Curly Cats – Devon Rex

While located from close to where the Cornish Rex hails, the Devon Rex is definitely a different breed of cat that shares some traits of its cousin.  Both these breeds of curly cat came from the south-east of England yet tests have shown that their distinctive coat comes from a different mutation in each.  The Devon Rex is known for its intelligence, learning tricks easily as well as range of different words.

About the breed

The first Devon Rex cat was found by a cat breeder called Beryl Cox from Buckfastleigh in Devon in 1960.  The litter of kittens had been born near a disused tin mine in the area and initially were thought to be some type of Cornish Rex, though this was later disproved.  Normally, cats have three types of hair in their coat – the guard hair, the awn hair and the down hair closest to the skin but in the Devon Rex, there is virtually no guard hair.

Genetic testing has in fact shown that the Devon, Cornish and German Rex are all different breeds with different mutations causing their curly coat, despite the similarity in their appearances.  The Devon Rex is often nickname the pixie or alien cat because of their unusual appearance.  They have large, slightly rounded ears that sit low on the side of the head along with large eyes and a slightly upturned nose.  They have short and curled whiskers that can almost appear invisible.  Their body size is slender with long and powerful legs featuring unusually large toes – they are excellent jumpers.

Personality

As a pet, the Devon Rex is described as an active, playful and mischievous breed that is very orientated towards people.  Some owners say they are a cross of a cat, dog and a monkey!  As mentioned, they are prolific jumpers and climbers, often clambering to any space small enough to accommodate them.  This means if you can’t find them, look in strange, high spots and they are likely to be there.  They tend to focus most on a single person who they lavish with attention, sitting on or with them and grooming them.  They also love to get close to the head and neck of their favoured human and can often be like a cat-shaped scarf around the head.  They will follow their favourite from room to room, just waiting for the chance for a cuddle.

The breed are considered one of the most intelligent, learning tricks easily.  They train quickly to walk alongside their owner on a leash as well as playing tag or fetching a toy.