Cat
Breed Description:
The Devon Rex breed of cats has two very striking features; the first is their curly coats with the second being their pixie faces. Interestingly enough the curl in Devon Rex fur is caused by a different mutation and gene than that of the Cornish Rex and German Rex, understanding that the breeding of a Devon Rex breed of cat with either of those cats will result in cats without rexed (curled) fur. Devons Rex breed of cats are medium sized cats. Their uncommonly large ears are set low on the sides of the Devon Rexes wide heads. While their large eyes give way to noses that are slightly upturned. Unlike most cats their whiskers are very short and often curled to such an extent that it may appear as if they have no whiskers. The Devon has a distinctively built body with long, sturdy legs that are completely well suited for long leaps, landing on their nusually large toes. Devon Rex cats come in all colors.
Temperament:
The Devon Rex breed of cat has developed a disposition that has been quoted as "very people oreiented." These cats love to be with you, they will even try to help do your chores and other activities. IDevon Rexes love to be in your lap as soon as you sit down. They will be happy to keep you company while laying down or walking around perched on your shoulder.
Weight:
Devon Rex breed of cats: males averaging 8-10 lbs. and the females 5-8 lbs
Health Problems:
These cats are generally very healthy cats. Genetic problems which have been seen in the breed can include: Cardiomyopathy, luxating patella, hip dysplasia and spasticity.
Living Conditions:
The DevonRex breed of cats prefer to be in high places and will go to great lengths to get to the highest spot in a room. They are relatively easy to take care of. The Devon Rex will choose a central person to share their affection with.
Grooming:
The Devon Rex will seem easy to care for as their wavy coats shed little, as well when these cat are bathed they will dry qickly. The breed's large ears do seem to attract a bit more dirt than that of other breeds; a weekly cleaning with a cotton swab is helpful.
Origin:
The Devon Rex breed of cats began with one cat. Kirlee is said to have been found by Miss. Cox near a disused tin mine in Buckfastleigh, Devonshire, England, in 1960. His dam was a tortie and white queen, and his sire, a "curly" male seen in the area around the mine.
Miss Cox had seen photos of Cornish Rex, and contacted Brian Stirling-Webb of the Rex 'group' to see if this cat might be valuable to the breeders working with Rex cats.
She was persuaded to let her pet go to Brian Stirling-Webb, and repeated unsuccessful efforts were made to capture his curly sire.
Since Devonshire is very close to Cornwall, site of the mutation of the Cornish Rex, it was believed that Kirlee would produce rexed kittens when bred to Cornish queens. Unfortunately for the Cornish breeders, all the kittens produced were normal coated, which showed that there were two genetic mutations that caused rexing of the coat.
The decision was made to develop both mutations as separate breeds. Both Cornish and Devon Rex are controlled by recessive genes. 