If you’ve been considering adding a Devon Rex to your family, then you may be wondering whether this breed is prone to any health problems that could compromise their quality of life.
After all, the last thing anyone wants for their furry friend is illness or premature death. Fortunately, with minimal effort and some good luck on your side, it’s likely that your new companion will enjoy a healthy and long life – especially if you make the appropriate lifestyle changes! In this blog post, we’ll explore the diseases and chronic conditions known in Devon Rex cats as well as offer advice on how to care for them.
What diseases are Devon Rex prone to?
Devon Rex cats are an active, playful feline breed with a characteristic curled whiskers, large ears, and mischievous personality.
Unfortunately, there are certain health conditions to which the Devon Rex breed is particularly prone. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the biggest concern for this breed; HCM is a common, incurable heart condition found in many breed of cats making regular checkups crucial. Other ailments effecting Devon Rex cats include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and granulomatous plague colitis (GPC). Luckily, through proper breeding management and with educated cat owners that can recognize early symptoms of these diseases, it’s possible prevent and slow their progression.
Fortunately, if caught soon enough many of these issues can be managed or treated regularly.
What is the life expectancy of a Devon Rex?
The life expectancy of a Devon Rex is comparable to that of other popular cat breeds, with an average lifespan of around 10 to 14 years.
While the current record for the oldest living Devon Rex sits at 16 years and 7 months, factors such as diet, exercise, and healthcare can play a significant role in how long one’s furry friend will live. A high-quality food regimen, plenty of daily activities, as well as regular trips to the veterinarian can ultimately provide your pet with more comfortable days throughout their lifetime.
It is also important to keep any illnesses or health concerns in check when raising a Devon Rex so they are able to live out their full lives.
Do Devon Rex cats have skin problems?
Devons Rex cats are a well-loved breed due to their distinctive fur; however, due to its unique qualities, they can suffer from a range of skin problems.
These include sensitivities to particular medications and flea bites, as well as allergies to tasty treats like dairy products or wheat. The characteristics of the Devon Rex coat can make it difficult for owners to properly examine any irregularities on their cat’s skin. Owners must be vigilant in monitoring the health of their pets to detect any potential signs of complications early on and address them promptly.
Fortunately, preventive measures can be taken such as using pet specific shampoos which keep conditions such as seborrhea at bay.
Are Devon Rex high maintenance?
Devon Rex cats require a great deal of attention, which may make some owners think they are high maintenance.
While they do like to be around people and can be quite vocal in their quest for affection, they don’t take too much effort when it comes to care. They are moderate shedders and only requires weekly brushing to keep their coats sleek and clean. When it comes to grooming, instead of needing regular baths a few times a year is enough for these cats! For their diet, a balanced dinner of wet food formulated specifically for them and good quality kibble should keep them healthy and happy.
All in all, considering the cost of the food, occasional groomer visits, and vet visits as needed, the Devon Rex cat is surprisingly low-maintenance!
Should I wash my Devon Rex?
Keeping your Devon Rex cat clean and looking its best is important, but at the same time excessive washing can be damaging to its delicate and sensitive skin.
Depending on the level of dirt and dust buildup, you may consider giving it a bath every two to four weeks, as long as you use a mild shampoo specifically formulated for cats. However, avoid bathing too often, as this could dry out the skin, strip away beneficial oils in its coat, or even worse cause dandruff or other health conditions. Be sure to research the best shampoos for your pet’s fur type and never forget to comb out tangles from their fur before starting a bath.
Additionally, bring plenty of towels and make sure the water is warm.
Do High Maintenance Devon Rexes Also Have More Health Problems?
Yes, are devon rex high maintenance? While Devon Rexes do require regular grooming due to their short, curly coats, they are not necessarily more prone to health problems compared to other breeds. Like all cats, regular veterinary care and a balanced diet can help keep them in good health.
Final Words
All in all, it is important to remember that while Devon Rex cats may not be easy to care for due to their inherent health issues, they are just as capable of joy, playfulness and love as any other cat.
It’s worth the extra effort to ensure their needs are met and illness is prevented. As long as you have the resources, knowledge and dedication to devote yourself to caring properly for a Devon Rex, the rewards can far outweigh any challenges you may encounter along the way.
So don’t let worries about potential health problems discourage you from getting a Devon Rex—these beloved cats make amazing companions that bring years of love, laughter, and cuddles if given proper care!
