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About Devon Rex
In 1959, a Miss Cox of Devonshire England found that a stray cat in
her care had given birth to a rather odd looking curly-haired
kitten, the sire thought to be a curly-haired tomcat seen in the
area. Delighted with the kitten's elfin features and wavy curls, she
named him Kirlee -- the founding father of the unique and wonderful
breed of cats known today as the Devon Rex. Today's Devon Rex
maintain a look true to their founder -- huge ears, set low on the
sides of the head frame, a pixie-like face with large, inquisitive
eyes and a short slightly upturned nose. A coat of loose waves and
curls covers a strong and supple body in a compact, refined form.
These unusual features decorate a breed whose personality,
intelligence, friendliness and inquisitive behaviour are as unique as
the package it comes in. A young breed, the Devon Rex is carefully
crossbred to American and British Shorthairs in order to enlarge and
strengthen the gene pool.
Nicely "mid-sized" cats, adult Devons average six to nine pounds,
with males heavier than females. While an even, full coat of loose
curls is ideal for the show ring, the Devon coat varies greatly
between individuals, ranging from an almost shaggy mop of loose
curls in some to a thin suede-like coat in others that may leave
some areas nearly bare. The coat may vary over the life of the cat,
with some kittens dropping much of their coat ("molting") during
their development, and some adult coats changing seasonally. 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. On chilly nights, Devons make superb bed warmers, often
sneaking under the covers to stay warm and share body heat with
their favourite people.
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. 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. Although little escapes a Devon's interest, Devons are
very people-oriented. Most Devons invite themselves along for every
activity -- preferably perched on a shoulder, lap, or wherever they
can be closest to their people. They are accomplished food mooches,
with "anything they aren't supposed to be into" only slightly less
appealing than "anything you are eating." Many a bag of snack food
left unattended for an eye blink has suddenly sprouted two legs and a
tail, with a Devon contentedly grazing inside.
Devons are low maintenance, wash-and-wear companions. Their large
ears occasionally require cleaning, but otherwise a quick shampoo
and towel dry (or even a wipe down with a damp cloth) and a nail-trim
is all the grooming most Devons require. Despite popular myth,
Devons do shed (as does anything with hair), although their unique
coat may make the shed hair less obtrusive than that of many cats.
Devons have also gained a dubious reputation as being
"hypo-allergenic," but this varies according to an individual's
personal allergies. While some people with animal allergies tolerate
Devons very well, anyone with allergy issues should arrange to
handle a Devon before considering acquiring one.
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