Devon Rex Breed Information
The Devon Rex is a mischievous and highly active breed of cat. They love playing and want to know what you are doing all the time so they may become your shadow. They are usually very sociable and may happily get along with other pets, but if they are left alone for too long they could become destructive due to boredom.
Normally a quiet cat, you may hear a small chirp if they need your attention. They will happily curl up on your lap and may even try to sleep in bed with you. The Devon Rex are powerful jumpers so don’t be surprised to find them in a high spot when they are not with you.
Breed-related health problems:
Owners are, understandably, upset when their cat develops a health problem linked to its breed. Often they wish they’d known what problems the breed was prone to have. The potential health problems that Devon Rex are prone to include:
- Hip dysplasia – an abnormality of the hip joints causing lameness in the hind legs which can make walking difficult.
- Patella Luxation – a condition in which the patella (knee cap) moves out of its normal location, resulting in limping or difficulty walking on the back legs. May require surgery to correct the problem. Cats with hip dysplasia and patella luxation are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
We’d recommend discussing the medical history of your potential kitten’s parents and grandparents, and think very carefully before taking on a cat with any of the health conditions listed above evident in the family line.
Coat care:
Their fur should never be brushed as it is too fragile. Running your hand over the coat should be sufficient to keep it in good condition.
Estimated cost over lifetime:
These costs are based on essential items such as:
- A bed, litter and tray
- Grooming items
- Food and bowl
- Preventive treatment such as flea, worming, vaccinations and neutering
- Toys
- Cat carrier
- Pet insurance
This does not include initial purchase cost, non-essential items (such as holiday care) or potential veterinary treatment of which an excess needs to be paid before your pet may be covered by pet insurance.
Insure your Devon Rex Cat with PDSA:
1 in 3 pets need vet treatment each year and vet bills can come to hundreds of pounds. PDSA Pet Insurance can give you peace of mind when your pet is poorly, especially for breeds like Devon Rex Cats that are prone to certain conditions. PDSA Pet Insurance offers:
- Dog and cat insurance policies from 8 weeks of age.
- 24/7 veterinary advice online or over the phone with Petcall.
- Manage your policy online with the PDSA Insure Hub.
- Monthly payment at no extra cost.
By insuring your Devon Rex Cat with PDSA Pet Insurance you’ll also be helping to provide vet care to some of the UK’s neediest pets.
For more information on taking care of your cat please visit our kitten and cat section.
Rehoming from a reputable source:
Where you get a cat from can have a big effect on how healthy and happy it is for the rest of its life. Find out where our PDSA vet experts recommend you get your cat from.
| Average lifespan | 12-16 years |
|---|---|
| Coat length | Short |
| Possible health problems | Hip Dysplasia, Patella Luxation |
| Average purchase cost | £500 |
| Estimated cost over lifetime | £13,600 - £18,000 |
| Average weight | 3.6kg |
| Breed group | Foreign |
Not sure if the Devon Rex is the right pet for you?
