History of the Devon Rex
It’s widely accepted that this breed of cat has its origins in the Devonshire region of England in 1960. A female domestic short-haired cat mated with a stray tom cat with a peculiar curl to his coat. The resulting litter produced one curly-coated kitten that was immediately noticed for his unique fur and named Kirlee.
Believing that the cat shared a common curly coat gene with the Cornish Rex breed of cats, Kirlee was bred to female Cornish Rex cats in an effort to produce kittens sharing the same coat qualities of the Cornish Rex breed. However, the litters only produced kittens with straight coats. It was later discovered that another gene mutation is responsible for the unique wavy coat and low-set triangular ears making the Devon Rex a breed all its own.
Believing that the cat shared a common curly coat gene with the Cornish Rex breed of cats, Kirlee was bred to female Cornish Rex cats in an effort to produce kittens sharing the same coat qualities of the Cornish Rex breed. However, the litters only produced kittens with straight coats. It was later discovered that another gene mutation is responsible for the unique wavy coat and low-set triangular ears making the Devon Rex a breed all its own.
Personality
The Devon Rex is an active, energetic breed. She is truly a little clown and will delight her parent by giving enchanting playful performances. For this, of course, the Devon expects to be thanked with pets and loving attention and will return affection with purring.
Food and Care
Many owners of a Devon Rex will tell you that these cats are food enthusiasts. Don’t let human food become the staple of your feline’s diet. Instead, ensure that you feed a quality cat food for effective weight management and continued health.
It’s very important that you don’t overfeed your cat. The Devon Rex is known to go to great lengths to swipe a sandwich from the counter or hound you for a bite of your dinner, similar to the begging behavior exhibited by many dogs. Avoid giving into the cat’s persistent efforts and only offer treats in moderation.
It’s very important that you don’t overfeed your cat. The Devon Rex is known to go to great lengths to swipe a sandwich from the counter or hound you for a bite of your dinner, similar to the begging behavior exhibited by many dogs. Avoid giving into the cat’s persistent efforts and only offer treats in moderation.
Health
While this breed isn’t known for excessive health ailments, there are several conditions you need to be on alert for.
- Congenital hypotrichosis, otherwise known as hereditary baldness, a condition that is probably the result of an inherited recessive gene. The Devon Rex naturally has a very fine coat, but those with less hair than normal for the breed are considered to be hypotricotic.
- Malassezia dermatitis, a single-celled yeast that causes ear infections, greasy skin and itchiness, which is treated with antifungal drugs.
- Devon Rex myopathy, also known as spasticity, is an inherited condition that becomes apparent between 3 weeks and 6 months of age. It causes generalized muscle weakness, and the cats tire easily. No treatment is available, and severity of the condition varies. It may remain stable or progress slowly.
