History & origin
The Devon Rex originated in 1959 in Devon, England when a stray curly-coated tomcat fathered a litter that included a curly kitten named Kirlee — the founding cat of the breed. Initial attempts to cross Kirlee with Cornish Rex (the other curly British breed) showed the two breeds carry different recessive genes for curly coat, and the Devon Rex was recognized as a distinct breed. The breed was accepted in the UK in 1967 and by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1979. Today the Devon Rex remains relatively rare compared to mainstream breeds, which appeals to enthusiasts looking for something distinctive.
Personality & temperament
Devon Rex are arguably the most dog-like of all cat breeds. They are extremely social, follow their humans from room to room, greet guests at the door, and will happily ride on a shoulder while you do housework. Many learn to play fetch, walk on a leash, and respond to their name like a small dog. They are mischievous and clever — Devon owners often share stories of cats opening cabinets, riding on robot vacuums, and inventing games. They are not a good choice for families who want a quiet, independent cat; a Devon Rex left alone too much will become bored and destructive. They thrive in active households with other pets, children, or another cat for company.
Appearance & coat
The Devon Rex has a small to medium body with surprisingly long legs, a slim build, and a distinctive wedge-shaped face with high cheekbones and huge low-set ears. The coat is the breed's most famous feature — short, soft, and curly or wavy, with the curls especially visible on the body, tail, and around the ears. The coat lacks the longer "guard hairs" of most breeds, which is why Devons shed very little and are sometimes recommended for households with mild cat allergies. Coat colors include nearly every recognized cat color and pattern: solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, colorpoint, bicolor, and more. Many Devons have a slightly "downy" feeling coat that becomes more curly as the kitten matures.
Health considerations
Devon Rex are generally healthy but have one breed-specific concern: hereditary myopathy (also called Devon Rex myopathy or "spasticity"), a genetic muscle condition that can cause weakness and movement difficulties in affected cats. The mutation is autosomal recessive and a DNA test is available, so responsible breeding can eliminate the condition entirely. At Pet Therapy, every Devon Rex Queen and Sire is DNA-tested for the myopathy mutation, and we never breed two carriers. We also screen for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) as standard practice. Devons can also be slightly more prone to skin sensitivities and oily skin due to their thin coat, so monthly gentle baths and weekly ear cleaning are part of routine care.
Why choose a Pet Therapy Devon Rex
Devon Rex are a niche breed, and quality varies widely between breeders. At Pet Therapy, our Devon Rex program is built around health and temperament — every breeding pair is DNA-tested for hereditary myopathy and screened for HCM, and we hand-raise every litter in our family home so kittens arrive socialized, confident, and ready to be the engaged little companions Devons are meant to be. We never accept deposits on litters that aren't yet born, and our Queens and Sires are available for FaceTime verification on request. Every kitten ships with TICA paperwork, a vet-checked health record, and a 1-year written genetic health guarantee. We deliver via professional flight nanny to all US states except Hawaii.