Devon Rex
Pixie-faced "alien cats" with curly coats and mischievous spirits.
Devon Rex cats have an almost elfin appearance — large ears, big eyes, and a soft curly coat. They are extremely playful, mischievous, and intelligent — often described as part cat, part dog, part monkey. They love being carried, perched on shoulders, and following their humans everywhere.
Key facts
| Origin | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 5–10 lbs |
| Lifespan | 9–15 years |
| Energy | High |
| Vocality | Medium |
| Grooming | Stroke weekly; bathe occasionally |
| Shedding | Low |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●○○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Distinctive pixie appearance
- Extremely playful
- Low shedding
- Bonds deeply with family
✗ Things to know
- Demanding attention needs
- Sensitive to cold
- Some hereditary health issues
Ideal owner
A Devon Rex may suit you well if you:
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Enjoy interactive play and can dedicate daily activity time
- Have mild cat allergies and need a more allergy-friendly option
A Devon Rex may not suit you if you:
- Have a busy schedule with little time for interactive play
Health considerations
Like all breeds, Devon Rexs can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Hereditary myopathy
Is a Devon Rex right for you?
The best way to find out if a Devon Rex suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Devon Rex a good cat for first-time owners?
Devon Rexs can suit first-time owners who do their research. Mischievous, athletic, and irresistibly entertaining. Make sure you can meet their specific care needs before committing.
Are Devon Rexs good for apartments?
Yes — Devon Rexs adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Devon Rexs good with children?
Devon Rexs are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Devon Rexs hypoallergenic?
Devon Rexs are considered more allergy-friendly than most breeds. Often tolerable for mild allergy sufferers due to coat structure and low shedding.
Does a Devon Rex suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Devon Rex on Wikipedia