Cat breeds

Devon Rex

The big-eared pixie with a wavy coat

A cream Devon Rex kitten with huge ears walking towards the camera, one paw raised

A red tabby-and-white Devon Rex with very large ears lying on a beige sofa

A black Devon Rex with big green-gold eyes and large ears looking up against a dark background

The Devon Rex has a soft, wavy coat, oversized ears and a wide-eyed, elfin face. They are light-framed, endlessly playful, and famously drawn to body heat — expect to find one on your shoulder, in your lap, or already under the blanket waiting for you.

Written with reference to The International Cat Association (TICA). Devon Rex on TICA

History

Began with a single curly-coated kitten called Kirlee, found in Devon, England, in 1959. Kirlee was initially bred to Cornish Rex cats, and when the litters came out straight-coated it became clear the two curls come from entirely different genes.

Personality

Mischievous, acrobatic and relentlessly sociable. Devons ride on shoulders, burrow under blankets and seek out the warmest thing in the room, which is usually a person.

Did you know?

With the huge low-set ears and wide eyes, the breed is nicknamed the pixie cat — and the coat is so fine that a Devon can look damp when it is perfectly dry.

At Pink Paws