Devon Rex, A Cat Who Always Needs Company
Short and wavy fur, large goblin ears, elongated body and bright eyes are the physical characteristics that stand out most in the Devon Rex, a cat that loves human company. It is a docile, outgoing, educated and intelligent feline that, if you choose to share your life, will certainly follow you around the house, demanding your attention.
A feline that doesn’t want to be alone
These nice eared ones are very sensitive. Perhaps it is thanks to this characteristic that they have become so close to humans. Although, truth be told, many other cat breeds are also like that, throwing down the claim that they are independent and distant animals.
The truth is that Devon Rex love to feel comfortable, warm and safe on their owners’ laps, including their shoulders. They are affectionate, active and playful, getting along very well with children and the elderly.
Even adapting easily to closed spaces, they hate to be alone for a long time. If there are no humans in the house for a few hours of the day, the ideal is to get them a feline companion. They are not jealous and quickly get used to the new family member.
The appearance of the Devon Rex
In addition to the huge ears, wide base and rounded tips, the coat that gives them the appearance of a shorn sheep, the Devon Rex has the following characteristics:
- medium size
- thin but strong
- Elongated and muscular body
- small triangular head
- Oval face, with full cheeks and well-defined chin
- Oval eyes, set apart and full of light
- Prominent nose and short muzzle
- Long neck
- Wide and slender legs, slightly twisted in relation to the body. The front ends are shorter than the back.
- arched back
- Wavy whiskers and eyebrows
- long and thin tail
Other characteristics of these friendly felines
Males of this breed weigh between 4 and 6 kilos and females between 3 and 5 kilos. Despite their way of walking seems a little clumsy, they are agile animals, capable of performing the most diverse tricks and acrobatics. Life expectancy is between 9 and 15 years.
Keep in mind that the soft coats of Devon Rex , in addition to being short, can be finer and less dense than that of other breeds. While this seems to be an advantage for people with allergies, it’s not for kittens.
That’s why they’re almost always looking for the warmth their cover turns out to provide. The ideal, then, is that their beds are in the warmest places in the house, so that they feel as good as in the arms of their owners.
A feline of English descent
The origin of this graceful pussy dates back to the last century. He is the result of a natural genetic mutation, which resulted in his wavy fur. The first specimens were discovered by chance in an abandoned mine in the county of Devon, England. That’s where your name comes from.
But although it looks similar to the Cornish Rex , the mutated gene that causes wavy hair in both races is different. Thus, if both breeds are crossed, the puppies will have smooth fur.
On the other hand, despite their appearance denoting fragility, they are strong and healthy animals, which do not need great care. They just need to be brushed during moulting to remove dead hairs and check if their ears accumulate excess wax.
Another important detail is to take care that they get used to taking a shower from time to time, as their coat is usually quite oily. And don’t forget to prevent them from overeating, as being overweight can affect their paws.
