Devon Rex
DEV-un REKS
Mischievous, People-oriented, Playful, Clever. Origin: England (Devon).
An adult Devon Rex weighs 8-10 lbs (male) or 5-8 lbs (female), needs 160-350 calories daily, and lives 9-15 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Devon Rex needs 160 to 350 calories per day. An average male (9 lbs / 4.1 kg) needs around 280 kcal; a female (6 lbs / 2.9 kg) roughly 220 kcal.
Estimate for a typical adult Devon Rex. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Devon Rex cats have a pixie-like face, oversized ears, and a curly coat that is even shorter and more fragile than the Cornish Rex. Their coat can be sparse in places and should be handled gently during grooming. The breed carries specific genetic conditions including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and a hereditary muscle condition called Devon Rex myopathy (spasticity). Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.
Exercise and activity
Very high; playful and acrobatic. They love heights, jumping, and interactive play. Provide tall cat trees and puzzle feeders. A balanced mix of active play and quiet companionship suits most Devon Rex cats. They adapt to their owner's lifestyle but should not be entirely sedentary.
Care and traits
Devon Rex cats have a short, soft, curly/wavy, sometimes sparse coat. Origin: England (Devon).
Often called 'pixie cats' or 'alien cats' for their large ears and elfin faces. Despite looking similar to Cornish Rex, the curly coat gene is different (they cannot be crossbred to produce curly-coated offspring). Devon Rex myopathy is a hereditary muscle disease unique to the breed; reputable breeders screen for it. Devons are shoulder-riders, food-stealers, and bed-hogs.
The Devon Rex is well-suited for families with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, though all cat-child interactions should be supervised until children learn appropriate handling. Teaching children to respect the cat's space and body language prevents most problems.
Devon Rex cats are pixie-faced clowns with curly coats and oversized ears. They perch on shoulders, steal food, and insert themselves into every activity. Their coat is fragile and should be handled gently during grooming. They are sensitive to temperature and seek warm spots constantly. Their sense of humor and affectionate nature make them entertaining companions.
Tools for Devon Rex owners
Frequently asked questions
Expect your Devon Rex to need 160 to 350 calories daily. An average individual at 9 lbs falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily keeps most medium cats at a healthy weight. Avoid free-feeding unless your cat self-regulates well, which many do not. Use our calorie calculator with your cat's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 8-10 lbs (3.6–4.5 kg), while females are lighter at 5-8 lbs (2.3–3.6 kg). Feel for ribs along the sides. They should be easy to find under a thin layer of flesh. View from above: a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs indicates healthy condition.
For Devon Rex owners, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the condition worth knowing about. HCM causes the heart muscle to thicken, reducing its efficiency. Screening via echocardiogram can detect it before symptoms appear. Annual cardiac checks are recommended for breeds with known HCM prevalence. Other conditions to monitor include patellar luxation, devon rex myopathy. Not every Devon Rex will develop these conditions, but awareness and regular vet checkups make a real difference.
Moderate play needs that most owners can easily meet. One or two interactive play sessions of 10-15 minutes daily, combined with access to a cat tree and window perch, keeps this breed content. They enjoy play but are equally happy relaxing. Every cat, regardless of breed, benefits from some daily play and enrichment. Even five minutes of chasing a wand toy is better than nothing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026