Devon Rex: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Devon Rex temperament and personality

The CFA describes the Devon Rex as affectionate, intelligent and eager to please, deeply loyal, often following its owners around the house and disliking long periods alone. It says Devons are playful and friendly toward guests, dogs, other animals and children.

The CFA calls them talkative but quiet, using chirps, trills and purrs rather than loud noises, and VCA rates chattiness at 5 out of 5. Expect a sociable, mischievous cat that perches on your shoulder and joins in.

How big do Devon Rex cats get?

The CFA describes a small to medium-sized cat with a typical adult weight of six to nine pounds, and says males may be somewhat larger. VCA lists 7 to 12 pounds.

The CFA says the Devon is muscular and surprisingly sturdy for its elfin look. VCA warns that this cat tends to eat more than its size suggests and to sneak food, so measure meals and watch for weight gain.

Devon Rex lifespan and common health issues

VCA gives a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. The CFA says the breed's varied genetic background suggests few health concerns, but that genetic testing is essential for breeders. It also notes a high incidence of blood type B in the breed.

Ask a breeder which genetic tests the parents have had, including heart screening, and ask your vet to record your cat's blood type in case it ever needs a transfusion. Fast or labored breathing, weakness or bald patches that spread should be seen promptly.

Exercise and activity needs

The CFA describes the Devon as alert, active and interested in its surroundings. Several play sessions a day with wand toys, balls and puzzle feeders keep it busy.

Devons love to climb and perch, often on people. Provide cat trees, shelves and warm window seats. Many enjoy fetch and trick games, which double as exercise and bonding.

Because the fine coat holds little heat, Devons burn energy keeping warm and often seek out sunny windows, laptops and laps. Schedule active play when the room is warm, and offer a heated cat bed for afterward.

Devon Rex grooming and shedding

The CFA describes the coat as soft, fine and wavy or curly, variable in density and sometimes fragile, leaving bare or suede-like patches, and says Devons shed less than most cats. VCA rates grooming and shedding at 1 out of 5 and says the coat does not tend to mat.

VCA suggests spreading coat oils by stroking with a chamois or your hands, wiping the coat with a warm, damp cloth and cleaning the ears periodically to prevent wax buildup. The CFA notes the eyebrows and whiskers are fragile and can break off. No cat is allergen-free; the CFA says the breed is not hypoallergenic.

Training a Devon Rex

VCA rates the Devon Rex 5 out of 5 for ease of training, and the CFA calls the breed eager to please. Many learn tricks, fetch and harness walking quickly.

Use short clicker sessions with food rewards. Teach a solid scratching-post habit and reward the cat for staying off counters, since Devons are curious and food-motivated.

Keep sessions short and upbeat, and use part of the cat's daily food as rewards so training does not add extra calories. A Devon that has learned a few tricks is usually calmer and easier to handle at the vet.

Are Devon Rex cats good with kids and other pets?

The CFA says Devons are friendly toward children, guests, dogs and other animals. VCA rates the breed 4 out of 5 with children and 5 out of 5 with dogs.

Because the breed dislikes being alone, a second pet can help in homes that are empty during the day. Introduce new animals slowly with scent swapping and supervised meetings.

Supervise young children with any cat, and teach them that a Devon's fine coat and fragile whiskers should be stroked gently, never pulled. Many Devons happily join family games, which makes them good companions for considerate kids.

What a Devon Rex needs at home

Warmth and company come first: heated or fleece cat beds, blankets, warm perches and a draft-free room in winter. Add cat trees, shelves, wand toys and puzzle feeders.

For care, keep a chamois or soft cloth, cat-safe wipes, ear cleaner, nail clippers and a cat toothbrush, or dental treats as VCA suggests. Ask your vet to record your cat's blood type.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.