Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a small to medium, curly-coated cat breed from Devon, England, known for its large ears, "pixie" face, and highly social, playful personality. It is often described as an active, intelligent "clown" cat that thrives on human interaction and indoor life.

Origin and History

• The breed originated in Devon, England, in the late 1950s from a natural genetic mutation that produced a wavy coat and distinctive appearance.
• It was formally recognized by major cat registries, including the Cat Fanciers' Association, by the late 1970s and has since become an established pedigree breed.

Appearance

• Devon Rex cats have a slender, muscular body, long legs, a relatively small to medium frame (around 6–9 pounds), and a long, fine tail.
• Their trademark look includes very large low-set ears, big oval eyes, high cheekbones, and a short, wavy or curly coat that can come in almost any color or pattern.

Temperament and Behavior

• This breed is energetic, playful, and very people-oriented, often following owners around, learning tricks, and seeking constant involvement in household activities.
• Devon Rex cats are typically sociable with visitors, other cats, dogs, and older children, and many owners compare their affectionate, tail-wagging behavior to that of dogs.

Care, Grooming, and Environment

• The short, thin coat usually needs only light weekly grooming, but some individuals may have delicate or sparse fur, so heavy brushing is not recommended.
• Because they are active and intelligent, they require plenty of play, climbing opportunities, and interactive toys, and many experts suggest primarily indoor living due to their fine coat and high value.

Health and Lifespan

• Reported average lifespan is roughly 10–17 years, with many sources placing them around the mid-teens when well cared for.
• Overall, they are considered generally healthy, but responsible breeders and veterinarians monitor for inherited issues as with any pedigree breed, so regular checkups and weight management are important.

Summary Table

Trait	Description
Origin	Devon, England (late 1950s) - from natural genetic mutation
Recognition	Formally recognized by CFA and other major registries by late 1970s
Size	Small to medium
Weight	Around 6–9 pounds
Build	Slender, muscular body with long legs
Tail	Long, fine tail
Head	"Pixie" face with high cheekbones
Ears	Very large, low-set ears
Eyes	Big oval eyes
Coat	Short, wavy or curly
Coat Texture	Thin, delicate, sparse fur
Colors	Almost any color or pattern
Temperament	Energetic, playful, very people-oriented, intelligent, "clown" cat
Sociability	Sociable with visitors, other cats, dogs, and older children
Behavior	Dog-like behavior, tail-wagging, follows owners around, learns tricks
Grooming	Light weekly grooming (heavy brushing not recommended)
Living Environment	Primarily indoor living recommended
Activity Needs	Plenty of play, climbing opportunities, and interactive toys
Lifespan	Roughly 10–17 years (typically mid-teens when well cared for)
Health	Generally healthy, regular checkups and weight management important

The Devon Rex is ideal for active families seeking an intelligent, playful companion with a unique appearance and dog-like personality.

References

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