Devon Rex
Distinctive for its soft, wavy coat and oversized ears, this playful breed thrives on companionship and affection. Energetic and curious, it forms strong bonds with families.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
25–30 cm (male)
23–28 cm (female)
WEIGHT
2.5–4 kg (male)
2–3.5 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
9–15 years
Devon Rex: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
Species
Felis catus
Diet
Carnivore
"A Devon Rex isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Devon Rex's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Devon Rex cats are typically affectionate, playful, and sociable, often forming strong bonds with their families and enjoying close human companionship. They are generally friendly with other pets and children.
Key Personality Traits
Enjoys being around people and other pets
Learns tricks and routines very quickly
Often active and always on the move
Loves interactive games and new toys
Adjusts well to changes and environments

Strengths
- Affectionate with family members
- Highly social and people-oriented
- Intelligent and quick to learn tricks
- Low-shedding, curly coat minimizes loose hair
- Playful and energetic throughout adulthood
Challenges
- Prone to hair breakage and skin issues
- Needs frequent social interaction to thrive
- Sensitive to cold due to thin coat
- Can be demanding of attention
- May develop dental problems without regular care

Protect your Devon Rex
Devon Rex are active and energetic, but they can develop patellar luxation and hereditary myopathy. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Devon Rexs are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
The Devon Rex is known for its high intelligence and curiosity, making it quick to learn tricks and responsive to training. They often enjoy interactive toys and puzzle feeders.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–40 minutes interactive play
recommended per day
This breed is energetic and requires regular play to prevent boredom, benefiting from both mental and physical stimulation. Short play sessions throughout the day help meet their active and inquisitive nature.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Devon Rexs are versatile cats that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Devon Rex would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Devon Rexes are affectionate and adaptable, making them easy for new owners to manage.
Apartment Living
They thrive in smaller spaces and remain playful and active indoors.
Active Lifestyle
Their energetic and social personality matches well with active households.
Kids
Generally gentle and tolerant, they enjoy interactive play with considerate children.
Multiple Pets
They usually get along with other pets when properly introduced.
Being Left Alone
This breed dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may become stressed.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Devon Rexs compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Devon Rex
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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