we are glad to invite you to our kittes page, lots of news!
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is one of the most distinctive and affectionate cat breeds, often described as a "pixie cat" or "poodle cat" due to its elfin appearance, oversized ears, and soft, wavy coat. Originating from a natural genetic mutation in England, these cats combine playful energy, dog-like loyalty, and an almost human-like desire for companionship, making them ideal for families, active households, or anyone seeking a highly interactive feline friend.
Temperament:
Playful, affectionate, social, velcro-like attachment to people; often called "dog-like" in loyalty
Lifespan:
9–15 years (commonly 10–17 with good care)
The Devon Rex is a small to medium-sized cat breed with a slender, muscular build that often appears more delicate than it actually is.
Height:
Typically 25–30 cm.
This measures the standing height from paws to top of the shoulders.
Body length (nose to base of tail, excluding tail):
Usually 38–46 cm.
Weight:
Females: Generally 2.5–3.5 kg (sometimes up to 4 kg).
Males: Generally 3.5–4.5 kg (sometimes up to 5 kg or slightly more in sturdy individuals).
Males are usually noticeably heavier and more robust than females.
These ranges come from consistent sources like breed standards (CFA, TICA), European registries (e.g., Purina UK, Agria Pet, Royal Canin), and owner reports. Individual weight can vary based on genetics, diet, neutering status, and activity level—Devons have fast metabolisms and big appetites, so monitoring to prevent overweight is important, as they can gain excess weight easily despite their active nature.
Coat:
Short, soft, wavy/curly (lacking dense guard hairs in many areas)
comes in all colors and patterns
Devon Rex cats stand out with their unique, otherworldly look:
huge low-set ears, large expressive almond-shaped eyes, high cheekbones, a short muzzle, and a slender, muscular body that gives them an elf- or pixie-like vibe. Their coat is fine, wavy, and incredibly soft—ranging from loose curls to a suede-like down—and feels warm to the touch because it provides less insulation than typical cat fur (despite normal body temperature).
Coat texture and density can vary over a cat's life, with some kittens experiencing molting phases.
Devon Rex are endlessly entertaining and deeply bonded to their humans.
These cats are: Highly intelligent and trainable (many learn tricks, fetch, or respond to their names)
Mischievous and playful well into adulthood—always up for games like tag, hide-and-seek, or chasing toys
Extremely affectionate and people-oriented; they follow owners room-to-room, perch on shoulders, snuggle under covers, or "help" with chores while chirping and trilling
Social with everyone—great with children, other cats (often forming "Devon piles"), dogs, and even small pets
Not suited for long periods alone; they thrive on interaction and can become bored or mischievous without companionship
A word of caution:
Devons can be notorious food lovers. They'll beg, stare pitifully, or stealthily steal bites—guard your plate!
Grooming & Care:
Low to moderate, not truly hypoallergenic (they shed minimally but produce allergens like all cats)
Their delicate, low-shedding coat is easy to maintain.
Gentle brushing (often just a hand stroke suffices) to avoid breaking fragile hairs
Occasional baths for white or light-colored cats to prevent dinginess; coat dries quickly
Regular ear cleaning (large ears collect oil buildup)
Gentle eye cleaning if tear staining occurs
Nail trims as needed
Devons feel warmer than most cats and appreciate cozy spots in cooler weather.
Provide plenty of playtime, climbing opportunities, and interactive toys to channel their energy.
The Devon Rex traces its roots to Buckfastleigh, Devon, England, in the late 1950s.
On July 15, 1959, a stray tortoiseshell (or non-pedigree) female cat gave birth to a litter in a domestic setting (often described as near or in a garden/farm area close to an abandoned tin mine). Among the straight-coated kittens was one unique curly-coated male—Kirlee—a brownish-black kitten with soft waves and an elfin appearance. His presumed sire was a feral black tomcat with ringlets on his tail, known to roam the local tin mine; this was later supported when Kirlee proved to carry the longhair gene.
Beryl Cox (sometimes with friend Margaret Croll) discovered and adopted the unusual kitten, naming him Kirlee for his charming, pixie-like curls. Initially, enthusiasts assumed this was the same mutation as the Cornish Rex (which had appeared in nearby Cornwall in 1950 with Kallibunker).
The Cornish Rex mutation (often called "Gene I") produces a tighter, more uniform curl due to absent or reduced guard hairs.In the early 1960s, Kirlee was bred to Cornish Rex females in hopes of expanding the curly gene pool. To everyone's surprise, all resulting kittens had straight coats—proving the Devon coat resulted from a completely separate, recessive mutation (dubbed "Gene II").
This distinction was confirmed through test matings, including breeding Kirlee back to his own offspring to produce more wavy-coated kittens with the characteristic looser curl, softer texture, and presence of all hair types (guard, awn, and down).
With the mutations confirmed as distinct, breeders (including Cox and others in England) launched dedicated programs to preserve and develop the Devon line. Outcrosses to various domestic shorthairs and other breeds helped establish health, type, and genetic diversity while maintaining the signature wavy coat, oversized low-set ears, large eyes, and mischievous personality.
1967:
The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in Great Britain officially recognized the Devon Rex as a separate breed from the Cornish Rex, allowing championship competition.
1967:
FIFe recognition allowed Devon Rex to be registered and shown as a distinct breed under their system.
Current FIFe breed standards (e.g., DRX code) list "Rec. / Anerk. 1968" in official documents, which likely refers to the year full acceptance or the standard's initial publication/enforcement became effective, but multiple breeder association and historical accounts consistently cite 1967 as the year of official breed recognition.
1968:
The first Devon Rex cats were imported to the United States, helping establish the breed internationally.
1970s:
Development continued rapidly in both the UK and US, with careful breeding to refine the "pixie" look.
1972:
Accepted for championship by the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA).
1979:
The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) granted the Devon Rex full separate breed status and championship eligibility (after initially grouping all Rex cats together). The International Cat Association (TICA), formed that same year, also recognized the breed for championship.
the sole foundation sire from whom all modern Devon Rex descend—was killed in a road accident in 1970.
His legacy lives on through careful pedigree management, making the breed one of the few with such a narrow (yet successfully diversified) genetic origin.
This unique history explains the breed's incredible variability in coat colors/patterns and its robust outcross background, which contributes to generally good health (though breeders test for issues like blood type incompatibilities).
Devon Rex cats bring joy, laughter, and unwavering love to any home willing to be "owned" by one of these charming, curly companions.
If you're ready for a lifelong sidekick who's equal parts clown, cuddle bug, and explorer, the Devon Rex might just be your perfect match!
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