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Devon Rex Cats
Breed Rating (3 Reviews)
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| Friendliness | |
| Hardiness | |
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History
The Devon Rex story begins in an abandoned tin mine in Buckfastleigh, Devon, England. This was home to a feral tom cat with a curly coat. In 1960 the tom mated with Buckfastleigh resident Beryl Cox's adopted stray tortie and white. One of their kittens was a black-brown male with a curly coat like the tin mine tom's.
Beryl Cox named the kitten Kirlee. She was aware of Kallibunker, the first Cornish Rex cat, and she wrote to breeder Brian Sterling-Webb, thinking that Kirlee could contribute to the program to establish the genetic stock of the Cornish Rex breed.
However, the gene creating Kirlee's curly coat turned out to be different to the one producing the Cornish Rex's wavy coat. There were other differences between Kirlee and Kallibunker too. The Cornish Rex had bent and curled whiskers, while the Devon Rex gene resulted in missing or stubby whiskers. Kirlee had tight curls, but they were not as regimented as those of Kallibunker, giving Kirlee a rather windswept appearance.
Breeders were captivated by the new breed-to-be, and set out to conserve the Devon Rex gene. The Cornish gene was henceforth designated Gene 1, and the Devon was designated Gene 2. Kirlee, son of the tin mine tom, became the founding father, and all purebred Devon Rex cats trace their ancestry back to him.
Behaviour
The Devon Rex is affectionate and intelligent. They are little bundles of fun, highly agile and inquisitive to a fault - which can sometimes get them into trouble! They are impatient when they want something - be it food, attention or a trip to the garden - approaching you with more of a demand than a request.
Devons love human contact and cuddles, and will happily perch or sprawl on your shoulders as you move from room to room.
Varieties
All self colors 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. ????????