Devon Rex

Known as the Poodle of the feline world because of its pleasing personality and soft silky, rippled hair, the Devon Rex is a unique cat with a fascinating disposition. Its impish eyes, oversized ears, and mischievous face make this close cousin of the Cornish Rex a perfect embodiment of cuteness, excelling greatly as a reliable and amicable family pet.

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History

These cuddly cats of the latter part of the 20^th century seem to be a new addition to the feline world. The story behind its origination is indeed an interesting one somewhat similar to the Cornish Rex. Miss Beryl Cox, a resident of Buckfastleigh, Devon, played an instrumental role in the development of this breed.

In fact, a domestic curly-coated male cat, dwelling in a tin mine, mated with Cox’s pet white cat that had a tortoiseshell pattern. The outcome was a whole litter of which one of them stood out from the rest as it had a black body and a curly coat just like its father.

Naming it Kirlee, Cox initially felt that it had similarities with Kallibunker, the first cat of the Cornish Rex, thus revealing this fact to the Cornish breeders with the hope that her pet might contribute to their breeding program. However, when Kirlee was cross-mated with female Cornish Rex kittens, the offsprings produced were devoid of the wavy coat, hence proving that both the breeds had different genes. Breeders, therefore, went on to conserve the Cornex’s and Devon’s genes as Type 1 and Type 2 respectively.

Kirlee, the founding stone of the Devon breed, unfortunately, succumbed to a car accident in 1970. Reaching the USA in 1968, it attained recognition by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1979.

Coat of the Devon Rex

Devons are gifted with a soft, full coat with loose curls devoid of the coarse guard hairs unlike other cats, though the texture may differ from one feline to the other. Some cats may display a velvety coat with thin curls, smooth and fluffy enough to run your hands through.

Temperament and Personality

• Are extremely playful and curious in nature, possessing an urge to be a part of every affair of the family.
• Have a deep bond of attachment with their owners, following them everywhere they go, be it at your desk when you are working, in the bathroom while you choose to enjoy a peaceful bath or in the kitchen as you engage in making supper.
• Cannot bear prolonged periods of seclusion and loneliness, resorting to destructive activities under such circumstances.
• Being affectionate in nature, they enjoy a close snuggle with their loved ones at bed time, also cherishing to climb comfortably on their master’s laps at the slightest available option.
• Though not garrulous, they would chirp away to draw your attention to something that has fascinated them.
• Possess a strong affinity towards heat because of their light-textured coat that clings onto their skin, hence loving to bask in the warm sun or sit on other heat sources such as the television top.
• Would be eager to accompany and help in every household chore you do.
• Being excellent climbers, they jump with ease to the topmost spot of your house like your bookshelf, cabinet or elsewhere.
• Have an undying love for food, with frenzied eating habits, leaving no stone unturned to have a scrape of anything delicious kept in the larder or grab a bite from their master’s plate.
• Get along well with kids, emerging as their perfect playmates.

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Who is the Devon Rex good for

• People who would not mind an interfering cat engaging itself in whatever they do.
• Households where at least one of the members is always present to give company to the cat.
• Families in need of a playmate for their little ones.
• Those who are ready to get amused with the clownish antics as well as bear the mischief of a naughty cat.
• People living in regions of warm climate as they cannot withstand cold.

Care

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Training

These intelligent cats being fast learners may be taught a host of new and impressive tricks to perform at home and amuse the inmates as well as to display at cat shows. Since it has a slender, flexible body, your Devon may be trained to walk on his twos. Channelize its undying love for food and hold its favorite treat right on top of its nose. Keep on playing with his treat for him to get up on both his legs properly. Repeat this on a regular basis until he has mastered the art with perfection.

Feeding

The weird and excessive eating habits of these cats should be kept in check to avoid obesity and other health issues. Give them measured amounts of dry cat food alongside foods rich in vitamins, proteins, and minerals.

Interesting Facts

• The Devon Rex has a unique way of wagging its tail when it is happy.