Have you ever wondered what it would be like if a cat and an alien had a baby? Look no further than the Devon Rex, a breed so distinctive that you’ll find yourself staring in amazement. These pixie-faced felines combine otherworldly looks with incredibly engaging personalities that have captured hearts worldwide since the 1960s.
What makes these curly-coated companions so extraordinary goes far beyond their striking appearance. From their fascinating origin story to their remarkable intelligence and quirky habits, Devon Rex cats offer surprises at every turn. Whether you’re considering adding one to your family or simply curious about what makes this breed so special, prepare to discover some truly remarkable facts about these captivating creatures.
Their Alien-Like Appearance Comes from a Unique Genetic Mutation
The Devon Rex is a very short haired breed with a medium build and a unique head type which gives the breed a ‘pixie-like’ appearance. The head is short with a broad wedge and the brow curving to a flat skull. These butterfly ears, along with the other distinct facial features, give the breed a look like that of a pixie or elf.
While one-off attributes are often intentional, this curious kitty’s looks are the result of a natural genetic mutation. The Devon Rex has an unusual appearance. The head is triangular and the nose appears to change direction right below the eyes. The eyes are large and the ears are extremely large, set low on the head with a wide base. Honestly, when you first see a Devon Rex, you might question whether you’re looking at a real cat or something from a science fiction movie.
All Devon Rex Cats Can Be Traced Back to One Famous Feline Named Kirlee
She was interested because she lived near an old tin mine where a colony of cats lived. These cats also had curly coats. Cox had a kitten that was curly coated. Although the mother was a straight haired barn cat, this kitten had curly hair so Cox assumed that one of the strays from the tin mine was the sire. This cat was names Kirlee and he became famous as the beginning of the breed known as the Devon Rex.
In 1960, Beryl Cox of Devon was caring for a feral cat. When the cat had a litter in her garden, Cox saw that one kitten was a beautiful male with a curly coat. Cox adopted the kitten, naming him Kirlee. All Devon rex cats today can have their genealogy traced back to Kirlee. This single kitten essentially founded an entire breed, making every Devon Rex alive today part of one very special family tree.
They Feel Surprisingly Warm to the Touch Due to Their Unique Coat Structure
Even though their body temperature is the same as other cats, many Devons are surprisingly warm to the touch due to a lighter, less insulating coat. Not surprisingly, Devons tend to be “heat seekers,” and are often found lounging on televisions, computer monitors and heater vents.
One of the startling things when you pick up a Devon is how warm they are to the touch – they feel like soft hot water bottles and are ideal to snuggle up to in winter. They have the same body temperature as other cats but their coat does not provide as much insulation and so they feel warmer. As their coat does not afford the same protection as the coat of other breeds, the Devon Rex need to be kept warm and dry. To compensate for their lack of guard hairs, the Devon Rex has a slightly higher surface body temperature than other breeds, making them wonderful lap and foot warmers.
Their Whiskers Are Often Missing or Extremely Short and Fragile
Yes, the look and fur of a Devon Rex are unique, but so are their whiskers. When you look at the Devon Rex, you may be shocked to see they do not have long whiskers like other cats. Instead, the Devon Rex has very short, curly whiskers – that is, if they have whiskers at all. Some kitties in this breed have no whiskers.
The whiskers and eyebrows are fragile and break easily, so they are usually short. The whiskers and eyebrows are fragile and break easily, so they are usually short. Those that do may experience breakage or loss of whiskers, as they are very fragile. While we know whiskers are used by cats as sensors, it appears the Devon Rex has learned how to navigate the world without them. This remarkable adaptation shows just how resilient these cats truly are.
Devon Rex Cats Are Extraordinarily Intelligent and Easy to Train
Devon Rex cats are highly trainable and eager to learn, according to the Devon Rex Breed Club. Fun fact: Kirlee, the original Devon Rex cat, was a natural performer that could walk on a tightrope and fetch toys. Today’s Devon Rex cats share Kirlee’s eagerness to please and entertain their pet parents, even if walking on a tightrope may not be your kitty’s first trick.
There is more than meets the eye with the Devon Rex. Not only are they acrobatic and full of energy, but they are also highly intelligent. You can easily teach your Rex a few tricks to show off to friends and family. They can even be taught how to run agility and training courses. A Devon Rex can easily be taught to play fetch so if you’re prepared to put the time in and work out what motivates your cat, the rewards can be high. Think of them as the canines of the cat world when it comes to training potential.
They’re Nicknamed “Dennis the Menace” and “Poodle Cats” for Good Reason
Sports two very different nicknames: “Dennis the Menace” due to its got-to-play-now nature and the “Poodle who purrs” due to its dog-like friendliness and high intelligence. Many have nicknamed the Devon Rex the “poodle cat” due to their coat. These cats are considered low-shedding, just like a Poodle, with short, wavy fur that can appear in a host of colors.
The Devon personality has been aptly described as a cross between a cat, a monkey, and “Dennis the Menace.” Devons are highly active, playful and involved with everything. Devon rex cats are known as “poodle cats” thanks to their wavy coats and intelligent, outgoing personalities. These playful nicknames perfectly capture their mischievous yet endearing nature that keeps families entertained for hours.
Their Coat Structure Makes Them More Susceptible to Sun Damage
We mentioned the Devon Rex’s unique coat earlier and the lack of guard hairs the breed has. This lack of guard hair makes the Devon Rex more susceptible to sunburn. Without a proper coat to protect them, the Devon Rex prefers life indoors. If you do take your Devon Rex outside, make sure to use a good coat of sunscreen and limit the amount of time you spend out there.
While the Devon Rex generally enjoys good health, there are some known issues with the breed, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a form of heart disease. Some have hereditary myopathy called Devon Rex myopathy, which is an inherited condition that affects muscle function. Because their coats are thin, Devon Rex cats are prone to sunburn and chills. They must be kept in a warm, indoor environment. Their delicate skin requires the same protection you’d give a fair-skinned person on a sunny day.
They Have an Unusually Close Bond with Their Human Families
Intensely loyal and loving, they become deeply attached to their owners and dislike being left alone for long periods. This is definitely a breed for someone who is comfortable being owned by a cat, not the other way around. Very intelligent cats, they learn to respond to their names, follow their people everywhere in the house, and often snuggle up next to them in bed. Fascinated by their owners’ every activity, they will often seek to provide their own special type of assistance; don’t be surprised if your Devon tries to join you in the shower or falls into the bathtub with you.
When you bring home a Devon Rex, you’re signing up for your own little shadow. They can be found perched on your shoulder, working hard on your keyboard, or peeking out from under the paper you’re trying to read. Most Devons invite themselves along for every activity – preferably perched on a shoulder, lap, or wherever they can be closest to their people. Their devotion goes beyond typical cat behavior into genuine companionship territory.
They May Have Inspired Famous Movie Characters
If you think the Devon Rex cat looks a bit like the character Yoda from the Star Wars series, you’re not alone in noticing the resemblance! However, claims that Steven Spielberg had a Devon Rex cat that influenced Yoda’s appearance appear to be urban legend rather than fact. Some have speculated about connections between the Devon Rex’s appearance and famous movie characters, though these claims remain unsubstantiated.
The Devon Rex’s distinctive appearance has reportedly caught the attention of filmmakers over the years. Whether these Hollywood connections are fact or fiction, there’s no denying that the Devon Rex’s otherworldly features have captured imaginations both on and off the silver screen. The resemblance to beloved alien characters certainly isn’t accidental.
Despite Their Delicate Appearance, They’re Remarkably Athletic and Acrobatic
The Devon is a jumper, so cat trees and perches should be provided for exercise. The Devon Rex also likes to jump and climb so the best toys for these cats are cat trees and perches – not least to save the tops of your cupboards. If these levels aren’t introduced to their daily life you may find your Devon Rex in surprising places, like that difficult-to-reach spot on the top of your wardrobe or even on top of open doors!
Powerful jumpers, very few spots large enough to hold them will not be explored and occupied. Devons have been found climbing brick fireplaces and perching on top of doors. Devons are known for their mischievous personalities. And their jumping skills. They will frequently launch themselves atop a high shelf or worm their way into new spots that catch their eye. Think of them as feline acrobats who view your entire home as their personal jungle gym.
What makes the Devon Rex truly special isn’t just one remarkable trait, but rather the fascinating combination of their alien-like appearance, incredible intelligence, and deeply affectionate nature. These heat-seeking pixie cats have proven that sometimes the most extraordinary companions come in the most unexpected packages. From their humble beginnings with a single kitten named Kirlee to their status as beloved family members worldwide, Devon Rex cats continue to surprise and delight everyone they meet.
What do you think about these remarkable feline companions? Tell us in the comments.
