Devon Rex Breed: Everything You Need to Know About Its Variations

The Devon Rex is a captivating feline breed that stands out from the crowd with its distinct appearance and charming personality. If you've ever seen a Devon Rex, you know exactly what we're talking about—these cats look like they just stepped out of a fairy tale with their pixie-like faces, oversized ears, and wavy coats.

While all Devon Rex cats share common characteristics that make them instantly recognizable, there are actually a few variations within the cat breed Devon Rex worth exploring. 

Whether you're a seasoned cat enthusiast or someone just discovering these wonderful cats, learning about these variations can help you appreciate the diversity within this extraordinary breed. Each variation brings its own unique charm while maintaining the playful, affectionate temperament that makes the Devon Rex breed such beloved companions.

In this guide, we'll dive into the standard Devon Rex and explore the fascinating variations that have emerged, including the hairless Elf variety and the plush Curl variety.

The Standard Devon Rex

The standard Devon Rex cat showcases a slender and elegant body that's often described as surprisingly muscular and sturdy despite its delicate appearance. These cats are medium-sized, typically weighing between 6-9 pounds, with females generally being smaller than males.

The Iconic Coat

The most striking feature of the Devon Rex breed is its coat. Characterized by soft, curly, or wavy fur, the Devon Rex coat feels more like suede or soft velvet than traditional cat fur. This unique texture comes from a genetic mutation that affects the hair shaft, resulting in shorter, more fragile hairs that curl and wave naturally.

The Devon Rex coat comes in virtually every color and pattern imaginable:

• Solid colors like white, black, blue, red, and cream

• Tabby patterns in various colors (mackerel, spotted, and classic)

• Tortoiseshell and calico combinations

• Pointed patterns similar to Siamese cats

• Bi-color and tri-color variations

The Devon Rex sheds minimally compared to other breeds, making them a popular choice for people who prefer less cat hair around their home. However, despite common misconceptions, they're not completely hypoallergenic.

Distinctive Facial Features

Devon Rex cat breeds are instantly recognizable by their striking facial features. They have large ears set low on their head, giving them an almost bat-like or elfin appearance. Their eyes are large, wide-set, and incredibly expressive, coming in various colors that often complement their coat color. The face itself is wedge-shaped with prominent cheekbones, a short muzzle, and a strong chin.

Their whiskers and eyebrows are often short and crinkled, sometimes even appearing sparse or broken. This is completely normal for the breed and adds to their unique appearance.

The Elf (Pixie) Variety

One notable variation within Devon Rex cat breeds is the "Elf" or "Pixie" variety. Elf cats are Devon Rex with partially or completely hairless coats, giving them a unique and intriguing appearance.

Origins and Development

The Elf variety inherits its hairlessness from the Sphynx breed, as a result of a planned crossbreeding program between Devon Rex and Sphynx cats. Breeders wanted to combine the charming facial features and personality of the cat breed Devon Rex with the hairless characteristic of the Sphynx. The result is a cat with the Devon Rex's distinctive features but with minimal to no fur covering its body.

Appearance and Care

Their lack of fur highlights their charming features, including their prominent cheekbones and large, captivating eyes. Without a coat to soften their appearance, every contour of their body is visible, showcasing their muscular build and elegant lines. The skin itself can appear wrinkled, especially around the shoulders and neck, and feels warm and soft to the touch.

Elf cats may have:

• Completely hairless bodies with smooth, wrinkled skin

• A fine layer of peach-fuzz covering their body

• Slight fur on their extremities (ears, tail, paws)

• Skin that comes in various colors and patterns

One important consideration with the Elf variety is that its hairless nature requires special care. These cats need regular bathing to remove oil buildup on their skin, protection from sun exposure and cold temperatures, and moisturizing to prevent dry skin.

The Curl (Selkirk Rex) Variety

Another variation is the "Curl" variety, also known as "Selkirk Rex." These cats possess a distinct curly coat, much like the Devon Rex, but with a denser and more plush appearance.

Key Differences

Selkirk Rex cats have a thick, luxurious coat with loose, unstructured curls that give them an almost sheep-like or teddy bear quality. Their fur is soft and bouncy, and they come in both long-haired and short-haired varieties, both of which display the characteristic curls.

The Selkirk Rex cats have a thicker body structure and a broader face, giving them a teddy bear-like appearance. They're typically larger than the Devon Rex breed, with males weighing anywhere from 11-16 pounds and females ranging from 6-12 pounds.

Personality and Grooming

Despite being a different breed, Selkirk Rex cats share many personality traits with Devon Rex cats. However, their grooming needs differ significantly. The plush coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting, especially in long-haired varieties, whereas the cat breed Devon Rex needs minimal grooming due to its short, sparse coat.

Common Traits Across All Variations

Despite their variations, all Devon Rex cats share a common temperament characterized by their friendly and playful nature.

Social and Affectionate Nature

They are known to be highly sociable and enjoy being the center of attention. They're not the type of cats that want to be admired from afar. Whether you're cooking dinner, working on your computer, or watching TV, expect your Devon Rex to be your constant companion.

These cats form strong bonds with their human families and often choose a favorite person to follow around devotedly. They're known for:

• Sitting on shoulders like a parrot

• Following their owners from room to room

• Sleeping under the covers with their humans

• Greeting family members at the door

• "Helping" with daily tasks by getting directly involved

Intelligence and Playfulness

Their intelligence and curiosity make them excellent companions and interactive family pets. Devon Rex cat breeds are remarkably clever and can learn tricks, play fetch, and even figure out how to open doors or cabinets. This intelligence means they need mental stimulation to stay happy.

Their playful nature persists well into adulthood. While many cat breeds become more sedate as they age, the Devon Rex breed often maintains its kitten-like energy and playfulness throughout its life.

Compatibility

Devon Rex cats are generally excellent with children, other cats, and even cat-friendly dogs. Their social nature means they actually prefer having company, and they can become lonely if left alone for extended periods.

Choosing the Right Variation for You

Whether you are captivated by the elegant standard Devon Rex, the unique Elf variety, or the plush Curl variety, the breed's variations provide a diverse range of options for cat enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary and affectionate feline companion.

Consider Your Lifestyle

The standard cat breed, Devon Rex, is perfect for people who want a low-maintenance coat combined with high social interaction. Their minimal shedding makes them ideal for people who want less cat hair to deal with.

The Elf variety suits those who are fascinated by the hairless aesthetic and are willing to commit to the extra grooming care these cats require. They need regular bathing, skin care, and protection from temperature extremes.

The Selkirk Rex appeals to those who love the curly coat aesthetic but prefer a more substantial, teddy bear-like cat with a plush coat. They require more regular grooming than the standard Devon Rex.

Health Considerations

Regardless of which variation appeals to you, be aware that Devon Rex cats can be prone to certain health issues:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart condition)

• Patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation)

• Hereditary myopathy (muscle weakness)

• Skin conditions (especially in hairless varieties)

Working with reputable breeders who health-test their breeding cats is essential for getting a healthy kitten.

Living with a Devon Rex

Bringing any variation of the Devon Rex breed into your home means welcoming an interactive, social, and endlessly entertaining companion. These cats thrive on interaction and will quickly become an integral part of your daily routine.

Expect your Devon Rex to be vocal, communicating with chirps, trills, and meows throughout the day. You'll also need to provide plenty of warm spots for your Devon Rex, as they love heat and will seek out the warmest places in your home.

Their food requirements may be slightly higher than average cats because they have higher metabolisms, especially the hairless varieties, which use more energy regulating their body temperature.

Final Thoughts

The Devon Rex and its variations offer something for every cat lover who wants a companion that's truly special. From the standard Devon Rex cat breeds with their adorable curly coat and pixie face, to the striking hairless Elf variety, to the plush and cuddly Selkirk Rex, these cats bring joy, entertainment, and unwavering affection to their families.

What truly sets these cats apart is their incredible personality. Loyal, playful, intelligent, and deeply social, Devon Rex cats and their variations create bonds with their humans that rival any pet. If you're looking for a cat that will be your shadow, your playmate, and your devoted friend, the cat breed Devon Rex might be exactly what you're searching for.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main variations of Devon Rex cats?

The main variations include the standard Devon Rex with its characteristic curly coat, the Elf (or Pixie) variety, which is partially or completely hairless, and the Selkirk Rex (Curl variety), which has a denser, more plush curly coat. Each variation maintains the friendly, playful temperament but differs in appearance and grooming needs.

2. How is the Elf variety different from a standard Devon Rex?

The Elf variety results from crossbreeding Devon Rex with Sphynx cats, creating a cat with Devon Rex facial features but minimal to no fur. Unlike the low-maintenance standard Devon Rex, Elf cats require regular bathing, skin moisturizing, and protection from temperature extremes.

3. Is the Selkirk Rex the same as a Devon Rex?

No, the Selkirk Rex is a distinct breed with a much denser, plush coat and thicker body structure. While both have curly coats, they result from different genetic mutations. Selkirk Rex cats have a teddy bear-like appearance, while Devon Rex cats are more slender with pixie-like faces.

4. Do all Devon Rex variations have the same personality?

Yes! Despite physical differences, all variations share common traits. They're highly sociable, intelligent, playful, and form strong bonds with their families. Whether you choose a standard Devon Rex, an Elf variety, or a Selkirk Rex, expect a friendly, affectionate companion.

5. Do Devon Rex variations come in different colors and patterns?

Yes! Standard Devon Rex cats come in virtually every color and pattern, including solids, tabbies, tortoiseshell, calico, pointed, and bicolor. The Elf variety has skin in various colors and patterns. The Selkirk Rex also offers a wide variety in both long-haired and short-haired versions.