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Devon Rex Cats
Breed Rating (3 Reviews)
| Appearance | |
| Friendliness | |
| Hardiness | |
| Garden |
History
The history of the Devon Rex cat begins in an abandoned tin mine in Buckfastleigh, Devon, England. In 1960 a feral tom cat with a curly coat mated with a tortie and white stray who had been adopted by Beryl Cox. One of the kittens from this mating was a black/brown male with a coat just like his the feral tom.
Beryl Cox kept the kitten and named him Kirlee. She was aware of Kallibunker (the first Cornish Rex) and the work to preserve that new gene so she wrote to Brian Sterling-Webb thinking Kirlee could contribute to that program.
However it became apparent that the gene creating Kirlee's curly coat was different to the one producing Kallibunker's wavy coat. On close inspection a number of differences in the coat between Kirlee and the Cornish Rex became apparent.
Kallibunker had whiskers that were bent and curled but the gene from Devon resulted in missing or stubby whiskers. Kirlee had tight curls but not as regimented as those of Kallibunker which gave the cat a windswept appearance.
Breeders wanted to conserve the Devone gene in the same way that the Cornish gene was being looked after. The Cornish gene was designated Gene 1 and Devon Gene 2. Kirlee is now seen as the founding father of the breed and all purebred Devon Rex can trace their ancestry back to him.
Behaviour
The Devon Rex is an affectionate and intelligent breed. They are highly agile and enjoy exploring their surroundings which can make them mischievous little cats. They will be quick to let you know when they want feeding or attention which will be more of a demand than a request.
They love to cuddle up to their favourite humans and have been known to perch on their owner's shoulders.
Varieties
All self colours and coat patterns.
Breed Details
- Status: Common
- Place of Origin: UK
- Rough date of Origin: 1960s
- Hair length: Shorthair
- Activity Level: High
- Vocalness: Medium
- Child friendly: Good with children
- Intelligence:
- Playfullness: Playfull
- Grooming Requirements: Less than once per week
- Weight: 2.5 - 4.0kg
- Size: Medium
- Allergy friendly: Yes
- House Cat or Outdoor Cat: House Cat
- Pet Compatibility:
- Social Needs:
More to love
Devon Rex Pictures
Latest Reviews For Devon Rex (3 of 3)
Best cat ever - Mabel,
Cecil is a sepia pointed cat with blue eyes. A sort of curly Snowshoe lookalike. He was breed in Russia and i received it in Miami a year and a half ago. I was impressed by his temperament and beauty. Like his breed implies he is a King.
Devon’s are not starter or single cats. - Airie,
I have four of these little beauties, two boys, and two girls, and one of my girls is blind. Nothing stops any of them from scaling everything in the house hanging off of things, chirping cooing, wanting cuddles, climbing me wanting to play and just being all around the greatest pets I’ve ever had. They do need a lot of attention though. If you’re at work all day, this is not the cat for you even if you can afford two of them. They’re a wonderful breed with children and other cats and dogs so you do have to look out for them a bit as they do get themselves into trouble climbing things, and going into things that they shouldn’t climb or go into, but there’s nothing sweeter than a Devon curled up on your lap, purring, lying on its back, making air biscuits or cuddling up to you when you don’t feel well to take care of you. They are easy to love an easy to groom, but can have food allergies, so be sure and get pet insurance for yours
Yoda - Gayle,
My Yoda is a black smoke. Now 12 years old. He is the most wonderful indoor cat. We love him so much and is a joy in our lives. A little bossy in his old age but seems to know the meaning of what we say to him. ????????