Devon Rex VS Cornish Rex: Key Differences to Know

According to a 2013 genome-wide study, the Cornish Rex's curly coat is caused by a four-base-pair deletion in the LPAR6 gene on chromosome A1 – a mutation entirely distinct from the one responsible for the Devon Rex's wavy coat.

That single genetic detail explains something most people assume incorrectly: that these two breeds are simply regional variants of the same cat. They are not. Breeders confirmed this the hard way in the 1960s, when early attempts to cross a Cornish Rex with a Devon Rex produced only straight-coated kittens – proof that two separate, incompatible mutations were at work.

Devon Rex vs Cornish Rex comes down to two cats that look superficially similar: both curly-coated, both large-eared, both originating in England within a decade of each other, but differ meaningfully in coat structure, body type, genetics, and even temperament once you look closely.

This guide breaks down exactly where the two breeds diverge, so you can decide which one actually fits your home.

Where Did Each Breed Actually Come From?

Both breeds trace back to spontaneous genetic mutations discovered in neighboring English counties, just a decade apart.

The Cornish Rex came first. In Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, in 1950, a barn cat named Serena gave birth to a curly-coated kitten named Kallibunker – the founder of the entire breed. Every Cornish Rex alive today descends from that single cat.

The Devon Rex followed a decade later. In 1960, near an abandoned tin mine in Devon, a stray female gave birth to a curly-coated kitten named Kirlee. Breeders initially assumed Kirlee carried the same mutation as the Cornish Rex and attempted to breed the two lines together. The resulting kittens all had straight coats – conclusive proof that Kirlee's mutation, now known as Gene II, was genetically distinct from the Cornish Rex's Gene I.

Devon Rex vs Cornish Rex: Coat and Appearance

This is where the two breeds are most often confused and where the real differences are easiest to see once you know what to look for.

Coat structure is fundamentally different

The Cornish Rex has only one of the three hair types most cats have: the very fine, soft down hair. It is entirely missing guard hairs, which gives the coat its tight, "marcel wave" pattern that lies close to the body in a washboard-like texture.

The Devon Rex has some guard hairs, though they are sparse, short, and rexed (curled). This creates a coat with a more open, looser wave that varies in density across the body and can leave thin or "sueded" bare patches in places, something rarely seen on a Cornish Rex.

Body shape tells the rest of the story

If you see a cat with an arched, statuesque back and a face that looks vaguely Egyptian, you are likely looking at a Cornish Rex. If the face looks more elfin, with ears set low and wide, you are looking at a Devon Rex.

Cornish Rex and Devon Rex Personality: Are They Different?

Both breeds are intensely social, people-oriented, and allergic to being ignored, but the details differ in ways that matter for day-to-day living.

Cornish Rex cats are often described as the more athletic and acrobatic of the two. They retain kitten-like energy well into adulthood, love to play fetch, and are known to entertain themselves for hours. They are frequently called "Velcro kitties" for their need to maintain constant physical contact with their favorite person.

Devon Rex cats are equally attached to their people but tend to be slightly calmer observers. They prefer to supervise from a shoulder or a nearby perch rather than constantly initiating play. Both breeds dislike being left alone for long stretches and do best in active households with plenty of company.

The practical difference: if you want a cat that will physically insert itself into whatever you are doing, a Cornish Rex is slightly more likely to be underfoot. If you want a cat that watches closely and joins in selectively, a Devon Rex may be the better fit. Both differences are subtle, and individual cats vary widely regardless of breed.

Difference Between Devon Rex and Cornish Rex: Health and Care

Neither breed is considered high-risk overall, but each carries its own specific considerations.

Cornish Rex is generally regarded as a sturdy, vigorous breed without major inherited health concerns. The main practical issue is the coat itself: lacking guard hairs entirely, Cornish Rex skin offers little protection from sun exposure and the breed chills easily in cold weather.

Devon Rex carries a few well-documented hereditary risks, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hereditary myopathy, and patellar luxation. Responsible breeders screen for all three before breeding, and asking for documentation of this testing is essential before adopting.

Grooming

Grooming needs are nearly identical for both breeds: occasional bathing to manage skin oil (more fur means less buildup, but neither breed sheds enough to self-manage oils the way a fully coated cat does), regular ear cleaning since both accumulate wax faster than average, and monthly nail trims.

Hypoallergenic Myth

Neither breed is hypoallergenic, despite the common myth attached to both. Allergic reactions come from the Fel d 1 protein in saliva and dander, not hair length, and both breeds groom themselves just as much as any other cat.

Devon or Cornish Rex: Which One Should You Choose?

There is no objectively "better" choice – only a better fit for your household and aesthetic preference.

Consider a Cornish Rex if:

• You are drawn to a sleek, elegant, greyhound-like silhouette

• You want one of the most energetic, acrobatic cat breeds available

• You enjoy a cat that initiates play constantly and learns tricks like fetch

Consider a Devon Rex if:

• You are drawn to the distinctive "pixie" or elfin facial structure

• You prefer a cat that is deeply attached but slightly more observational

• You want a breed with a long, well-documented presence in CFA's most popular rankings

Whichever you choose, work only with breeders who provide health testing documentation and a written guarantee. Learn more about what a health guarantee should cover before adopting either breed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Devon Rex and Cornish Rex? 

The main difference is coat structure: the Cornish Rex has only down hair, creating a tight marcel-wave coat, while the Devon Rex has sparse guard hairs that create a looser, more open wave. Their genetic mutations are entirely distinct, despite originating in neighboring English counties.

Are Devon Rex and Cornish Rex the same breed? 

No. Although they look superficially similar and both originated in England within a decade of each other, they are genetically distinct breeds. Early breeding attempts between the two produced only straight-coated kittens, confirming that the mutations are incompatible.

Cornish Rex vs Devon Rex: which one sheds less? 

Both breeds shed minimally compared to typical cats, but the Cornish Rex's complete lack of guard hair generally results in the lowest visible shedding of the two. Neither breed is truly hypoallergenic despite this.

Is a Devon or Cornish Rex better for a family with children? 

Both breeds are well-suited to families and described as good with children by their respective breed clubs. Cornish Rex tends to be more constantly active and playful, while Devon Rex is similarly social but slightly more composed day to day.

Which is older, the Devon Rex or the Cornish Rex? 

The Cornish Rex is older, originating in 1950 in Cornwall, England. The Devon Rex appeared a decade later, in 1960, in the neighboring county of Devon, and was initially mistaken for the same mutation before genetic testing proved otherwise.

Do Cornish Rex and Devon Rex have different health concerns? 

Yes. The Cornish Rex is generally considered a hardy breed with no major inherited conditions, though its coat offers little sun or cold protection. The Devon Rex carries documented risks for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hereditary myopathy, and patellar luxation, which responsible breeders screen for.