Devon Rex Cat

  Animals

Devon Rex can be described as a breed of intelligent, short-haired cat that emerged in England during the 1960s. They are known for their slender bodies, wavy coat, and large ears.

The curl in Devon Rex fur is caused by a different mutation and gene than that of the Cornish Rex and German Rex, and breeding of a Devon with either of those cats results in cats without rexed (curled) fur. Devons, which are medium-sized cats, are often called “pixie cats” or “alien cats” because of their unique appearance.

Their uncommonly large, slightly rounded ears are set low on the sides of their wide heads, their eyes are large, and their noses are slightly upturned. Unlike most cats, their whiskers are very short and often curled to such an extent that it may appear as if they have no whiskers.

This unique breed possesses intensely loyal, human-loving, dog-like qualities. A person must be prepared to be owned by a Devon. A Devon will eat with you, sleep with you, and perch cozily on your shoulder while you are on the computer or reading.

devon-rex

They will follow you around the house, sit at your feet, or jump on your lap the minute you sit down. A Devon will accompany you on your household chores, happily trilling, cooing, and chirping as they look for ways to help.

Children and Devon’s are naturals as best friends and tireless playmates. Family members will frequently find a Devon nestled in their laps or cradled in their arms.

devon rexYou should not be surprised to find a Devon tucked in bed with you or another family member, snuggled underneath the covers or firmly settled onto a pillow. Devon’s remain kittens at heart forever, and their loving nature connects them deeply with every family member. They may look like they have just arrived on Earth on an alien spaceship, but they are a natural mutation.

They originated in Devonshire, England, in the late 1950s when a Miss Cox found that a stray cat in her care had given birth to a rather odd looking curly-haired kitten. Delighted with the kitten’s elfin features and wavy curls, she named him Kirlee – the founding father of this unique breed.

Devons are currently accepted in all colors and patterns. With such a recent history of lusty farm cats so close behind this breed, it would be folly to have restrictions on their colors and patterns. Although great attention is paid to the coat and curl, no limitations are placed on pigmentation.

A kitten whose color is point restricted, as in the Siamese, sometimes appears and surprises Devon breeders. That rascal “Kirlee,” father to all Devon’s, is thought to have carried the gene for it.

These little pixies are alert and inquisitive, showing interest in all that is around them. By the same token, these active cats are also very much people cats and are strongly devoted to their owners, claiming a lap and a good snuggling whenever the opportunity arises.

They purr incessantly, chortle and coo when intrigued by the birds outside the window, and wag their tails when they are happy. Devon’s are an outgoing breed, and will run to meet you at the door at the end of a long day to tell you in no uncertain terms how much you were missed.

They love sleeping under the covers with you, and many will also brave the waters of a shower just to be near their person. They are driven to be with people from the moment they first toddle out of the kitten box at around three weeks of age.

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