Introduction
The Devon Rex is a breed of cat with a curly, very soft short coat similar to that of the Cornish Rex. They are characterized by their large eyes, prominent cheeks, lack of guard hairs. The Devon Rex was first discovered in the UK in the 1960s.
Physical Characteristics
The Devon Rex is known fondly as "the pixie of the cat fancy" because of its prominent ears and cheeks. The eyes are large and wide set, slightly oval and sloping toward the outer edge of the ears. The ears are strikingly large and set low, and may have tufts at the tips and a patch of fur at the lower outside edge of the ear. There are three distinct convex curves. They appear at the lower part of the ear, the outer edge of the cheeks, and the prominent whisker pads.
The coat is distinctive, but it the head that is the most striking characteristic of the Devon, and the points in the breed Standard bear that out. Not only is the head type of the Devon Rex strikingly different from that of its cousin, the Cornish Rex, the body and coat are also significantly different. The boning is less fine, there is no tuck-up, the body is less slender, and the chest is broader.
Adult males are noticeably larger than females of the breed. The coat is very short, with a relaxed wave. There may be down on the underside of the body. They may be any color that is recognized in championship cats, although allowable outcrosses to other breeds is very limited.
Temperament
Devons are extremely intelligent. They invent clever games on their own, and anything that can be picked up or moved becomes a toy to a Devon. They bond very strongly with their people. For that reason, Devon ownership should be considered a lifelong commitment. They give, and expect to receive, a great deal of attention and affection. Devon Rex are not equipped to survive outdoors, indoor living is a must.
History
The first Devon was discovered in Buckfastleigh, Devon, UK in 1960 among a litter of feral kittens. The breed was initially thought to be linked with the Cornish Rex, however test mating proved otherwise.