The Devon Rex cat: curly fur, huge ears and purr in profusion
The Devon Rex is a breed of cat whose origin dates back to the 1960s in Devonshire, a county in southwest England.
Its story begins in 1960 when a black kitten with curly fur and big ears was born from the union of a domestic cat, owned by Mrs. Beryl Cox, and a street cat.
This kitten, who was given the name of Kirlee, represented a natural genetic mutation.
Marcel wave on the mantle
The coat of the Devon Rex is just one of the most intriguing features of this breed.
Her fur features the distinctive “Marcel wave,” a famous vintage hairstyle created by French hairdresser Marcel Grateau, inventor of the curling iron.
The Devon Rex has ripples and waves, particularly on the back but the whiskers and eyebrows also curl.
But the Devon Rex is easily recognized not only by its coat but also by its peculiar appearance.
These cats have a muscular, jointed body with a light but strong bone structure.
The head is triangular in shape, with full cheeks, pronounced cheekbones, large ears, and expressive eyes.
The recognition of race
Due to its unique appearance, the popularity of the Devon Rex grew rapidly, and in 1967 the breed was officially recognized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the United Kingdom.
Subsequently, major American feline associations, such as the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and theInternational Cat Association (TICA), also recognized the Devon Rex, contributing to its spread.
Among feline breeds, the Devon Rex is especially prized not only for its appearance but also for its character.
The character of the Devon Rex cat
They are affectionate, playful, sociable and hyperactive cats.
They love to explore, climb and interact with humans.
They draw its attention in unusual ways, including through prolonged vocalizations; in short, they are real chatterers.
Devon Rexes may show signs of separation anxiety if ignored or left alone for prolonged periods so they are not suitable cats for those with little time to devote to them.
The most frequent pathologies
One of the most common issues is hip dysplasia, an inherited condition that can cause pain and difficulty in movement.
Other health problems may include dental diseases, heart disorders such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and skin conditions due to the peculiarities of their fur whose care should never be neglected.
It is advisable to brush them regularly to remove any dead hair and to ensure that the skin remains healthy and moisturized.
The ears also require constant cleaning because of earwax that accumulates in the earcups.
These cats can be more sensitive to low temperatures so it is necessary to provide them with a comfortable, warm environment and adequate nutrition.
The feeding of the Devon Rex
Because of the higher-than-average body temperature, the metabolic and digestive processes of Devons occur very rapidly.
So, Devons require a balanced diet with moderate and frequent meals to be calculated according to their weight.
To refer your Devon Rex cat for periodic check-ups and personalized feeding plans, contact the veterinary doctors on our staff who are always available to you.
We would also like to remind you that Clinica La Veterinaria is always open h24 every day including holidays and with First Aid service from 8 pm to 8 am.
