Written for Medical Realities by Meghan Gessner on September 10, 2025

The word “Rex” can mean “king,” but in the pet world it also flags a naturally wavy coat. The Devon Rex nails both—regal at home and famous for those soft curls, jumbo ears, and big, curious eyes. They’re medium-sized, super social, and famously people-focused.

Snapshot

Size: Medium, lean, and athletic
Lifespan: Commonly 14–17+ years
Vibe: Playful, affectionate, and a little mischievous
Great for: Families, singles, apartments—anyone who wants a shadow with whiskers

Signature Look & Personality

Devons are named for their rippled coats, but the ears steal the show—wide at the base, set low, and seriously oversized. Add a wedge-shaped head, a slim neck, and large eyes, and you get that “little alien” look fans love.

Coat: Short, wavy (“rexed”) mix of down, awn, and very short guard hairs—soft and pettable.
Colors: Any coat and eye color combo.
Build: Muscular but fine-boned, with springy, longer legs.
Temperament: Playful, lively, smart, curious, and social. They follow you, fetch toys, and often wag their tails when happy.
Playful and energetic: Devon Rexes are famously playful and energetic, retaining a kittenish nature throughout their lives. They enjoy climbing, leaping, and exploring.
People-oriented: This is an exceptionally social and affectionate breed that forms strong bonds with its human family. They will often follow their owners around the house and love to perch on shoulders.
Mischievous and curious: Their intelligence and curious nature can get them into trouble if they are not properly stimulated. They enjoy interactive games like fetch and solving puzzle toys.
Vocal but not loud: While not overly noisy, they communicate with their owners using a range of vocalizations, including chirps and purrs.

Appearance

Distinctive features: Devon Rexes have an unusual, almost “alien-like” look, with a short, broad, wedge-shaped head, prominent cheekbones, and large, wide-set oval eyes.
Large ears: A defining characteristic is their strikingly large, low-set ears, which are very wide at the base and give them a bat-like or elf-like appearance.
Curly coat: Their short, wavy, and soft coat is caused by a natural genetic mutation that affects the fur. It is delicate, and over-grooming can cause it to break. Their whiskers and eyebrows are also crinkled.
Size and weight: They are a small-to-medium-sized breed, typically weighing 6 to 9 pounds, with a slender yet muscular build.
Colors and patterns: Their coats come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including solid, shaded, tabby, calico, and tortoiseshell.

Everyday Care: Keep the Curls Happy

Grooming: Go gentle—over-brushing can rough up those waves. A soft grooming glove or damp cloth once a week is usually enough.
Baths: Some Devons get mild oil buildup. If needed, bathe with a gentle, cat-safe shampoo and keep them warm while drying.
Ears & skin: Check ears weekly; clean with a vet-approved solution. Their whiskers/brows are delicate—don’t trim.
Nails & teeth: Trim nails every 2–3 weeks. Brush teeth routinely and schedule vet dentals as advised.
Enrichment: Rotate wand toys, offer puzzle feeders, and build vertical space. Short training sessions (sit, high-five) keep that big brain busy.
Comfort: They run cool—think sunny windows, heated beds, soft blankets.

Health: What to Watch For

Devon Rex cats are generally sturdy, but it’s smart to stay proactive:

Skin sensitivity: Occasional dermatitis or oiliness; gentle grooming helps.
Ears: Wax/debris can build up—weekly checks prevent infections.
Joints: Ask your vet about screening for patellar luxation or hip concerns in active jumpers.
Genetics: Work with reputable breeders who health-test; ask about available breed-specific panels.
Dental health: Consistent oral care to prevent periodontal disease.

Living With a Devon: Fit & Lifestyle Tips

People time is mandatory: These cats crave interaction. If you’re gone long hours, consider two compatible cats or upgrade enrichment.
Family-ready: Usually great with respectful kids and cat-savvy dogs. Slow, positive introductions are key.
Food & body condition: High-quality diet, measured portions. Keep them lean and muscled.
Apartment-friendly: They thrive in small spaces with vertical shelves and daily play.

Backstory: From Devon, With Curls

The Devon Rex emerged in the 1960s in Devon, England, thanks to a natural curly-coat mutation. Among the four “Rex” breeds, Devons are the second oldest—modern but well loved. Today they’re famous for their elfin faces, soft waves, and “Velcro cat” devotion to their humans.

Devon Rex Care: Real-World Tips for Your Curly Gremlin

Low Fuss, High Attention

Devons aren’t “high maintenance,” they’re “high interaction.” They want your time more than a 10-step spa day.

Grooming: Gentle Is the Move

Skip heavy brushing: Their waves are delicate. Smooth them with your hands or a soft chamois to spread natural oils.
Quick freshen-up: A damp cloth or pet wipe now and then does the job.
Ears on watch: Peek weekly. If you see wax or gunk, clean with a vet-approved ear solution—no cotton swabs deep in the canal.

Feeding: Tiny Foodie With Big Opinions

Portion it out: Most adults do great on two measured meals a day; “free feeding” can turn into a snack fest.
Quality counts: Choose a high-protein, complete diet. Your vet can help you dial in formulas for age, activity, or sensitivities.
Guard your plate: Devons are expert taste-testers—cover human food and the trash.

Hydration: Make Water a No-Brainer

Fresh daily: Wash and refill bowls often; mineral films can turn them off.
Fountain fans: Many Devons drink more from a bubbling fountain.
Separate stations: Keep water a few feet away from food—strong food smells can curb the urge to drink.

Play & Exercise: Burn Zoomies, Save Your Curtains

Rotate toys: Wand toys, kickers, tunnels, and puzzle feeders keep that brain/body busy.
Vertical real estate: Cat shelves or a tree scratcher = energy outlet and confidence booster.
Daily sessions: Two 10–15 minute play bursts beat one long workout.

Fleas & Ticks: Indoor Cats Aren’t Immune

Know the signs: Scratching, red or flaky skin, over-grooming, or “pepper” specks in fur.
Ask your vet: Modern preventives (often oral or spot-on) are safer and more effective than old-school collars.

Parasite Protection: Not Just a Dog Thing

Year-round plan: Vets recommend continuous prevention for heartworms and common intestinal parasites—even for indoor cats.
Risk factors: Warm climates and any outdoor time raise exposure.

Teeth & Nails: Small Habits, Big Payoff

Brush, don’t wish: Cat-safe toothpaste a few times a week helps prevent dental disease.
Scratching post: A tall, sturdy post (or two) keeps nails and furniture in the clear.
Nail trims: Every 2–3 weeks for most Devons.

Temperature: Built-In Sweater Weather

Short coat = easy to chill: Offer cozy beds, sunny spots, and blankets. Heated pads are a win in winter.
Bed burrowers: Many Devons love snoozing under your covers—totally normal.

Indoor Life: Safer and Simpler

Why indoors? Cuts the risk of cars, predators, toxins, parasites, and infectious disease.
Enrich instead: Window perches, bird TV, playtime, and training (yes, sit/high-five) scratch their curiosity itch.

Health

The Devon Rex is generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 9 to 15 years. However, some genetic conditions are more common in this breed:

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A heart condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken.
Patellar luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position.
Hip dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint.
Hereditary myopathy: A genetic condition that causes muscle weakness.

Happy-Indoor Cat Setup: Make Home Their Playground

If your Devon is living the all-indoor life, give them stuff to do and places to conquer. Think tall scratching posts, a mix of interactive toys (wands, puzzle feeders, kickers), and legit “cat highways” with perches or shelves so they can climb, scout the room, and sunbathe like a boss.

Litter Box Game Plan

Size matters: Most cats prefer roomy, open-top boxes they can turn around in.
Keep it simple: Unscented clumping litter is usually the fan favorite.
Clean = compliance: Scoop daily, deep-clean weekly. One box per cat, plus one extra, spaced out in quiet spots.

Vet Care & Vaccines: The Annual (or Semiannual) Tune-Up

Even if your cat seems 100%, schedule routine wellness visits—once a year at minimum; twice a year is even better, especially for seniors or cats with health history.

What a Solid Checkup Includes

Physical exam: Nose-to-tail check for weight, teeth, skin, heart, lungs, and joints.
Baseline labs: Bloodwork, urinalysis, stool sample, and a heartworm test.
Targeted screening: Ask about tests for FIV and feline leukemia virus, based on lifestyle and risk.

Core Vaccines (the Must-Haves)

Feline panleukopenia (FPL)
Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1)
Feline calicivirus
Rabies

The first three are commonly bundled as the FVRCP shot. Depending on your vet’s risk assessment, your cat may also get non-core vaccines (for example, feline leukemia in higher-risk situations).

Devon Rex Health Watchlist

Devons are generally healthy, but there are a few breed-linked issues you’ll want on your radar so you can act early.

Devon Rex Myopathy (Muscle Disorder)

When it shows: Usually starts in the first 6 months and often stabilizes by around 9 months.
What it looks like: Muscle weakness; severe cases struggle to hold up the head/neck, which can lead to dangerous choking episodes.
Breeder note: Responsible breeding programs use genetic screening to reduce risk.

Fading Kitten Syndrome (Blood Type Mismatch)

The setup: A queen with type B blood bred to a type A male can produce type A kittens. Her colostrum may contain antibodies that attack those kittens’ red blood cells.
Rescue tactic: If caught early, bottle-feeding (instead of nursing) can bridge the risky period until the kittens’ GI tracts mature.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

What it is: Thickening of the heart muscle; sometimes silent, sometimes progressive toward heart failure.
Screening: There’s no definitive genetic test for Devons yet, but periodic echocardiograms can catch early changes.
Treatment: If diagnosed, your vet may prescribe meds to help manage heart function and symptoms.

Devon Rex vs. Similar Breeds — Price & Key Differences (U.S.)

Breed (U.S.)	Typical Purchase Price*	What You’re Paying For	Coat / Shedding	Allergy Notes	Energy & Personality	Grooming & Care	Lifespan	Other “Good to Know”
Devon Rex	$1,200–$2,500 pet-quality; $2,500–$3,500 show/breeder	Curly “rexed” coat, big ears/eyes, playful “pixie” vibe	Very low shed; fine, wavy coat	Often easier for mild allergy folks (not hypoallergenic)	High energy, clownish, super people-oriented	Light wipe-downs; ear cleaning; keep warm	14–17 yrs	Fragile whiskers, heat-seeking lap cat; food-motivated
Cornish Rex	$1,000–$2,000	Even softer, tighter waves; slender build	Very low shed; no guard hairs	Similar to Devon—can be easier for some allergy sufferers	Athletic, springy jumper, affectionate	Minimal grooming; protect from cold	12–16 yrs	More “racecar” energy than Devon
LaPerm	$800–$1,800	Loose curls/ringlets (long or short coat)	Low–moderate shed	Mixed reports for allergies	Friendly, moderate energy, cuddly	Regular combing if longhair	12–15 yrs	Coat can change with age/seasons
Sphynx	$2,000–$4,000	Hairless look, velvet peach fuzz	No fur, but skin oils accumulate	Allergies vary; dander still exists	Velcro-cat, social, heat-seeking	Weekly baths, ear/nail cleaning	10–15 yrs	Higher skincare time; needs warmth & sunscreen caution
Peterbald	$1,800–$3,500	Range from bald to brush coat	Low shed to none (depends on coat)	Similar to Sphynx caveats	Elegant, social, curious	Bathing/ear care if low-coat	12–15 yrs	Coat may change over time
Oriental Shorthair	$800–$2,000	Sleek “modern” build, many colors	Low–moderate shed	Not allergy-friendly	Vocal, witty, people-centric	Easy grooming	12–15 yrs	Talkative like Siamese
Siamese (modern)	$600–$1,500	Iconic voice & bondy personality	Moderate shed	Not for allergies	High-talk, high-bond	Easy grooming	12–15 yrs	Needs lots of engagement
American Curl	$800–$2,000	Curled ears (cartilage trait)	Low–moderate shed	Average for allergies	Sweet, adaptable	Easy–moderate grooming	12–16 yrs	Ear handling requires care
Russian Blue	$1,000–$2,500	Plush double coat; calm demeanor	Moderate shed (dense undercoat)	Some report milder reactions	Quiet, gentle, loyal	Regular brushing	12–15 yrs	Can be reserved with strangers
Burmese	$1,200–$2,500	Solid, silky coat; social butterfly	Moderate shed	Average for allergies	Affectionate, people-focused	Easy grooming	12–16 yrs	“Dog-like” attachment
British Shorthair	$1,200–$2,500	Teddy-bear look; sturdy build	Moderate–heavy seasonal shed	Not allergy-friendly	Calm, independent	Weekly brushing	12–16 yrs	Lower energy companion
Scottish Fold (straight-ear)	$1,200–$2,500	Round features; some have folded ears**	Moderate shed	Average	Sweet, mellow	Easy grooming	11–15 yrs	Folded-ear cats have health concerns; vet screening is key
Abyssinian	$1,000–$2,000	Ticked coat; athletic	Low–moderate shed	Average	Busy, curious, playful	Easy grooming	12–15 yrs	Needs vertical space
Bengal	$1,500–$3,000	Spotted/rosetted coat; high drive	Low–moderate shed	Not allergy-friendly	Energetic, smart, active	Weekly brushing	12–16 yrs	Needs enrichment; not a lap sloth
Ragdoll	$1,400–$3,000	Large, semi-long coat; floppy cuddle bug	Moderate–heavy shed	Average	Chill, affectionate	Routine brushing	12–15 yrs	Late maturer; indoor preferred

*Prices are typical U.S. ranges for reputable breeders as of now. Rescue fees are much lower, usually $100–$400.
**Folded-ear Scottish Folds can have cartilage/joint issues—many reputable breeders/owners opt for straight-ear lines and thorough health screening.

U.S. Pricing for Devon Rex — Where to Buy or Rehome

What Devon Rexes cost (ballpark, U.S.):

Pet-quality kitten: ~$1,200–$2,500
Show/breeder prospects (limited availability): ~$2,500–$3,500+
Retired adult from a breeder: ~$300–$800 (already altered, vetted)
Rescue/adoption: ~$150–$400 (shelter or breed rescue)

What drives price up or down:

Proven, health-tested lines (HCM echo history, genetic panels)
Breeder reputation, contracts, socialization, and early vet care
Rarity of colors/patterns, time on a waitlist
Geography (large metro areas can run higher)

Where to buy (reputable routes):

Breed clubs & registries: TICA/CFA breeder directories, Devon Rex breed clubs
Referrals: Local cat show communities, your feline-only vet
Rescue: Petfinder/Adopt-a-Pet, Devon Rex-specific rescues, general shelters

Tips for a safe purchase:

Ask for health testing proof (e.g., recent HCM echocardiogram on breeding cats)
See a written contract with health guarantee, spay/neuter terms, and return clause
Meet kittens (virtually or in person) and review socialization practices
Avoid impulse buys, wire transfers to strangers, and listings with stock photos

Selling/Rehoming ethically (if you must):

Contact the original breeder first (many require first right of return)
Work with a Devon Rex rescue or trusted local shelter for screening
Rehome with a contract, vet records, and microchip transfer; avoid anonymous marketplaces

Ongoing costs to budget:

Start-up gear: $300–$800 (carriers, litter setup, towers, fountains)
Routine vet care: $200–$600/yr (more for seniors)
Pet insurance: ~$20–$60/month (plan-dependent)
Food & litter: ~$40–$120/month (quality-dependent)

Devon Rex: What to Know Before You Bring One Home

Quirks & “Are-You-Sure?” Considerations

They’re clingy in the cutest way. Devons crave people time and will shadow you from Zoom call to couch nap.
Vertical is their love language. Expect window ledges, curtain rods, closet shelves—if it’s up high, they’ll find it.
Snack bandits. If it’s edible, they’ll test security. Counter-surfing and plate-stealing happen.
Boredom = mischief. Without toys, puzzles, and playtime, they’ll invent “projects” you won’t love.
Not quiet roommates. They chirp, trill, and occasionally belt out a dramatic meow—charming, but not library-level quiet. Why Cats Sneeze?

Why People Fall for Them Anyway

Low shed, easy on allergies. They’re not truly hypoallergenic, but many folks with mild sensitivities do better with Devons.
Kid-friendly energy. Playful and patient when taught gentle handling.
Pet-positive. Often vibe well with other cats and friendly dogs.
Trainable goofballs. Target training, fetch, high-fives—they learn fast and love the attention.

How the Devon Rex Became Its Own Thing

A Twist-Curl Origin Story

Back in 1960 in rural Devon, England, a local resident—let’s call her Marian Lane—was feeding a stray cat that later delivered a litter in her garden. One kitten popped out with a naturally curly coat and oversized ears. Marian named the wavy-haired boy Kirby and brought him inside.

Not the Same Curl as the Neighbors

Word spread because a decade earlier, a curly-coated cat had appeared in nearby Cornwall. Breeders there had been developing that line—what became the Cornish Rex. Marian connected with breeders and offered Kirby to help expand the curly gene pool.

Surprise: when Kirby was bred to Cornish lines, some kittens came out straight-coated. That told breeders the Devon curl wasn’t the same gene as the Cornwall curl.

Two Rex Breeds, Two Genes

Breeders paired Kirby back within his own line and—boom—curly coats returned. That proved there were two distinct curl genes:

Cornish Rex from the Cornwall founder
Devon Rex from Kirby’s Devon line

For a minute, cat associations lumped them together as “Rex” cats. Dedicated breeders kept the bloodlines separate, documented the differences, and over time the major registries officially recognized Devon Rex and Cornish Rex as different breeds—same “Rexed” vibe, different genetics and look.