the Devon Rex cat

The Devon Rex is a medium-sized cat, with a height ranging from 27 to 38 cm and weighing between 2 and 4 kg. One of the most striking features of the kitty is certainly its large ears, always pointed upwards and alert. They give the perfect charm to the kitty's small, triangular head, leaving it with an elf-like appearance. The eyes of the Devon Rex Catare also large, and always seem to be aware of everything that happens around them.

The Devon Rex's short and wavy hair does not require special grooming. There are usually some parts of the Devon Rex's body that have more hair than others, such as the back and the ear. As for the coat color pattern, different colors and shades of the breed are accepted, such as white, light brown, beige and even black.

With an affectionate and playful personality, the Devon Rex wins everyone over

Cats can be just as companionable as dogs. The Devon Rex is a good example of this: loyal, loving and gentle, he is a breed that is super attached to his family and always makes a point of being close to those he loves. It is no wonder that it is very common to find the kitten following his humans around the house and looking for ways to interact with them, with various games and a lot of playfulness.In fact, this is another characteristic of the Devon Rex: they are very playful and energetic. They love to move around and explore different environments, but they also can't do without a good nap during the day - especially if it's on their guardian's lap.

As they are very attached to their family, it is not recommended to leave them for a long period of time alone inside the house. If he has the minimum of company - even other animals - it is enough to meet his interaction needs. Yes, the Devon Rex is also super sociable and gets along with practically all kinds of people and animals!

Basic care routine for the Devon Rex cat

- Hair brushing:

This is an essential care in the routine of many kittens, but not the Devon Rex. Because it has a very fragile skin, excessive brushing can end up hurting or injuring the animal's body, so the ideal is to do it at most once a week, if necessary, with a glove to remove cat hair. In addition, as this breed has a very oily coat, usually the doctorveterinarian recommends regular baths to remove excess oil. For further guidance, it is essential to talk to a professional, as baths are often very stressful for cats, and it is necessary to use very specific products for these situations.

- Ears and teeth:

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Cleaning the cat's ears is something that should be part of every guardian's routine. In the case of the Devon Rex, this is even more important, because due to the size of the structure, the region is much more susceptible to problems such as otitis. The cat's teeth also need to be brushed weekly to avoid tartar and other oral pathologies.

- Food:

Choosing the ideal cat food for your friend is not always an easy task, mainly because of the strict feline palate. However, it is essential to choose a good quality product that meets all the nutritional needs of the animal. As Devon Rex loves to eat, the guardian must also take special care with the amount of food offered to his friend, always with the right amount of food.respecting the indications for the size and age of the kitten, or it may end up becoming obese.

- Housekeeping:

The Devon Rex is a breed that definitely loves to venture into the heights, being classified as a vertical cat. Because of this, it is worth investing in environmental enrichment, installing niches and shelves to improve his quality of life and serve as entertainment in his free time. Being quite active, the Devon Rex will certainly not miss a good opportunity to exploreOther toys that can help keep the animal active are cat scratchers and rope toys, as well as other activities with their guardian (after all, they love to spend time with their family).

What you need to know about the health of the Devon Rex Cat

Behind the Devon Rex's fragile appearance is a very healthy and strong cat, but it has a genetic predisposition to some specific diseases, such as spasticity - also known as hereditary Devon Rex myopathy - hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and patellar luxation. In addition, because of the breed's large ears, this region can suffer from wax accumulation and trigger conditionsof otitis media.

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One of the ways to ensure the health of the animal is through check-up consultations with the veterinarian and with the cat castration, which helps prevent various diseases. It is also important to keep the pet's vaccination schedule up to date and preferably without delay, as well as investing in dewormers and anti-parasitic products to combat possible infestations of fleas, ticks andworm problems.

Devon Rex: breed price can reach R$ 3 thousand

If you are delighted and have decided to have a Devon Rex, it is possible to find kittens for prices ranging from R$ 1500 to R$ 3000. This variation will depend mainly on the sex of the animal (females are usually more expensive than males) and its lineage, so that cats descended from champions tend to have a higher cost than the others. When buying a Devon Rex kitten, do not worry about the cost.be sure to look for a cattery that is well rated by other customers. This is a safety measure to ensure that the place is reliable and has responsibility for the lives of kittens.

If it is possible to opt for animal adoption, don't miss this opportunity. There are many cats that are rescued by NGOs and other institutions and are looking for a home to call their own. Give one of them a chance to make you happy!

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.