Rare breeds
Devon Rex: personality, life span and weight
The Devon Rex has a short curly coat, very large ears and an elfin face. It stays as playful as a kitten all its life.
- Mischievous
- Likes riding on shoulders
- Follows people
Devon Rex at a glance
- Adult weight
- 2.5–4.5 kg
- Life span
- 10–15 years
- Shedding
- low
- Activity
- active
- Origin
- Devon, England (1960)
- Coat
- Short, thin, curly coat, with large ears and an elfin face
Devon Rex personality
It likes to ride on a shoulder or burrow into your arms. It is clever and food-motivated, which makes it easy to teach games with treats. It always wants to be part of what the family is doing.
Coat care and daily care
The coat is fragile and can break under hard brushing. Stroking it with a soft cloth or your hand is enough. The thin coat means it feels the cold, so give it a warm bed, and clean the large ears regularly.
Health problems Devon Rex keepers should know
- Congenital myasthenic syndrome (hereditary myopathy)A genetic test can confirm it.
- Patellar luxation and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)See a vet if the cat walks awkwardly or tires easily.
- Skin problemsOiliness or yeast dermatitis can develop.
These are problems reported relatively often in the breed. It does not mean every cat will have them. If a symptom worries you, see a vet.
Real Devon Rex photos from cat keepers
Photo tip A front close-up that plays up the large ears and eyes suits it well. Side light from close range shows the curl of the coat.
There are no public records yet. Your cat could be the first.
Add my cat and start a diaryDevon Rex questions and answers
- How long do Devon Rex cats live?
- An indoor Devon Rex typically lives about 10–15 years. Weight control, regular check-ups and indoor living all make a difference.
- How much does an adult Devon Rex weigh?
- A fully grown Devon Rex usually weighs 2.5–4.5 kg. Males tend to be larger than females, and a body shape where the ribs can be felt lightly matters more than the number.
- Do Devon Rex cats shed a lot?
- Shedding is low. Short, thin, curly coat, with large ears and an elfin face. The coat is fragile and can break under hard brushing. Stroking it with a soft cloth or your hand is enough. The thin coat means it feels the cold, so give it a warm bed, and clean the large ears regularly.
- What is the Devon Rex personality like?
- It likes to ride on a shoulder or burrow into your arms. It is clever and food-motivated, which makes it easy to teach games with treats. It always wants to be part of what the family is doing.