Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a curly-coated domestic cat breed developed in England during the late 1950s.

The foundation began in 1959 in Buckfastleigh, Devon, when Beryl Cox found a curly-coated feral kitten near an abandoned tin mine. She named him Kirlee and initially suspected a relationship to the Cornish Rex discovered nine years earlier in Cornwall. Test matings between the two lines produced only straight-haired offspring, proving that Kirlee carried a distinct recessive mutation. Breeders launched a dedicated selection program to preserve the trait, tracing all registered cats back to Kirlee. The Fédération Internationale Féline granted official recognition in 1967, followed by recognition from The International Cat Association in 1979 and the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1983.

Adult males typically weigh 3-4 kg (7-9 lb), while adult females range from 2-3 kg (5-7 lb). A compact frame on long legs, a broad chest, and large low-set ears framing a wedge-shaped head with prominent cheekbones give the breed its outline. Its coat is short, soft, and gathered into loose waves with modified guard hairs, though fur density can vary along the neck and abdomen. Standards list alertness, curiosity, and a mischievous streak among its traits, along with strong affection for people. These agile cats jump high onto doors and furniture, actively participate in daily household routines, and get along easily with other pets.

Grooming requirements remain minimal because the thin coat sheds little and breaks under vigorous brushing. Running a soft cloth or damp hand over the body removes loose hair without damaging the fragile fur structure. Large open ears collect natural body wax and require gentle cleaning with a veterinary ear cleaner. The dominant health concern is congenital myasthenic syndrome, an inherited muscle weakness previously known as Devon Rex myopathy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, patellar luxation, Malassezia dermatitis, and urticaria pigmentosa also occur more often in the breed.