Devon Rex Cats: The Pixie-Faced Clowns

Devon Rex cats look like pixies, aliens, or gremlins. They have enormous bat-like ears, huge eyes, high cheekbones, and wavy coats that make them unlike any other cat breed.

They are playful, intelligent, mischievous clowns who perform tricks, get into everything, and keep you laughing constantly.

If you want a cat who entertains you like a circus performer, Devon Rex deliver. Just know they are high-energy, high-maintenance, and need constant stimulation.

Quick Facts

  • Weight: 6-9 pounds (small but muscular)
  • Lifespan: 9-15 years
  • Temperament: Playful, intelligent, social, mischievous, energetic
  • Grooming needs: Low brushing, occasional bathing
  • Energy level: High
  • Intelligence: Very high
  • Vocal level: Moderate
  • Good with kids: Excellent (if kids are active)
  • Good with other pets: Excellent
  • Nickname: “Pixie cat” or “monkey in a cat suit”

What Makes Devon Rex Special

The Devon Mutation

Devon Rex originated in Devon, England in 1960 when a curly-coated kitten appeared in a feral litter.

The curly coat gene is a spontaneous mutation - different from the Cornish Rex mutation (even though both breeds have wavy coats).

Devon Rex and Cornish Rex cannot be bred together because they carry different curl genes.

Otherworldly Appearance

Devon Rex look like creatures from another planet. They have:

  • Enormous ears: Bat-like ears set low on the head
  • Huge eyes: Large, wide-set eyes
  • High cheekbones: Prominent cheekbones create a pixie-like face
  • Short muzzle: Slight nose break
  • Slender body: Lean, muscular build
  • Long legs: Elegant, long legs

People either love their unique look or find them strange. There is no middle ground.

Soft, Wavy Coats

Devon Rex coats are:

  • Short and soft
  • Loosely waved or rippled (not tightly curled)
  • Downy texture (lacks guard hairs)
  • Low-shedding

They feel like suede or warm velvet.

Colors: Devon Rex come in all colors and patterns: solid, tabby, bi-color, tortoiseshell, pointed, etc.

Eye colors: Vary based on coat color - green, gold, blue, copper, odd-eyed.

Warm Bodies, Cold Seekers

Devon Rex have minimal fur and higher body temperatures than other cats. They:

  • Feel warm to the touch
  • Seek out warm spots constantly
  • Burrow under blankets
  • Sit on laptops, heating vents, and warm laps
  • Get cold easily

They are heat-seekers.

Playful, Mischievous Personalities

Devon Rex are nicknamed “monkeys in cat suits” because they:

  • Climb everything (curtains, bookshelves, people)
  • Get into cabinets and drawers
  • Steal small objects
  • Perform acrobatics
  • Play practical jokes

They are troublemakers in the best way.

Temperament

Devon Rex are:

  • Playful - They maintain kitten energy throughout life. Daily play is mandatory.
  • Intelligent - They learn tricks quickly, solve puzzles, and figure out how to open doors.
  • Social - They love people and want to be involved in everything.
  • Mischievous - They get into everything. Nothing is off-limits.
  • Affectionate - They love cuddling, sitting on laps, and sleeping under covers.
  • Curious - They investigate everything. Closed doors are unacceptable.
  • Dog-like - Many play fetch, come when called, and walk on leashes.
  • Food-obsessed - They will steal food off your plate. Guard your meals.

Devon Rex are extroverts who need constant engagement.

Living with a Devon Rex

They Are Climbers and Acrobats

Devon Rex love climbing and jumping. They:

  • Scale curtains and walls
  • Jump from floor to ceiling
  • Perch on shoulders
  • Perform aerial stunts
  • Climb on people like trees

Provide tall cat trees and shelves or they will climb your furniture.

They Are Food Thieves

Devon Rex are obsessed with food. They:

  • Steal food off plates
  • Open cabinets to access food
  • Beg constantly
  • Eat non-food items

Store food securely and supervise meals.

They Need Constant Warmth

Devon Rex get cold easily. Provide:

  • Heated cat beds
  • Blankets they can burrow under
  • Access to warm laps
  • Sweaters for cold climates

They will sleep under covers with you.

They Are Velcro Cats

Devon Rex follow you everywhere. They:

  • Sit on your lap while you work
  • Perch on your shoulders
  • Sleep on your pillow
  • Follow you to the bathroom
  • “Help” with everything

If you want personal space, Devon Rex are not for you.

They Are Mischievous

Devon Rex are notorious troublemakers. They:

  • Open cabinets and drawers
  • Knock things off shelves
  • Steal small objects and hide them
  • Get into everything
  • Test boundaries constantly

Devon-Rex-proof your home or accept the chaos.

Care Requirements

Grooming

Devon Rex need minimal brushing but regular bathing.

Grooming routine:

  • Brush gently once a week (their coats are delicate)
  • Bathe every 4-6 weeks (they produce skin oils that need washing)
  • Clean ears weekly (large ears accumulate wax)
  • Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
  • Brush teeth regularly

Their skin can feel greasy without regular bathing.

Bathing

Devon Rex need baths more often than most cats because:

  • They produce natural skin oils
  • Without guard hairs, oils accumulate on the skin
  • This can make them feel greasy

How to bathe:

  • Use a gentle cat shampoo
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Towel dry and keep them warm
  • Many Devon Rex tolerate baths well

Exercise and Play

Devon Rex need at least 30-60 minutes of active play daily.

Best activities:

  • Feather wand hunting
  • Fetch (many love it)
  • Laser pointer chase (end with a catchable toy)
  • Puzzle feeders
  • Agility courses
  • Clicker training
  • Interactive toys

Without exercise, Devon Rex become destructive.

Diet

Devon Rex have fast metabolisms and burn calories quickly. Feed high-quality, calorie-dense food.

  • Choose protein-rich, meat-based food
  • Feed 2-3 meals per day
  • Monitor weight - they should feel muscular, not bony
  • Provide fresh water at all times

Devon Rex may eat more than other cats their size.

Warmth

Devon Rex need warm environments. Provide:

  • Heated cat beds
  • Blankets they can burrow under
  • Access to sunny spots
  • Sweaters for cold climates

Never let Devon Rex outside in cold weather.

Companionship

Devon Rex are social and need interaction. They do not like being alone.

If you work full-time:

  • Get a second Devon Rex or playful cat breed
  • Consider a dog
  • Hire a pet sitter for midday visits

Health Considerations

Devon Rex have several genetic health issues to watch for:

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a heart condition where the heart walls thicken.

Signs:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite

Prevention: Ask breeders for HCM screening results. Annual vet checkups help catch it early.

Hereditary Myopathy

A genetic muscle disorder that causes muscle weakness and tremors.

Signs:

  • Muscle weakness (especially in neck and head)
  • Head bobbing
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Megaesophagus

Prevention: Ask breeders about myopathy screening. No cure exists but symptoms can be managed.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is when the kneecap dislocates.

Signs:

  • Limping
  • Skipping steps while walking
  • Reluctance to jump

Prevention: Ask breeders about screening. Mild cases do not require treatment, severe cases may need surgery.

Malassezia Dermatitis

Devon Rex are prone to skin yeast infections due to their oily skin.

Signs:

  • Greasy skin
  • Skin odor
  • Itching
  • Hair loss

Prevention: Regular bathing helps prevent yeast buildup.

Umbilical Hernia

Some Devon Rex are born with umbilical hernias (a protrusion at the belly button).

Signs:

  • Visible bump at the navel
  • Soft to the touch

Treatment: Many close on their own. Severe cases may need surgical repair.

Sunburn

Devon Rex have minimal fur and can sunburn easily.

Prevention:

  • Limit direct sun exposure
  • Provide shaded areas
  • Use pet-safe sunscreen on ears if needed

Are Devon Rex Good with Kids?

Yes. Devon Rex are excellent family cats. They:

  • Match kid energy levels
  • Love interactive play
  • Tolerate handling well (as long as kids are gentle)
  • Enjoy being part of family activities

Teach kids to:

  • Play gently
  • Respect the cat’s space
  • Use toys, not hands, for play

Devon Rex and active kids are a great match.

Are Devon Rex Good with Other Pets?

Yes. Devon Rex are social and do well with other animals.

With other cats:

  • Choose playful breeds that can keep up
  • Provide separate resources (food, litter, beds)
  • Supervise introductions

With dogs:

  • Choose cat-friendly breeds
  • Devon Rex often play with dogs like they are other cats
  • Supervise until they establish boundaries

With small pets:

  • Moderate to high prey drive
  • Supervise interactions with birds, hamsters, or fish

Common Mistakes

Not Keeping Them Warm Enough

Devon Rex get cold easily. Provide heated beds, blankets, and keep your home warm.

Expecting a Low-Maintenance Cat

Devon Rex need daily play, interaction, and mental stimulation. They are not cats you can ignore.

Underestimating Their Intelligence

Devon Rex are too smart for passive ownership. They figure out how to open doors, cabinets, and containers.

Leaving Them Alone Too Long

Devon Rex become anxious and destructive when left alone. They need companionship.

Skipping Baths

Devon Rex produce skin oils that need regular washing. Without baths, they become greasy.

Not Securing Food

Devon Rex steal food constantly. Store food securely and supervise meals.

Are Devon Rex Hypoallergenic?

Devon Rex are sometimes marketed as hypoallergenic, but this is misleading.

They produce the same allergens as other cats (primarily Fel d 1 protein in saliva and skin). However:

  • They shed less due to their unique coat
  • Less shedding means fewer allergens in the environment
  • Some allergy sufferers tolerate them better

Bottom line: Devon Rex may be better for mild allergies but are not truly hypoallergenic. Spend time with the breed before committing.

Finding a Devon Rex

Devon Rex are moderately popular, so finding breeders is easier than rare breeds.

Adoption

Check breed-specific rescues and shelters. Devon Rex occasionally end up in rescues.

Where to look:

  • Devon Rex rescue organizations
  • Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet (search “Devon Rex”)
  • Local shelters (rare but possible)

Reputable Breeders

Expect to pay $1,000-$1,800 for a purebred Devon Rex from a reputable breeder.

What to ask:

  • Are parents HCM tested?
  • Are parents screened for hereditary myopathy?
  • Are parents screened for patellar luxation?
  • Can I meet the parents?
  • How are kittens socialized?
  • What health guarantees do you offer?

Red flags:

  • Breeders with constant availability
  • No health testing
  • Unwilling to let you visit
  • Selling kittens under 12 weeks old

Waitlists Are Common

Quality breeders often have waitlists. Be prepared to wait 3-6 months for a kitten.

Devon Rex vs. Cornish Rex

Both breeds have curly coats but are different.

Devon Rex:

  • Pixie face, huge ears, soft waves
  • Mischievous, playful, food-obsessed
  • Slightly stockier build

Cornish Rex:

  • Elegant face, large ears, tight waves
  • Athletic, acrobatic, less food-obsessed
  • Leaner, more refined build

Both are high-energy, playful breeds that need constant interaction.

What To Do Next

  • If you want a playful, mischievous, entertaining cat with unique looks, Devon Rex are perfect
  • If you want a calm, independent lap cat, choose a different breed
  • If you keep your home warm and have time for daily interaction, Devon Rex thrive
  • If you work long hours or prefer low-maintenance cats, Devon Rex are not the right fit
playfulintelligentunique-appearance