15 Fascinating Facts About Devon Rex Cats: Origin, Appearance & More

Whether you know a great deal about the Devon Rex or you just found this magnificent cat breed, your curiosity will never stop. These cats give way to so many questions about breeding, origin, and overall personality.

If you’ve ever met a Devon Rex, you already know just how incredible these cats can be. But if you are still getting familiar, let us shed light a little on 15 incredible facts about this particular breed you might not know. Let’s get to know these downy, curly critters a little more.

The 15 Facts About Devon Rex Cats

1. The Devon Rex Has a Muddied Breed Origin

There have been a few discrepancies on exactly where the Devon Rex came about. A common story is that the breed came from Devonshire, England—hence the name. It’s rumored that in the 1950s, a woman found a stray cat with a litter of kittens, one of which had curly hair.

She named the kitten Kirlee, banking off of its wavy fur, curly whiskers, and elvish features. He is said to be the founding father of the breed. But you will find a few different answers about this cat’s timeline and genetic mutation.

2. The Devon Rex Has Quite an Interesting Appearance

One thing you might have already noticed about the Devon Rex is that they look very different from most other felines. The Devon Rex has very large, erect ears and small pointed faces, giving way to many nicknames and fancy descriptions. They also have a layer of curling, downy fur that is very thin and soft to the touch. These cats are considered small to medium size, weighing between 6 and 9 pounds as adults.

3. The Devon Rex Has Fragile Fur

One thing about the Devon Rex is that it has very fragile fur. Even light grooming can cause their fur to break off prematurely. They also suffer from broken whiskers due to their sensitivity. So it’s best to gently deal with the coat, making them very low maintenance. It’s best to use a soft-bristled brush, if you brush at all.

4. The Devon Rex Is a Natural-Born Jumper

The Devon Rex definitely has an interesting construction. Some animals are built for jumping, like rabbits. Similarly, the Devon Rex utilizes its body to move with great speed, using its back legs equally in a “hopping” fashion.

5. Devon Rexes Need to Be Indoor-Only Kitties

Even though your Devon Rex might look outside longingly, it’s best to keep them indoors. Due to their thin fur, they can quickly get cold, sunburned, and be very sensitive to weather changes. Ensure your kitty is always protected from the elements to avoid potential damage.

6. The Devon Rex Has a Few Nicknames

The impressive Devon Rex gives way to multiple nicknames due to their funky appearance. You might hear names such as “poodle cat”, “alien cat”, and “cat in a monkey suit.” Others comment on their very elf-like appearance due to the shape of their ears and head.

7. Devon Rexes Are the Perfect Blend of Cuddle Bug and Playmate

Even though the Devon Rex loves to romp around, they are also sweethearts. If you are hanging out on the couch or relaxing in your bed for a nighttime read, you can bet they will come to keep you company.

8. The Devon Rex Stays Young and Spunky for a Lifetime

A Devon Rex may only grow until they are a year old, like most other felines. But that doesn’t mean that their spirit changes. The Devon Rex keeps a kitten-like attitude well into their adult years. However, they have a somewhat shorter lifespan, living only between 9 and 13 years.

9. Devon Rexes Have Whiskers as Curly as Their Coat

Any Rex breed has a fascinating appearance, touting curly fur. But that’s not all! Did you know that a Devon Rex’s whiskers are also very curly? If you take a closer look, you will see that it looks like an electrical outlet has zapped them. These cute, wispy whiskers really add to their unique appearance.

10. The Devon Rex May Work for Mild Allergy Sufferers

Contrary to popular Internet myths, the Devon Rex is not a totally hypoallergenic cat. However, their downy, thin fur might irritate allergies less than some other breeds. So, if you or someone in your home suffers from mild allergies, you might not be bothered much by the Devon Rex’s presence.

11. Devon Rexes Love Playing Games of Hide-and-Seek

The Devon Rex is a sucker for games. They love playing games, and hide and seek is one of their favorites. If they’re not snuggling up with you on the couch, you can bet they’re hiding out somewhere under a sofa, bed, or on top of a shelf, waiting for you to find them.

12. Devon Rexes Have Voracious Appetites

Don’t let their tiny little bodies fool you, the Devon Rex has a very high affinity for yummy food. Not only are these terrific cats hunters, but they will also use their sniffers to seek out all sorts of yummy treats.

For that reason, it’s best to keep any unwanted food items away from your Devon Rex, as they will gladly partake without your permission.

13. Devon Rexes are an Excellent Breed Choice for Children

Because of their very curious nature and extreme desire to play, this breed makes a particularly excellent candidate for small children, permitting that they know how to handle pets. Your child should be old enough to understand the concept of play before getting a Devon Rex. But once they reach the age where their activity levels mimic one another, you couldn’t pick a better pair.

14. Devon Rexes Are Intelligent Social Butterflies

It might impress you just how clever a Devon Rex can be. These kitties are so smart, they are often entered in competitions for agility purposes. However, they can be equally as stubborn. So they need a firm trainer who knows how to deal with the cats’ headstrong personalities.

15. The Devon Rex Requires Owners with Breed Knowledge

Because Devon Rex cats can be very sensitive and require a little extra care, they should have experienced cat owners only. So while they are unique with impeccable personalities, you should be very familiar with how a feline operates before buying one of these kitties.

Devon Rexes are known to have a dog-like quality, requiring lots of time and attention. Your Rex will want to be a part of everything you do—so get used to having no personal space.

Conclusion

So now you know a thing or two about these fantastic felines. These attractive kitties are completely unique in both appearance and personality. It’s no wonder that the Devon Rex could quickly become one of your top favorite cat breeds of all time.

These comical kitties will keep you in stitches for days and provide you with a level of companionship that can’t be replaced. If you’re interested in purchasing a Devon Rex kitten, make sure to buy from a reputable breeder to ensure the success and longevity of your new counterpart.

• See also: German Rex Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock