Breed profile

Devon Rex

Distinctive curly coat (mutation). Large ears, pixie face. Playful, active character. Relatively hypoallergenic.

Origin: Inglaterra (Devon) Size: Pequeño Lifespan: 14-17 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Families with time to cuddle
✓Flats
✓Anyone looking for a sociable cat

Reconsider if

×Homes where it's alone for many hours

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Is the Devon Rex a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

50-85 €/month

Quality food (25-40 €), litter (8-12 €), prorated preventive vet care (12-20 €), skin/ear hygiene products and accessories (8-15 €). Separately: annual check-up with cardiac assessment (40-70 €).

History and origin

A curly-coated breed that arose in Devon (England) from a spontaneous mutation different from that of the Cornish Rex. Its oily skin predisposes it to Malassezia dermatitis, and it shows a predisposition to patellar luxation and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Temperament and character

Character typical of its breed. Sociable or reserved depending on the individual. Early neutering (4-6 months) is the best preventive measure.

Living together

Children: good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if it lives with them from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.

Life stages of the Devon Rex

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 14-17 años.

Kitten

0-6 months

Vaccination, skin/ear hygiene due to its fine, oily coat and thermal protection.

Junior

6 months-2 years

Neutering, HCM genetic test, patellar assessment and dermatological control.

Adult

2-10 years

HCM echocardiography, Malassezia management, patellar and weight control.

Senior

11+ years

Cardiac follow-up, dermatological and joint control and a geriatric diet.

Care

Brushing: according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).

Litter tray: N+1 litter trays (decision 70).

Feeding: quality wet + dry.

Vet: annual check-up + blood work from age 7.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Its active metabolism and thin insulating coat mean it eats quite a lot for its size: quality calorie-dense food, in several meals. Watch that it doesn't get cold or lose weight.

✂️ Grooming

The curly coat is very fragile: no hard brushes, just run a hand or a rubber glove over it. It needs regular cleaning of the oily skin and ears; an occasional bath.

🎓 Training

Very clever and mischievous ('a pixie with a cat's face'): it learns tricks, how to open things and fetch games. Channel its energy with enrichment.

🏃 Exercise

Very energetic and acrobatic: it climbs, jumps and plays non-stop. It needs tall structures, toys and company or it becomes destructive out of boredom.

Breed-specific health

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) common in many breeds — genetic test recommended. PKD in Persian and derived breeds. Life expectancy 14-17 years.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🦿Luxación de rótula 🐈Cardiomiopatía hipertrófica felina 🟤Dermatitis por Malassezia

Common diseases in cats

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis 🦟Pulgas 🕷️Garrapatas

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Devon Rex

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Genetic test for Devon Rex hereditary myopathy (spasticity)
✓Echocardiographic screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
✓Blood typing (high frequency of type B → neonatal isoerythrolysis)
✓Test for vitamin K-dependent coagulopathy in affected lines

Prevention

Early neutering, regular cleaning of the oily skin and ears (predisposition to Malassezia dermatitis), protection from the cold and, in breeding, blood-typing the queen and stud.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with cardiac and dermatological assessment; in breeding females, blood-type before mating.

Warning signs

!Muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing or head held low (myopathy)
!Oily skin, redness or waxy dirt in the ears
!Laboured breathing or lethargy (heart disease)
!Bruising or abnormal bleeding (coagulopathy)

Devon Rex gallery

Foto de la raza devon rex — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Devon Rex

How long does a Devon Rex live?

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The life expectancy of the Devon Rex is 14-17 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Devon Rex weigh?

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An adult Devon Rex weighs between 2-4 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is pequeño.

Where does the Devon Rex breed come from?

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The Devon Rex originates from Inglaterra (Devon). A curly-coated breed that arose in Devon (England) from a spontaneous mutation different from that of the Cornish Rex. Its oily skin predisposes it to Malassezia dermatitis, and it shows a predisposition to patellar luxation and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

How much exercise does a Devon Rex need?

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The Devon Rex has alta energy. **Brushing:** according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).

Is the Devon Rex good with children?

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**Children:** good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if it lives with them from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.

Who is the Devon Rex NOT recommended for?

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It isn't the right breed for: Homes where it's alone for many hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Devon Rex have?

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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) common in many breeds — genetic test recommended. PKD in Persian and derived breeds. Life expectancy 14-17 years.

Is it hypoallergenic?

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Not entirely. It sheds very little, which helps, but it still produces the Fel d1 allergen from its saliva. It's worth spending time with one before adopting if there's an allergy.