Cat Breed · England
Devon Rex
A curly-coated pixie cat with oversized ears and a clownish personality.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Devon Rex is a small, pixie-faced cat with a soft, wavy coat, oversized ears and large mischievous eyes. Playful, affectionate and people-obsessed, it is often described as a cross between a cat, a dog and a monkey for its acrobatic antics and constant desire to be involved in everything its owners do.
Devon Rex: At a Glance
| Origin | England |
|---|---|
| Size | Small (2.5–4 kg) |
| Weight | 2.5-4 kg (5.5-9 lb) |
| Lifespan | 13–17 years |
| Coat | A very short, soft, wavy 'rexed' coat with fragile, curled guard hairs, giving a suede-like or rippled texture. Shedding is low and grooming needs are minimal, but the delicate coat means brushing should be gentle, ideally just stroking by hand or with a soft cloth to avoid breaking the hairs. Devons can build up skin oils, so occasional gentle bathing and regular ear cleaning are often needed. |
| Temperament | Mischievous, affectionate, playful |
| Good with | An outstanding companion for households that want a highly interactive, affectionate cat, including families with children and homes with other pets. Devons crave warmth and company, often seeking laps and shoulders, and dislike being left alone for long. They suit flats well thanks to their small size, but they are energetic, agile climbers that need toys, climbing space and daily play to stay content. |
History & Origins
The Devon Rex traces back to a single curly-coated kitten named Kirlee, born in Devon, England, in 1960 to a stray cat living near a disused tin mine. Breeders initially assumed the curl came from the same gene as the earlier Cornish Rex, but test matings produced straight-coated kittens, proving the Devon's wave arose from a separate, distinct mutation. The breed was developed carefully from this foundation and gained recognition in Britain and later internationally through the 1960s and 1970s. Its elfin looks and exuberant personality have since won it a devoted following.
Devon Rex Fun Facts
- The entire breed descends from one curly kitten, Kirlee, born in Devon in 1960.
- Its wavy coat comes from a different genetic mutation than the similar-looking Cornish Rex, which is why the two breeds are kept distinct.
- Devons love warmth so much they often burrow under blankets or perch on their owner's shoulders and head for heat.
- They are sometimes nicknamed 'poodle cats' or 'alien cats' for their curly coat and large-eared, pixie-like faces.
Devon Rex Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Thickening of the heart muscle that may cause sudden illness or heart failure.
Care: Breeding cats should be screened; affected cats may need lifelong medication under veterinary care.
Skin conditions
Skin conditions can occur in this breed and may need veterinary monitoring.
Care: Discuss prevention and treatment with your vet.
Dental disease
Plaque and tartar build-up leads to gum infection and tooth loss.
Care: Brush teeth regularly and schedule professional dental cleanings as your vet advises.
Every cat deserves a chance
Whatever breed you love, countless cats live without a home or care. A symbolic adoption or a gift to WARN funds community-cat welfare — neutering, vaccination and treatment for cats most people never see.
