Devon Rex

In 1959 a curly-coated male kitten turned up in a litter born in a garden in Devon, England ^[1]. Beryl Cox gave him a home and named him Kirlee. He was assumed at first to carry the Cornish Rex mutation, but test matings proved otherwise ^[1]. Kirlee was bred to his own offspring to produce more wavy-coated kittens, a very different look from the Cornish Rex's tight curl. His descendants were later outcrossed to several breeds, which is why Devons come in so many colours and patterns ^[1]. In 2010 researchers located the Devon curl mutation on the KRT71 gene ^[3].

• Head: large expressive eyes, huge ears set low on the sides of the head, wide cheekbones and a mischievous expression ^[1].
• Coat: short, wavy and tissue-soft. Devons have a few sparse, short guard hairs, so density, texture and length vary, and there may be occasional bare or "sueded" patches ^[1].
• Whiskers and eyebrows: curly too, but brittle ^[1].
• Body: small to medium but surprisingly solid, with a broad chest, slender neck and front legs often held in a "bulldog" stance ^[1].
• Weight: typically 6–9 lb ^[1].

Part court jester, part soulmate, Devons want to be everything to everyone ^[1]. They're bright, learn their names, follow you around, snuggle up in bed, and may even join you in the shower ^[1]. They're talkative but not noisy, with soft chirps, trills and purrs ^[1]. Every visitor is a new friend; they accept dogs and other pets readily and are great with children ^[1]. They dislike being left alone for long ^[1].

• The coat is easy, wash-and-wear, and Devons shed less than most breeds ^[1].
• Handle the coat gently, as it's fragile ^[1].
• They have hearty appetites, so keep an eye on portions ^[1].
• Plan for plenty of play and company ^[1].

• Blood type B: common in the breed. If a type A male is bred to a type B female, kittens can die from blood-type incompatibility unless hand-raised at first. Blood typing is essential for breeders, and it's worth knowing your own cat's type ^[1].
• Coat and whiskers: occasional bare patches; brittle whiskers ^[1].
• Lifespan: GCCF estimates 12–16 years ^[4]. We found no breed-specific longevity study.

Ask breeders about blood typing, and talk to your vet about any specific concern.

Don't confuse with…

• Cornish Rex: no guard hairs, tight marcel waves, a slender arched body ^[6].
• Selkirk Rex: sturdy, with a thick coat of loose ringlets ^[7].
• Sphynx: nearly hairless; its mutation sits on the same KRT71 gene ^[3].

• The first Devon, Kirlee, was born in a Devon garden in 1959 ^[1].
• Kirlee was wrongly assumed to be a Cornish Rex type ^[1].
• Some Devons enjoy fruit and vegetables ^[1].