About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 38-46 cm

Height range  : 25-30cm

Weight range : 2.3-4.5kg

Coat : Short coat , curly or wavy , soft , fragile , with sparse modified guard hairs and little undercoat.

Life expectancy years : 9-15

Colors: any genetically possible color and pattern|white|blue|black|cream|red|brown|frost|platinum|fawn|chocolate|chestnut|cinnamon|lavender|champagne|seal.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: United Kingdom

Similar Breeds : Cornish Rex|Sphynx|Russian Blue|Selkirk Rex

 

History

The breed began in Devon , England when a curly-coated kitten named Kirlee appeared in 1959 or 1960 and was kept by Beryl Cox. Early breeders first thought the coat was related to the Cornish Rex but test breedings showed it was a different mutation. Development then continued as a separate breed and modern Devon Rex cats trace their ancestry back to Kirlee.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Playful

Personality

playful|mischievous|intelligent|people-oriented|sociable|energetic|affectionate|vocal|curious|friendly|active

Needs

Needs high enrichment , interactive play , climbing space , warmth , careful food control , and often a secure outdoor enclosure or indoor-focused safe environment.

Social Needs

Very people-oriented and thrives on company , does well with children and other pets in many homes , but may dislike being left alone for long periods and may suit calmer or experienced homes best.

Grooming 

The coat needs gentle minimal grooming because brushing may damage or break fragile hair. A soft cloth or light hand grooming may help. Ears often need regular cleaning because of wax and oily buildup and nails should be trimmed.

Nutrition

Nutrition should be controlled carefully because the breed may have a strong appetite and gain weight. Measured feeding , maintaining ideal body condition , high enrichment feeding such as puzzle toys and fresh water access are helpful.

 

Breed Standard

The Devon Rex should have a unique elfin expression with huge low-set ears , large oval eyes , short muzzle and prominent cheekbones. The body is medium fine but muscular with longer hind legs , a long tapering tail and a short soft wavy coat. The breed should appear alert , active and lively.

Did you know?

The Devon Rex is often called a pixie or poodle cat , can learn tricks like fetch , and all modern Devons trace back to Kirlee. Their whiskers are often short and curled and some people say the breed helped inspire an E.T.-like look.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hereditary myopathy, Patellar luxation, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Skin conditions oily seborrhea and Malassezia dermatitis, Dental disease

 

Symtoms

1. Generalized muscle weakness , high-stepping gait , head and neck held down , shoulder protrusion , exercise intolerance , collapse , dysphagia and loud breathing or choking sounds may occur

1. Sudden limping , skipping for a few steps , bunny hop gait , persistent limp , crouched stance and reluctance to jump may occur

1. Many cats may show no early signs
2. Later signs may include lethargy , reduced appetite , rapid or labored breathing , open-mouthed breathing and sudden hind limb pain or paralysis from blood clots

1. Greasy or waxy skin , brown-black debris in ears , nail beds or skin folds , itchiness , scratching , licking , hair loss , stud tail and musty odor may occur

1. Bad breath , red swollen or bleeding gums , tartar , drooling , dropping food , reluctance to eat , chewing on one side , loose teeth or tooth loss may occur

Onset of symptoms

 

Hereditary myopathy

1. Usually appears between 3 weeks and 6 months of age

Probability Of Onset:

1. Very low in well-bred cats because DNA testing may reduce risk

Patellar luxation

1. May be detected in kittens
2. Clinical signs may appear from 6 months to a few years

Probability Of Onset:

1. Moderate
2. The text indicates it is a recognized inherited problem

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. May be detected by screening in young adults around 1-3 years
2. Clinical signs may not appear until 3-8+ years or later

Probability Of Onset:

1. Moderate to high
2. The breed is noted as predisposed and the risk may be significant without screening

Skin conditions oily seborrhea and Malassezia dermatitis

1. Can begin as early as 3-4 months and may be lifelong

Probability Of Onset:

1. Very high
2. The content suggests this is a very common management issue related to the coat

Dental disease

1. Mild gingivitis may start around 1-2 years
2. Significant tartar or dental disease is often seen by 3-4 years without prevention

Probability Of Onset:

1. Very high
2. The text indicates it is likely over a lifetime without proactive care

Reasons

Hereditary myopathy       

1. Genetic muscle disorder rather than a nutritional deficiency

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

1. Primarily genetic
2. Taurine deficiency may cause a different but similar-looking heart condition and CoQ10 with certain B-vitamins are described as important for heart muscle energy

 

Hereditary myopathy       

1. Genetic muscle disorder rather than a nutritional deficiency

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

1. Primarily genetic
2. Taurine deficiency may cause a different but similar-looking heart condition and CoQ10 with certain B-vitamins are described as important for heart muscle energy

 

Patellar luxation

1. Structural disorder rather than chemical deficiency
2. Glucosamine and chondroitin are described as joint-supporting compounds that may be insufficient for added stress

Skin conditions oily seborrhea and Malassezia dermatitis

1. Not a deficiency but oil overproduction and flora imbalance
2. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are described as important for skin barrier health

Dental disease

1. Not a chemical deficiency
2. Mechanical plaque removal may be lacking

Normally Treament Methods

Hereditary myopathy:

  1. 1. Prevention through responsible breeding and genetic testing may be the key approach
    2. Supportive care such as raised bowls , stress avoidance , indoor safety and quality-of-life monitoring may help
    3. Severe progressive decline may lead to euthanasia consideration
  2. 1. Prevention through responsible breeding and genetic testing may be the key approach
    2. Supportive care such as raised bowls , stress avoidance , indoor safety and quality-of-life monitoring may help
    3. Severe progressive decline may lead to euthanasia consideration
  3. 1. Prevention through responsible breeding and genetic testing may be the key approach
    2. Supportive care such as raised bowls , stress avoidance , indoor safety and quality-of-life monitoring may help
    3. Severe progressive decline may lead to euthanasia consideration

 

Patellar luxation:

  1. 1. Lean weight management , monitoring and joint support may help mild cases
    2. Surgery may be used for severe painful cases
  2. 1. Lean weight management , monitoring and joint support may help mild cases
    2. Surgery may be used for severe painful cases

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  1. 1. Echocardiographic screening of breeding cats may help identify risk
    2. There is no cure but medications may be used to control heart rate , lung congestion and clot risk
    3. Ongoing monitoring may improve quality of life
  2. 1. Echocardiographic screening of breeding cats may help identify risk
    2. There is no cure but medications may be used to control heart rate , lung congestion and clot risk
    3. Ongoing monitoring may improve quality of life
  3. 1. Echocardiographic screening of breeding cats may help identify risk
    2. There is no cure but medications may be used to control heart rate , lung congestion and clot risk
    3. Ongoing monitoring may improve quality of life

 

Skin conditions oily seborrhea and Malassezia dermatitis:

  1. 1. Regular bathing with veterinary-prescribed degreasing or antifungal shampoos , ear cleaning , medicated wipes and diet support may help

 

Dental disease:

  1. 1. Daily tooth brushing with cat-safe toothpaste , professional cleaning under anesthesia , dental diets or treats and extraction of severely diseased teeth may help. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hereditary myopathy :

  • 1. No supplement can,might prevent or cure this condition
recommend product

Patellar luxation

  • 1. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can,might be helpful for cartilage and joint fluid support.
    2. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can,might be helpful for reducing joint discomfort
recommend product

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  • 1. Taurine can,might be helpful for nutritional heart support when diet is inappropriate.
    2. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA,DHA can,might be helpful for rhythm or inflammatory support.
    3. Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for heart muscle energy support
recommend product

Skin conditions oily seborrhea and Malassezia dermatitis

  • 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for skin barrier and inflammation support.
    2. Omega-6 fatty acids can,might be helpful for skin structure and moisture retention
recommend product

Dental disease

  • 1. Ascophyllum nodosum can,might be helpful for plaque control support.
    2. Enzymatic water additives can,might be helpful for reducing plaque accumulation
recommend product