The interest being expressed in this breed of cats is truly amazing, we are not surprised however as the Devon Rex Precinct is a distinct breed in itself that is bound to astound all that meet it and therefore, here in our brief article, we would be telling you everything one needs to know about the Devon Rex, from its history to its beautiful features and loving temperament. All of course, with the focus of helping the reader to properly introduce the bred into their own household. So whether you are a veteran owned Devon Rex or are picking one up for the time or whether you are looking to diversify it all, we please ask you to strap yourselves in as we are about to take you through the informative voyage of the Devon Rex Cat.
What Makes the Devon Rex a Unique Breed?
Developments that lead to the emergence of Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a breed that can be traced back to the county of Devonshire, England in the late fifties. The discovery of this breed can be attributed to the birth of an ordinary domestic cat which produced a kitten with curly fur. Thanks to a genetic mutation, there is a wide array of phenotypes pertaining to the Devon Rex as of yet, making them distinct from more common breeds like the Cornish Rex. Being furry and with an adorably shaped head, this little you’ve been eyeing is indeed a Devon Rex and does demand a fair bit of attention. Meow! In fact, never before has such a feline with bewitching looks, lovingly possessed this beautified curl.
Physical Appearance Characteristics of the Devon Rex
If there was a cat that is bound to outstand in terms of it’s a cut above the rest, none would fit the bill better than the Devon Rex. The first thing you will notice about this breed is its coat. It is soft, plenty of waves and curls which practically no other breed possesses. This is due to a recessive genetic mutation that is unique to the Devon Rex breed. In addition, this breed lacks a thick layer, which most cats have, thus having a very fine look to its fur. Additionally, it also boasts an outstanding feature which are it’s ears, this breed has big ears which are low in position on their head and gives the cat an elf like appearance. The last remarkable feature that needs to be put in mention are their eyes, these cats have large jaw dropping eyes that are full of expression and give this breed a very appealing and smart look. More to the point, the Devon Rex is very tall for its classified category, it has a slender muscular frame with long legs which makes this breed very athletic and fast. To sum up all the distinguishable features of the Devon Rex, these little furballs do have a very peculiar and entertaining look which shares the same traits in their playful personality.
The Curly Coat’s Underlying Genetic Alteration
I believe you would like to know how the genes of a Devon Rex work so let me try my best to answer that! The unique curly-haired characteristics of the devon Rex breed are taken from the curled hair of a specific gene. This transformation changes the hair structure, whereby the animal loses the thick protective covering mostly found in cats. What is left is a soft and fine undercoat that gives the Devon Rex smooth wavy furs. This alteration is unique from other breeds with the curly coat including Cornish Rex, which explains the genetic differences between these hair types even while their appearances are relatively the same. Nature certainly is impressive when it comes to genetic evolution, it in fact makes one wonder how such traits are created through unplanned genetic alteration.
How to Properly Groom Your Devon Rex Cat?
Devon Rex’s Goals: Maintenance of the Wavy Coat
Compared to other breeds, the wavy coat of a Devon Rex is less reliant on grooming. In addition to that, it has to be mentioned that brushing their coats does not have to be done vainly. That is because brushing their coat on a weekly basis is sufficient, let us say once to twice a week. Sine their fur is very fragile don’t allow for over-brushing or else damage is likely to occur. On the other hand, wiping skin folds would be a great practice for removing unnecessary oil.
Common Grooming Tools For Devon Rex Cats
Soft-bristled brush or grooming gloves will solve the problem of stray hair management, it is common with Devon Rex cats. In addition to that, a cat skin will also greatly benefit from the use of a damp soft cloth as all oil build ups can be wiped off and thus their skin can be moisturized easily. To maintain the healthy use of Kat’s nails, nail clippers or grinders should be employed. So as to avoid problems of hygiene light cat wipes will help where cleaning is difficult. All in all, ensuring that harness only the appropriate tools for grooming is key as it ensures the comfort of the cat while helping you easily look after the coat.
Exploring the Devon Rex Personality
Playful Nature and Behavior
According to some reports, Devon Rex Cats are better suited for people suffering from some form of allergies because they have a lower production of the allergen protein Fel d 1 . In addition, they shed less fur. However, these reports differ on an individual basis so it is wise to test out with one before purchasing. Individual performance may vary
Adaptability to Being Left Alone for Long Periods
Cats are social animals in general and they do not enjoy being opportunities to be left alone for long periods of time so furthermore it makes Devon Rex Cats a perfect indoor pet. If you’re frequently away, providing pieces with captivating games for their apartment can help pacify them. Also, leaving another cat with the first one to keep them entertained can be a source of happiness for them.
Social Interactions with Other Cats and Pets
In my experience, Devon Rex cats have had no trouble mixing in with other breeds and even dogs, provided proper supervision is given while they are getting acquainted to the other pets. Speaking of which, my Devon Rex had no issue in being integrated with my older cat and they’ve formed very solid bonds. Cats by default are more inclined to live in socially integrated households with lots of pets, and Rex cats fit in perfectly. Nevertheless, every cat is distinct, so allowing a careful introduction and analyzing their behavior is preferable.
Choosing the Right Devon Rex Breeder
What to Look Out For In A Potential Breeder
First things first, when you are talking to a breeder, ask them about the health history of the parents of the kittens and ask them in which conditions the kittens were raised. Also, ask if the breeder has had the kittens genetically tested for common disorders in Devon Rex, like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Do not forget to ask about the vaccination schedule, how the kittens are socialized, and if a health guarantee is provided. Good breeders should be the ones that provide all the necessary information, are knowledgeable about their breed, and can answer any questions that you might have.
Ways to Identify Good Ethical Breeding Practices
The foremost and most important concern for ethical breeders is the health and general welfare of their cats. Get in touch with professional breeders who keep the environment free of a mess and overcrowding and offer proper socialization to the animals from a tender age. They should also be able to perform health checks for congenital diseases such as HCM and give you the results upon request. Moreover, ethical breeders do not use them as money makers they will put bounds on the amount of litters per year in order to not over breed and to allow ample amount recovery time for the mother cats between breedings. They will also take genuine interest in homes which the kittens are to be given, often asking the potential owners if they are ready for owning a Devon Rex kitten. Finally, do not trust breeders that won’t answer your questions, won’t let you visit or see their animals or look after them properly.
Devon Rex Cats and Genetic Disorder Examinations
Current breeding practices rhyme with the principles of animal welfare as they require every Devon Rex cat to undergo genetic disorder examination. Within the lifetime of a rein, particular health conditions are anticipated to occur. For instance, cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can be discovered at an early stage by breeding with HCM clear cats. Most importantly, knowing potential genetic disorders hot water gives an owner the chance for peace of mind as such problems do not affect their kitten once they have taken care of the issue at hand. Taking it up a notch, in a bid to encourage these discussions among other breeders, ethical breeders have a tendency to openly speak about their approach with the offspring and the results of any tests. A smart step would be to ask parents of your kitten to provide the necessary documents and go through the procedure itself since this critical approach ensures that a kitten would be healthy and taken care of.
Introducing a Devon Rex Kitten to Your Home
Getting Your Home Ready for a Kitten
When getting ready to welcome a Devon Rex kitten into your home, the first thing you should do is identify and prepare a proper spot for the furry baby so that it can get used to its new environment. Other things to consider include purchasing useful items such as a blanket, food and water receptacles, a litter box, and plenty of chew items. Eliminate household hazards by securing cords, removing poisonous plants and ensuring that smaller items cannot be accessed. As they adapt, introduce them to various areas of the house as well as family members gradually.
Basic Cat Food and Products Required
When adopting a Devon Rex kitten, it is necessary to have the appropriate food and supplies in order to enhance its wellbeing and comfort. The first step is to provide a cat food that will cater for their dietary requirements, keep in mind it should be high quality, rich in protein and intended for kittens to facilitate optimal growth. It would be helpful to ask your breeder or veterinarian for any special advice based on your kitten. In addition to the food, kittens require a supply of clean water in a heavy dish which is not likely to be knocked over.
Other basic equipment includes sturdy scratching post to satisfy their biological behaviour, scented litter with a good litter box, and entertaining toys for their physical and mental activity. There will also be the need for gentle grooming equipment such as a mild brush and nail cutters in order to take care of their unique fur and claws. Storing these items in easily reachable places can ease the settling in process for your kitten making it acclimatise with its new home faster.
Training Your Devon Rex Kitten- Important Notes
Training a Devon Rex kitten requires some level of determination, steady practice and a constant positive attitude. Always begin with simple commands as and give treats and compliment for correct gestures. Provide easy access to the scratching post and litter box and direct your kitten to it in case of an emergency, and encourage usage of these items. Socialise your kitten stepwise, expose your pets and unfamiliar people one by one in order to create their trust. Finally make sure to keep all the training sessions short and effective so that your Devon Rex, notice the fun side of the learning environment.
Reference sources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Â
Q: What inherent factors are present in the Devon Rex cat breed that makes it distinct from other breeds?
A: The Devon Rex can be said to be some of the distinct cat breeds owing to their prominent cheeks, large bulging eyes as well as disproportionately large ears. Such defining features give it a distinct place in the category of cat breeds.
Q: Is the Devon Rex a recommended breed of cat for people who are allergic to cats?
A: Individuals who may suffer from mild allergies might appreciate the Devon Rex breed as this breed of cat sheds lesser fur which is one of the main sources of allergens. However, it is pertinent to note that not a single breed of cat is entirely hypoallergenic.
Q: What describes the coat of the Devon Rex?
A: One of the defining traits of a Devon Rex is the soft and curled density coat that seems to alter in color from time to time. Even though it gives out an impression of having sparse hair, the Devon Rex possesses a thick coat that is relatively easy to manage and does not require frequent grooming.
Q: What could you tell us about the Devon Rex in context with the Cornish Rex and Sphynx cats?
A: The Devon Rex is thought to originate from the Cornish Rex and both have evolved from the same region however the dominance of the gene for war curling is stronger in cornish rex as the liwi dominance is stronger in devon rex. Looking at the devon rex and sphynx one might see that they have all rather odd features one is completely hairless and the wings of the devon are coated in fibres of aloof and curls.
Q: On which page of the history does Devon Rex breed tell its untold tale?
A: It was in the 1960s in Buckfastleigh, Devon, England that Beryl Cox revealed the first of the breed known as Devon Rex. The breed’s distinct appearance and friendly temperament contributed to its rapid acceptance in North America.
Q: What would you say is the average size of a Devon Rex cat?
A: Devon Rex ranges from small to medium in size having a quite slim body and its average weight is between 5 to 10 pounds.
Q: What could you tell us about the genes on Devon Rex cats, are there any other variants of behavior custom to Africa?
A: Devon Rex cats are said to be rather playful and lively. They are also highly active and entertaining, often fond of playing fetch and climbing up cat trees.
Q: In the case of other pets, how does the Devon Rex behave?
A: Devon Rexes are usually sociable cats which means that they can be friendly towards dogs and other cats as well. Their nature of being friendly and inquisitive enables them to thrive in multi-pet environments.
Q: Is there a set cat routine peculiar to Devon Rex cats?
A: Devon rex cats have a different kind of skin which explains why they do not need frequent grooming. But their ears are positioned lower so they tend to be waxier and therefore require cleaning on a regular basis.
