Got a Devon Rex? Check your pet with Pawcode
Snap a few photos and let Pawcode's AI highlight breed traits, coat condition and things worth showing your vet — for cats and dogs alike.
Get early access
iOS AndroidComing soon
Cats
Devon Rex
A pixie-faced imp with a wavy coat.
The Devon Rex is a small, elfin cat with huge ears, large eyes and a soft, wavy "rexed" coat caused by a natural mutation. Playful and mischievous, it is famously people-oriented and often described as part cat, part monkey, part dog.
OriginUnited Kingdom (Devon)
SizeSmall to medium
Life span9–15 years
Weight2.5–4.5 kg (6–10 lb)
CoatShort, soft, wavy (curly) and thin
Temperament & personality
- Playful
- Mischievous
- Affectionate
- Active
Devon Rex cats are relentless entertainers that ride on shoulders, wag their tails, learn tricks and seek out the warmest lap in the house. They are extremely social and heat-seeking, disliking being left alone, and often bond closely with the whole family.
At a glance
Activity level3 / 3
Affection3 / 3
Shedding1 / 3
Grooming needs2 / 3
Vocalness2 / 3
Scale: low to high (1–3)
Grooming & care
The thin, delicate coat needs almost no brushing — over-grooming can damage it — but the skin can become oily, so occasional gentle bathing and ear cleaning help. They feel warm to the touch, chill easily and appreciate cosy spots and, in winter, a sweater.
Common colours
- Black
- White
- Blue
- Tabby
- Tortoiseshell
- Colourpoint
Good with
- Families
- Children
- Other pets
- First-time owners
- Apartment living
Health tendencies to watch
Every breed has predispositions. These are things worth discussing with your vet — not diagnoses.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can occur
- Devon Rex myopathy (a hereditary muscle condition) — DNA-testable
- Prone to greasy skin and ear-wax build-up
- Sensitive to cold due to a sparse coat
Informational only. Pawcode is not a veterinary service and does not replace professional advice.
Fun facts
1
The founding cat, Kirlee, was born to a stray in Devon in 1959
2
Their coat mutation is different from (and incompatible with) the Cornish Rex
3
They are known to wag their tails when happy, dog-style
Frequently asked questions
Do Devon Rex cats need grooming?
Very little brushing — their fine coat is fragile. Occasional bathing and regular ear cleaning matter more than combing.
Are Devon Rex cats good for allergy sufferers?
They shed little, which can help, but they still produce allergens, so they are not guaranteed hypoallergenic.
Similar breeds
Devon Rex EMS colour codes
Only the varieties FIFe actually recognises for each breed.