What Is a Devon Rex Cat? The Origin

I’ll be honest — I’ve always had a soft spot for quirky cats. The weirder, the better. And if you’ve ever seen a Devon Rex, you know they check all the boxes. Big ears, curly fur, a face that looks like they’re up to no good. What’s not to love?

If you’re new to this breed, let me introduce you to one of the most unusual (and adorable) cats out there.

Where Did They Come From?

The Devon Rex has a story that sounds like something out of a fairytale. It all started in Devonshire, England back in 1960. There was this woman named Beryl Cox, who found a kitten near an old tin mine.

Now, this wasn’t your average kitten. Its fur was curly, almost like it got caught in a perm gone wrong. Instead of running away, Beryl decided to adopt the little guy and named him Kirlee.

Kirlee wasn’t just any cat — he ended up being the very first Devon Rex. Every Devon Rex today can trace their lineage back to this one scruffy kitten. It blows my mind how one stray cat could kick off an entire breed.

A Case of Mistaken Identity

At first, people thought Kirlee might be related to another curly-coated breed called the Cornish Rex. Makes sense, right? Curly cats must be cousins or something.

But when breeders tried pairing Kirlee with Cornish Rex cats, all the kittens had straight fur. That’s when everyone realized Kirlee’s curls came from a completely different gene mutation. The Devon Rex wasn’t just a variant of the Cornish Rex — it was its own unique thing.

Official Recognition

It didn’t take long for the Devon Rex to get noticed. By 1967, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (basically the UK’s top cat authority) officially recognized the breed.

A year later, the first Devon Rex made its way across the pond to the U.S. By 1979, the Cat Fanciers’ Association gave them their stamp of approval too. For a brand-new breed, they climbed the ranks fast.

What Makes a Devon Rex So Special?

If you’ve never met one, you might be wondering — what’s the big deal?

Well, let me paint a picture. Imagine a cat with huge bat-like ears, kind of like Yoda. Their fur is super short, soft, and curly, almost like velvet. They’ve got high cheekbones and eyes that always seem like they’re plotting something.

They’re not just funny-looking (in the best way). They’re also little bundles of energy and love.

Their Coat

Their fur is probably their most famous feature. It’s wavy, soft, and comes in all sorts of colors and patterns. Some are almost bald, others are covered in curls.

The downside? Their fur is fragile. It breaks easily, and some areas — like their bellies — might have barely any hair at all.

Portrait of a Devon Rex cat with striking big eyes and short hair, showcasing its unique features.

Those Ears

Devon Rex ears are like satellite dishes. They’re massive compared to their tiny heads, which only makes them cuter.

If you’ve ever owned one, you know their ears are magnets for dust and gunk. Cleaning them is a regular chore.

Personality Plus

If you want a cat who just hangs out quietly, this isn’t the breed for you. Devon Rex cats are playful, curious, and love attention. They’re basically little clowns.

They’ll follow you around, sit on your shoulder, and get into everything. I had a friend whose Devon Rex figured out how to open cabinets and would proudly parade around with whatever he found — pens, snacks, you name it.

They’re also incredibly affectionate. Some cats do that aloof “you’re lucky I tolerate you” thing, but not Devons. They want to be with you all the time.

How Big Are They?

Devon Rex cats are usually medium-sized, though they often look smaller because of their slim build. Most weigh somewhere between 5.5 to 9.9 pounds.

They feel surprisingly warm when you pick them up — probably because they have less fur than most cats. It’s like holding a little living hot water bottle.

Popularity Contest

Devons have been climbing the popularity charts for years. In the U.S., they ranked 12th out of 47 breeds back in 2018. In the UK, they were 14th out of 40 in 2014.

Even in France, where people are pretty picky about their pets, they cracked the top 20.

It’s easy to see why. They’re cute, friendly, and just a little bit weird — the perfect combo for a lot of cat lovers.

A stylish Devon Rex cat in a red sweater confidently walking on a leash outdoors.

How Much Do They Cost?

If you’re thinking about bringing one home, be prepared to pay a bit. From a reputable breeder, Devon Rex kittens can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $5,000.

If you’re open to adoption, you might find one for around $300 to $600. Either way, they’re not exactly bargain cats.

Health and Care

Devons are usually healthy, but like all purebreds, they do have some issues to watch for.

Common Health Problems

Devon Rex Myopathy: This is a genetic muscle weakness disorder that can show up in young cats.
Patellar Luxation: Basically, their kneecaps can slip out of place.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A fancy term for heart disease.
Skin Issues: Their skin can get oily, so they might need regular baths. (Good luck with that.)

Regular Vet Visits

Because of these potential issues, regular check-ups are key. Catching problems early can make a big difference.

Grooming

Their fur might be short, but it still needs care. Gentle brushing helps keep their curls tidy. And like I said, cleaning those giant ears is a must.

Lifespan

With good care, Devon Rex cats typically live about 9 to 15 years. Some live even longer. Considering how much personality they pack into those years, you’ll be entertained every single day.