Devon Rex

Also called pixie cat.

The very large low-set ears and a coat so short it is almost suede distinguish it from the Cornish Rex, which has larger ears set high and a longer body.

Coat
Short
Build
Long and fine-boned
Head
Wedge
Weight
2.5–4.5 kg
Origin
United Kingdom

What it looks like

Small and fine-boned with an extremely short, soft, wavy coat, enormous low-set ears, huge eyes and prominent cheekbones on a short muzzle.

The characters that confirm it

  • Enormous ears set low on the side of the head.
  • A very short, soft, loosely waved coat — sometimes sparse enough to show skin.
  • Whiskers short, curled and often broken.
  • A short muzzle with strong whisker pads, giving an impish face.

Temperament

Extremely people-oriented, active, and heat-seeking. Frequently on a shoulder.

Health

Devon Rex myopathy and coagulopathy occur, both with genetic tests. The sparse coat means poor cold tolerance and a need for occasional bathing.

Confused with

Cornish Rex

A different mutation. Cornish Rex have a longer, more even marcelled wave, larger ears set high, and a longer arched body.

Effectively coatless. A Devon Rex has a real, if very short, wavy coat.

Questions about this breed

How do you recognise a Devon Rex?

Enormous ears set low on the side of the head. A very short, soft, loosely waved coat — sometimes sparse enough to show skin.

What is a Devon Rex like to live with?

Extremely people-oriented, active, and heat-seeking. Frequently on a shoulder.

What health problems do Devon Rexs have?

Devon Rex myopathy and coagulopathy occur, both with genetic tests. The sparse coat means poor cold tolerance and a need for occasional bathing.