Last Updated: 18/03/2026
Devon Rex Breed Guide
Thinking of a Devon Rex? Our breed guide covers facts, health and care.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 5 minutes - short read
The Devon Rex is a mischievous, highly social, and playful cat instantly recognisable by its distinctive wide face, high cheekbones, and soft, short, and very curly coat. They have a high energy level and are known to be "people-pleasers," often described as "dog-like" in their affection and desire to play, requiring very little grooming.
All about Devon Rex
Place of origin
UK
Weight range
2.5 - 4.5kg
Coat type
Short, Curly
Height range
20 - 25cm
Coat colours
All Colours
Life expectancy
10 - 15 years
Coat markings
Solid, Tabby, Tortoiseshell, Pointed, etc.
Grooming needs
Low
Shedding factor
Low
Health issues
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Patellar Luxation
Eye colour
Gold/Green
Energy level
High
Family suitability
Excellent, Mischievous
Tendency to vocalise
Low
Compatability with other pets
High
Trainability
High
Nutrition
Providing a balanced and high-quality diet is crucial for the Devon Rex to support their high metabolism and maintain optimal body condition. Correct nutrition ensures they have the energy required for their active lifestyle while supporting their unique coat and overall organ health.
Best food for adult Devon Rex
Adult Devon Rexs benefit from a diet that is rich in high-quality animal proteins to support their lean muscle mass and high energy levels. Since they are prone to heart conditions like HCM, look for diets that include taurine and omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for cardiac function and maintaining healthy skin. Their short, curly coat also benefits from a skin-support diet containing specific vitamins and minerals like biotin and zinc to promote a healthy skin barrier. High-quality commercial diets formulated for active cats or specifically for heart health are often the best choice.
What to look for
High-quality animal protein as the first ingredient to support lean muscle and a high metabolism.
Added taurine and omega-3 fatty acids to support long-term heart health and cardiac function.
Essential vitamins and minerals like biotin and zinc to maintain a healthy skin barrier and coat.
Best food for Devon Rex kittens
Kittens require a calorie-dense diet to fuel their rapid growth and intense play sessions during their first year of life. Look for kitten formulas that contain DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for healthy brain and vision development. The diet should also have a precise balance of calcium and phosphorus to support the sturdy bone development needed for this athletic breed. Small kibble sizes and highly palatable wet foods are ideal to ensure the kitten receives all necessary nutrients for a strong start.
What to look for
High calorie and protein content to support rapid growth and high energy demands.
Inclusion of DHA to assist in the healthy development of the brain and eyes.
Controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus for optimal skeletal and bone development.
Flea & worming
Regular flea and worming prevention is vital for the Devon Rex to prevent skin irritations and internal parasite infections that can compromise their health. Even indoor cats are at risk, making year-round protection a fundamental part of their care routine.
Best flea and worming treatments for Devon Rex
For the Devon Rex, a comprehensive spot-on or oral treatment that protects against fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms, as well as ticks for cats who spend time outdoors, is highly recommended. Monthly applications are standard to ensure there are no gaps in protection, particularly in warmer climates where parasites thrive. Always consult with a vet to find the most effective and safest product for your cat's specific lifestyle.
What to look for
Comprehensive protection covering fleas, ticks, heartworm, and all common intestinal worms.
Easy-to-administer formats such as monthly spot-ons or small, palatable tablets.
Always double check the weight range to ensure an effective dose
Health
Using specific health products tailored to the Devon Rex's needs can help manage their predisposition to certain conditions and maintain their overall wellbeing. Proactive care is the best way to ensure these social cats remain healthy and active throughout their lives.
Best products to keep Devon Rex healthy
Given their risk for Patellar Luxation, joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin can be beneficial in supporting cartilage health and mobility. Since they are also prone to dental issues like many cats, dental health products, such as water additives that inhibit plaque formation, dental chews, or soft-bristled toothbrushes and toothpaste, are also highly recommended.
For those with particularly sensitive skin, soothing wipes or skin-safe cleansers can help manage any oil buildup that might occur in their unique curly coat. Monitoring their weight with regular use of a pet scale is also a helpful way to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate joint and heart issues.
What to look for
Joint supplements with glucosamine to support mobility and help manage patellar health.
Dental care products like toothbrushes and toothpaste to maintain oral hygiene and prevent disease.
Skin-safe cleansers or wipes to manage oils and keep their unique coat and skin healthy.
Training and activity
Choosing the right toys and activity products is essential for the Devon Rex to satisfy their high intelligence and need for physical exertion. Interactive play helps prevent boredom-related behaviours and strengthens the bond between cat and owner.
Best toys for Devon Rex
The Devon Rex excels at games that challenge their mind, such as puzzle feeders or interactive wands that mimic the movement of prey. They are often "fetchers" and will enjoy small balls or soft toys that they can carry around in their mouths. Since they are natural climbers and love to be high up, providing tall cat trees or wall-mounted shelves allows them to exert their energy safely indoors. Toys that encourage jumping and leaping are particularly well-suited to their athletic nature and high energy levels.
What to look for
Interactive puzzle toys that challenge their high intelligence and provide mental stimulation.
Small, lightweight toys that are easy for them to carry, fetch, and bat around.
Climbing structures like cat trees to satisfy their natural instinct to reach high vantage points.
Grooming
Selecting the correct grooming products is important for the Devon Rex to manage their unique curly coat without causing damage to the delicate hair. While their needs are low, the right tools ensure their skin remains healthy and their coat looks its best.
Best grooming products for Devon Rex
Because the Devon Rex has very fine, fragile hair, you should avoid using harsh brushes or metal combs that could cause breakage or skin irritation. A soft-bristled brush or even a gentle chamois cloth is often enough to remove loose hairs and distribute natural skin oils. They may require occasional bathing to manage oil buildup on the skin, so a very mild, soap-free cat shampoo is a must-have. Additionally, because their large ears are prone to wax buildup, a gentle ear cleaning solution and cotton pads should be part of their regular grooming kit.
What to look for
Soft-bristled brushes or cloths that are gentle on their fine, curly, and fragile fur.
Mild, soap-free cat shampoos for occasional baths to manage skin oil without irritation.
Gentle ear cleaning solutions to help manage wax buildup in their large, open ears.
Sleep, travel and home
Providing appropriate sleep and travel products ensures the Devon Rex feels secure and comfortable both at home and on the move. Their social nature means they prefer to be where the action is, even during rest.
Best beds and cat trees for Devon Rex
The Devon Rex loves warmth, so heated cat beds or beds with high sides that trap body heat are excellent choices for this short-coated breed. They often prefer to sleep in elevated positions, so a cat tree with a soft, plush nesting box at the top is ideal for providing both security and a view of the room. Look for beds made of soft, non-irritating fabrics that will be comfortable against their sparse coat. Their social nature means they may enjoy a bed large enough to share with a feline companion or a human family member.
What to look for
Warmth-retaining designs or heated beds to help them maintain body temperature.
Elevated sleeping platforms or cat trees that satisfy their desire to be high up.
Soft, plush fabrics that are gentle on their skin and provide a cosy nesting environment.
Best travel accessories for Devon Rex
When travelling, a Devon Rex needs a secure, well-ventilated carrier that provides a sense of safety, as they can be sensitive to cold drafts. Lining the carrier with a familiar, warm blanket will help keep them comfortable and calm during the journey.
What to look for
Secure, well-ventilated carriers that provide protection from cold drafts and wind.
Internal space for warm bedding to keep them cosy during transport.
Calming accessories like synthetic pheromone sprays to reduce travel anxiety.
Devon Rex FAQ
