ShorthairSmallXPET ID: 0193E

Devon Rex

A pixie-faced “alien” cat of mischief and charm.

Origin

United Kingdom (Devon)

Weight

6–9 lb (2.7–4 kg)

Lifespan

9–15 years

Coat

Short, soft, wavy, sometimes sparse coat

Energy

High

Where it comes from

United Kingdom (Devon)

Highlighted in the Devon Rex's coat color on the map.

Overview

The Devon Rex is a distinctive breed with huge ears, large eyes, a pixie-like face, and a soft, wavy coat, giving it an elfin, almost alien look. Slender and light, it is an agile climber that loves high perches and shoulders.

Mischievous, affectionate, and endlessly playful, the Devon Rex is often called a “monkey in a cat suit” for its antics and love of perching on its people. It is warmth-seeking, social, and deeply bonded, disliking being left alone.

History

The Devon Rex appeared in 1960 in Devon, England, from a curly-coated kitten with a mutation distinct from the Cornish Rex. Its unusual look and playful, people-loving temperament made it a beloved companion breed.

Temperament

MischievousAffectionatePlayfulSocialAgile

The Devon Rex is impish, interactive, and devoted, thriving on play, warmth, and constant companionship. It bonds intensely, loves to perch on shoulders, and dislikes being left alone, doing best with company.

Health to watch

Know the biology.
Get ahead of it.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

This common feline heart disease occurs in the breed; periodic cardiac screening helps catch it early.

Devon Rex myopathy

An inherited muscle-weakness condition occurs in the breed; a DNA test identifies affected cats.

Skin & cold sensitivity

The sparse, thin coat offers little insulation; the breed feels cold easily and can have oily skin.

General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every cat is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.

Care essentials

01

Warmth

With little insulating coat, the Devon Rex seeks warmth and needs a cozy environment in cool weather.

02

Skin

The skin can be oily; gentle occasional bathing and ear cleaning help keep the breed comfortable.

03

Company & play

This social, playful breed needs interaction, climbing, and toys and dislikes being left alone.

Care that fits the Devon Rex.

XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.