10 Fascinating Facts About Devon Rex Cats for Kitten Buyers
The Devon Rex is a captivating pedigree cat breed known for its distinctive wavy coat and pixie-like appearance. Though not the most common breed, its unique look and loving nature make it an increasingly popular choice among cat enthusiasts in the UK.
If you're considering buying a Devon Rex kitten, understanding the breed's origins, characteristics, and care requirements will help ensure a happy match for your home and lifestyle.
1. Origins in Devonshire, England
The Devon Rex breed originated in the late 1950s in Devonshire, England. Beryl Cox discovered the first curly-coated kitten named Kirlee, which was unrelated genetically to the Cornish Rex breed despite similar coat characteristics. This natural mutation resulted in the breed's signature soft, wavy fur and whimsical "pixie" facial features, making it a standout in the cat world.
2. Distinctive Pixie-Like Appearance
Devon Rex cats possess large, expressive eyes and wide-set ears atop a short, broad wedge-shaped head. Their soft, wavy coat is often likened to that of a poodle but is delicate and requires gentle grooming. These features combine to give the Devon Rex a charming, elf-like aura that endears them to owners.
3. Low Shedding - But Not Hypoallergenic
While Devon Rex cats shed significantly less than many other breeds due to their short, soft coat with fewer guard hairs, they are not truly hypoallergenic. They still produce the proteins in their saliva and skin flakes that cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. Prospective kitten buyers with allergies should meet adult cats beforehand to assess their reactions, and maintain regular gentle cleaning routines to help manage allergens.
4. Playful and Energetic Personality
Devon Rexes are lively, agile cats that love to climb, jump, and play. Their lightweight bodies and long toes make them excellent jumpers who thrive with plenty of interactive toys and engagement. Such active personalities mean they enjoy company and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
5. Affectionate Social Companions
These cats form strong bonds with their families, often enjoying close physical proximity like sitting on shoulders or curling up in laps. They generally do well with children and other pets, appreciating being part of the household activities and seeking companionship throughout the day.
6. Lifespan and Health Considerations
With proper care, Devon Rex cats typically live from 9 to 15 years, which is respectable for a pedigree. Reputable UK breeders screen for hereditary conditions such as myopathy indicating muscle weakness and patellar luxation to ensure healthy lineages. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet support their wellbeing.
7. Typical Price Range in the UK (2025)
Ethically bred Devon Rex kittens usually cost between £800 and £1,500 in 2025 UK markets. The price reflects pedigree lineage, coat quality, and breeder reputation. It is important to avoid low-priced kittens sold without proper health and ethical considerations to protect the welfare of these special cats.
8. Caring for a Devon Rex
Because of their delicate fur and low body fat, Devon Rex cats may seek warmth—especially in the cold UK months. They benefit from cozy sleeping areas, gentle grooming to avoid coat damage, and mental engagement. Most owners keep them as indoor pets to protect their sensitive skin and health.
9. Grooming Myths
Their short, curly coat should not be overbrushed; this can cause fragile fur to break. Daily brushing isn't necessary, and occasional bathing may help manage natural skin oils. Understanding these grooming needs helps keep your Devon Rex comfortable and looking its best.
10. Difference Between Devon Rex and Cornish Rex
Despite occasional confusion, the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex are genetically distinct breeds with separate mutations causing their curly coats. The Cornish Rex has a slimmer frame with tighter curls, while the Devon Rex features a stockier build and looser, wavy fur with a characteristic pixie face. Explore their breed pages for full details: Devon Rex and Cornish Rex.
Ready to Find a Devon Rex Kitten?
If you believe the Devon Rex is the right feline companion for you, check trusted UK listings to find ethically bred Devon Rex kittens for sale. Always prioritise reputable breeders who care for their cats' health and wellbeing to ensure a happy, healthy new family member.
Bringing a Devon Rex into your home means welcoming a playful, affectionate, and unique cat with an engaging personality. This updated guide aims to help you make an informed and responsible choice for both you and this remarkable breed.
Devon Rex health and lifespan
Devon Rex cats are generally healthy and live for 12–15 years on average. The breed has a few known health considerations worth understanding before buying. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — heart muscle thickening — has been reported in Devon Rex cats; responsible breeders cardiac-screen their breeding cats and should provide documentation on request. Blood type incompatibility can affect kittens if parents carry different blood types, so reputable breeders blood-type both parents before breeding.
Devon Rex cats can also carry a hereditary myopathy (Devon Rex myopathy), a muscle weakness condition affecting kittens. Responsible breeders work to minimise this condition in their lines. Despite these considerations, a well-bred Devon Rex from health-tested parents is likely to be a long-lived and robust companion.
How much does a Devon Rex cost in the UK?
Devon Rex kittens from reputable GCCF-registered breeders in the UK typically cost between £600 and £1,200. Price varies based on the breeder's reputation, coat colour, and the kitten's lineage. All-white and rarer colour variants often command higher prices. Kittens sold without breeding rights (pet-only) are usually at the lower end of the price range and will typically be sold with a neutering agreement.
Avoid buying from breeders who cannot provide evidence of health testing or who advertise unusually cheap kittens without GCCF registration. The ongoing costs of Devon Rex ownership — high-quality food, vaccinations, veterinary care, and insurance — are broadly comparable to other domestic cats. Their relatively fine, low-shedding coat means lower grooming costs than heavily-coated breeds.
Devon Rex temperament: what to expect
Devon Rex cats are highly social, playful, and people-oriented. They are often described as dog-like in their loyalty — they follow their owners from room to room, greet people at the door, and enjoy being involved in household activities. This makes them excellent companions for households where someone is home for much of the day, but means they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
They are generally excellent with children and other pets, including dogs, when properly introduced. Devon Rex cats have high metabolisms and feel warm to the touch — often described as "hot water bottles" by their owners. Because their coat provides less insulation than a standard cat coat, they are more sensitive to cold and will seek out warm spots around the home.
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