preloader

Devon Rex Cats in New York: Small Size, Big Mischief

The Devon Rex looks like a storybook elf: huge low-set ears, wide eyes and a soft, rippled coat that feels like suede. Compact and agile, they suit apartments as well as houses, as long as someone is home to play. Owners often compare them to monkeys or puppies, because they climb everything and follow their people everywhere.

Characteristics

  • Playfulness
    4 4 4 4 4
  • Activity Level
    4 4 4 4 4
  • Friendliness to Other Pets
    3 3 3 3 3
  • Friendliness to Children
    3 3 3 3 3
  • Grooming Requirements
    1 1 1 1 1
  • Vocality
    2 2 2 2 2
  • Need for attention
    4 4 4 4 4
  • Affection towards owners
    5 5 5 5 5
  • Docility
    3 3 3 3 3
  • Intelligence
    4 4 4 4 4
  • Independence
    2 2 2 2 2
  • Hardiness
    2 2 2 2 2

History and Origins

The breed began in 1960 in Buckfastleigh, Devon, England, with a curly-coated kitten named Kirlee whose father was a feral tom near an abandoned tin mine. Test matings with Cornish Rex cats produced straight-coated kittens, proving Kirlee carried a different rex gene. The breed reached the United States in 1968, and CFA granted championship status in 1983.

Personality

Devon Rex kittens are fearless, funny and intensely people-focused. Many ride on shoulders, steal food from plates and insist on joining you under the blanket. They thrive on attention and do poorly when left alone for long workdays.

Nutrition and Feeding

A thin coat and busy metabolism mean these small cats often have big appetites. Feed a complete, high-protein diet in measured meals and keep food off counters, because they are famous for helping themselves. Your vet can track weight, since a light frame shows extra pounds quickly.

Grooming and Care

Skip stiff brushes; the delicate coat can break, so a soft cloth or your hand is usually enough. The skin can get oily, so occasional gentle baths or wipe-downs help, along with weekly cleaning of those large ears. Trim nails and check paw pads for oily buildup.

Specifics Need

With such a thin coat, they feel the cold, so offer heated beds and warm hideaways through New York winters. Ask breeders about DNA testing for hereditary myopathy, a muscle condition in the breed, and about knee checks for patellar luxation. Cats entering New York from another state need a veterinary health certificate issued within 30 days.

Need to Know

• The coat is fragile; use a soft cloth instead of a stiff brush.

• Clean the large ears weekly to manage wax buildup.

• Provide warm beds; a thin coat means they chill easily.

• Ask about DNA testing for hereditary myopathy.

• Ask whether the parents' knees were checked for patellar luxation.

• They shed less than many cats but are not hypoallergenic.

• Cats arriving from another state need a 30-day health certificate.

FAQs

Are Devon Rex cats hypoallergenic?
No. They shed less than many breeds, and some allergic people tolerate them better, but they still produce the Fel d 1 allergen. Spend time with one before committing.

How is a Devon Rex different from a Cornish Rex?
They carry different genes for a curly coat. The Devon has a looser, softer wave, a shorter face and larger, lower-set ears.

How long do they live?
The GCCF puts typical lifespan at 12 to 16 years. Good genetics, dental care and regular vet visits help.

Can a Devon Rex live in a small apartment?
Yes. They are compact and love vertical space, so add shelves and a cat tree and plan for plenty of play.

Do they need sweaters?
Some enjoy one in cold apartments, but most simply seek out warm laps, beds and sunny spots.

Purrfect matches

Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image
Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image Slide Image

Pawsome reviews

img_1

Stephanie M.

5

Adopting our new kitten from Purebred Kitties was a wonderful experience. The process was smooth and clear, leaving no room for confusion. Alona's kindness and genuine care shone through as she promptly answered all my questions. Thanks to the whole team, our new furry family member is now home and already cherished beyond words!

img_3

Tara E.

5

I am absolutely thrilled with my experience! The team provided instant clarification and communication, showing true compassion every step of the way. The video calls reassured me that this company is trustworthy. The caring consultants seamlessly connected me with the breeder, making the entire process smooth and efficient.

img_4

Marcus R.

5

Purebredkitties has been absolutely wonderful. They made everything so easy and stress-free. Adoption specialist Kim A was fantastic, always going the extra mile to help me. She even responded to my email at 3 am her time! 😊 This whole experience has been truly heartwarming and rewarding.

img_5

Kelti P.

5

Our experience with Purebredkitties was wonderful! Communication was great, and we even got to FaceTime with our kitten before bringing her home. She was exactly as we expected and is already doing great with our family after just two days. One small note is that pedigree papers weren't included and cost extra, which was a bit pricey since she arrived spayed. Overall, even though it was expensive, it was worth it. The quality and size of our kitten are amazing!

img_6

Patty A.

5

The whole experience of adopting a pet with this fantastic team has been nothing short of wonderful. Now, I have the joy of being a devoted pet mom to a gorgeous kitten I named Princess. I'm already looking forward to adopting another fur baby with Maria's help in the future. I'm absolutely thrilled and can't thank you all enough!

img_8

Meldi F.

5

Proud mom of four Sphynx kitties! I adopted all of my adorable feline friends from Maria at purebredkitties.com, and I couldn’t be happier. Each one is a treasure, and working with Maria has been an absolute delight!

Hannah L.

5

The whole journey to bring our fluffy bundle of joy home was fantastic. Maria is incredibly kind and always ready to answer all our questions. I really appreciate how seriously they take the health of the cats. Our kitten arrived with a minor case of the sniffles, likely from the airport travel, but it was easily and quickly resolved. Plus, the video call we had to meet our little guy beforehand was a wonderful way to get a glimpse of his personality and feel confident in our decision. I'm definitely recommending Purebred Kitties to all my friends who are looking to get their own Maine Coon.

Arki V.

5

I recently welcomed my second Sphynx from Purebred Kitties, and just like my first experience, everything went perfectly. This time around was just as smooth and delightful. I adore both of my cats—they're healthy, have amazing personalities, and are absolutely precious.

Stephanie M.

5

Adopting our new kitten from Purebred Kitties was a wonderful experience. The process was smooth and clear, leaving no room for confusion. Alona's kindness and genuine care shone through as she promptly answered all my questions. Thanks to the whole team, our new furry family member is now home and already cherished beyond words!

Tara E.

5

I am absolutely thrilled with my experience! The team provided instant clarification and communication, showing true compassion every step of the way. The video calls reassured me that this company is trustworthy. The caring consultants seamlessly connected me with the breeder, making the entire process smooth and efficient.

Marcus R.

5

Purebredkitties has been absolutely wonderful. They made everything so easy and stress-free. Adoption specialist Kim A was fantastic, always going the extra mile to help me. She even responded to my email at 3 am her time! 😊 This whole experience has been truly heartwarming and rewarding.

Kelti P.

5

Our experience with Purebredkitties was wonderful! Communication was great, and we even got to FaceTime with our kitten before bringing her home. She was exactly as we expected and is already doing great with our family after just two days. One small note is that pedigree papers weren't included and cost extra, which was a bit pricey since she arrived spayed. Overall, even though it was expensive, it was worth it. The quality and size of our kitten are amazing!

Patty A.

5

The whole experience of adopting a pet with this fantastic team has been nothing short of wonderful. Now, I have the joy of being a devoted pet mom to a gorgeous kitten I named Princess. I'm already looking forward to adopting another fur baby with Maria's help in the future. I'm absolutely thrilled and can't thank you all enough!

Meldi F.

5

Proud mom of four Sphynx kitties! I adopted all of my adorable feline friends from Maria at purebredkitties.com, and I couldn’t be happier. Each one is a treasure, and working with Maria has been an absolute delight!

Hannah L.

5

The whole journey to bring our fluffy bundle of joy home was fantastic. Maria is incredibly kind and always ready to answer all our questions. I really appreciate how seriously they take the health of the cats. Our kitten arrived with a minor case of the sniffles, likely from the airport travel, but it was easily and quickly resolved. Plus, the video call we had to meet our little guy beforehand was a wonderful way to get a glimpse of his personality and feel confident in our decision. I'm definitely recommending Purebred Kitties to all my friends who are looking to get their own Maine Coon.

Arki V.

5

I recently welcomed my second Sphynx from Purebred Kitties, and just like my first experience, everything went perfectly. This time around was just as smooth and delightful. I adore both of my cats—they're healthy, have amazing personalities, and are absolutely precious.

Why you can trust us

Protection from Scams

Join us in the fight against kitten scams. We assure you with 100% certainty that our services will safeguard you from any form of scam. We prioritize transparency, effective communication, and fulfilling our commitments.

Only Reputable Breeders

We maintain a strict policy against kitten mills and take pride in linking you with ethical and trustworthy professional breeders who are dedicated to raising kittens with love and compassion in a home environment.

Comprehensive Health Guarantee

We perform extensive tests and veterinary examinations to ensure the optimal health and well-being of our kittens. Our commitment goes further with comprehensive health guarantee to make the transition as stress-free and enjoyable as possible for you and your family.

How We Vet Devon Rex Breeders for New York Families

The Devon Rex is a relatively rare breed, so careful breeding and health testing matter. Our Devon Rex cat breeders are screened against kitten-mill practices, and you can meet your kitten on a live video call before you decide. Browse the Devon Rex kittens for sale above, and an adoption specialist will handle the health paperwork and travel to New York.

Ready to find your dream kitten ?

Discover adorable, loving kittens waiting for their forever home—start your journey today!

Be the first to know

Don't miss your dream kitten! Get updates on newly listed kitties and deals to your inbox!

Talk to Specialist
0