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Copyright © 2017 Devon Rex Breed Club
Take some time to learn
about the unique
characteristics of this
breed. The History and
Elfin Magic pages will
give you a comprehensive
background of how the
Devon came to be, first in
nature, and then in The
Cat Fanciers Association
(CFA). The Breed Standard
will help you understand
how a Devon should look
with regard to head, ears,
coat and body. By learning
the component parts of a
Devon, you will be better
able to judge the quality of
the cat you plan to get, or
the one you already own.
A Look at the Devon Rex
The Devon Rex, "Pixie of the Cat Fancy", is a
cat like no other. It has been compared to a
cross between a cat, a dog, a monkey, and
Dennis the Menace because of its madcap
personality. Add to that, over sized ears on an
impish face with large expressive eyes, and you
begin to understand why Devons are described
as "elfin." Delightfully silly in both appearance
and antics, Devons are interested in everything
and everyone around them. They are a fun-
loving breed with a relaxed and social attitude
rarely associated with cats.
The appearance of the Devon Rex is far from
ordinary - in fact, people have questioned
whether they are a real cat or some kind of
impossible animal mixture! With their long skinny
necks, oddly shaped heads, ridiculously big
ears, and incredible coat that can range from
wildly curly to a soft suede-like down it is no
wonder people are confused by Devons. They
really are 100% feline, even if they seem to be 99% personality and only 1%
cat.
This unique breed possesses intensely
loyal, human-loving, dog-like qualities.
They have often been described as
"Cling-ons" and "Velcro" cats, because of
their unwillingness to leave their people
alone. A Devon will never miss an
opportunity to give a quick nuzzle to a
hand or face, or to offer a gentle head-
butt as proof of their love. Make and hold
eye contact with a Devon and prepare
yourself to be convinced that you are the
center of his universe, as this is the true love of a Devon - you.
A person must be prepared to be owned by a
Devon. A Devon will eat with you, sleep with you,
perch cozily on your shoulder and read the
newspaper with you. They will follow you around
the house, sit at your feet or jump on your lap the
minute you sit down. A Devon will accompany
you on your household chores, happily trilling,
cooing, and chirping, as they look for ways to
help. Once owned by a Devon, you can
anticipate you will never do anything alone again.
It is important to understand that the social nature
of the Devon makes them marvelous pets, but
unsuited to spending long periods of time without
companionship. Devons do not discriminate in
terms of the company they keep. They do very
well with people, other Devons (often creating a
"Devon pile"), cats, dogs, and even the
occasional bird, ferret or rabbit. A constant
"buddy" is a must for this breed to be truly happy. If you are someone away
from home for hours at a time, you should consider a more independent
breed of cat or plan on bringing home two Devons.
Children and Devons are naturals as best
friends and tireless playmates. Many a
Devon has become a living doll or cuddly
teddy bear in the arms of a child. Their
playful nature means Devons easily learn
tricks and are always up for a game of
hide-and-seek, tag, or fetch.
Other family members will frequently find a
Devon nestled in their laps. Devons will
never sleep alone when a lap, a shoulder,
or cradling arms are offered. You should
not be surprised to find a Devon tucked in bed with you or another family
member. Typically snuggled under the covers or firmly settled on a pillow.
Devons remain kittens-at-heart forever, and their affectionate nature
connects them deeply with every family member.
A word of caution, Devons are food hounds.
Whether it is the traditional burger and fries, or
the more unusual, asparagus tips, grapes, or
olives, be prepared to guard your dinner plate
from the fast and crafty Devon in the house.
They never turn down a meal and would be
happy to assist you with yours. Do not be taken
in by the pleading or the heartbreaking, pitiful
expressions that would suggest they have not
had a meal in weeks.
They may look like they have just arrived on
earth on an alien spaceship but they originated
in Devon, England in the late 1950's when a
wholly natural mutation occurred in feral cats
living in the countryside near the town of
Buckfastleigh. Mother Nature created this feline
oddity, this lithe and winsome pixie cat. Man had
no hand in the mutation, but did step in and
make it possible for the mutation to survive and
flourish, providing cat lovers around the globe the opportunity to meet, love
and be loved by one of nature's true miracles - the Devon Rex Cat.
Intrigued? Please explore our Educational topics to learn about Finding a
Responsible Breeder, Standards of the Breed and more....