Rex cat Small size 2.5-4 kg

Devon Rex

A mischievous, people-obsessed pixie of a cat with a soft wavy coat - endlessly playful but really dislikes being left alone.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
2.5-4 kg, 25-30 cm at the shoulder
High
Activity
Active; needs daily play and climbing
Low
Alone-time tolerance
People-oriented; dislikes long days alone
Easy
Handling
Sociable and easy to handle
Low
Coat care
Fine wavy coat; gentle low-shedding care
Excellent
Fit with kids
Patient with respectful children
Good
Other pets
Usually fine with cats and calm dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Obesity, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

The Devon Rex typically weighs 2.5-4 kg, stands 25-30 cm, and lives 12-16 years.

Consider this breed if…

you are home a lot or can offer a second pet for company,
you want a playful, monkey-like cat that stays kittenish for years,
you like a cat that rides on shoulders and sleeps under the covers,
low shedding matters to you (though no cat is allergen-free).

Do not consider this breed if…

the cat would be alone most days - this breed truly suffers solo,
you want an independent, low-contact cat,
you cannot secure food - Devons are legendary food thieves,
a cool, drafty home with no warm spots (the thin coat feels the cold).

A typical day with a Devon Rex

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Emerges from under your blanket, supervises breakfast closely
  2. 8:30 · Midmorning
    Follows you everywhere; perches on shoulders or the warmest spot
  3. 12:00 · Noon
    Naps curled against a heat source - radiator, laptop, or you
  4. 15:00 · Afternoon
    Acrobatic play bursts, food-raiding attempts on any unguarded counter
  5. 19:00 · Evening
    Peak clown hours - fetch, climbing, entertaining the family
  6. 22:30 · Night
    Under the covers or on your pillow; it sleeps where you sleep

Temperament and training

Affection Very high
Playfulness Very high
Independence Very low
Vocality Moderate, quiet voice
Sociability with strangers High
Food motivation Very high
Common owner mistakes
Choosing a Devon while working long days away - loneliness hits this breed hard · Over-bathing or rough brushing that damages the fragile wavy coat · Leaving food unattended and underestimating how far a Devon will go to steal it

Family and environment

Kids Excellent
Loves to play and tolerates gentle handling; a natural kid's companion.
Dogs Good
Often befriends cat-friendly dogs and appreciates the company.
Cats Good
A second cat is close to essential for owners who work away from home.
Apartment Good
Size is no issue; company is - it needs people or pets around.
House Suitable
Keep it warm; a Devon seeks heat sources year-round.
Seniors Great match
A devoted, ever-present companion for someone home a lot.
First-time owners Good
Easy to bond with; just understand the companionship requirement.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Obesity Indoor cats gain weight easily; watch portions
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Most common feline heart disease; echo screening helps
Dental Disease Plaque and gum disease; routine dental care helps
Allergies and skin issues Skin sensitivity; fine or bare coats need care

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

The other wavy-coated acrobat, even more slender
Cornish Rex
A playful, warm-seeking cat with a soft wavy coat and low shedding - very people-focused and not fond of being left alone.
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Same heat-seeking, people-obsessed nature, no coat
Sphynx
A warm, attention-loving hairless cat that craves constant company - the bare skin needs regular bathing and care.
View profile →
Equally people-focused, more vocal
Oriental Shorthair
An active, people-focused cat that wants interaction and does best in a busy home - not one to leave alone all day.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

Are Devon Rexes hypoallergenic?
No - this is the most common myth about the breed. Devons shed less because the coat is thin and wavy, so some allergy sufferers report milder reactions, but they still produce the Fel d 1 allergen in saliva and skin. Spend time with an adult Devon before committing if allergies are the reason you are considering one.
How much does a Devon Rex cost in the US?
Kittens from reputable breeders typically run about $1,200-$2,000. Over a 12-16 year lifespan, plan for well over $10,000 in food, routine care, and vet events; heart screening (HCM runs in the breed) and dental care are the recurring line items worth budgeting for specifically.
Can a Devon Rex be left alone during a workday?
Reluctantly, and not happily. This is one of the most people-dependent cat breeds; a Devon alone in an empty home day after day tends to become anxious, vocal, or destructive. If you work away from home, a second cat or a cat-friendly dog is close to a requirement, not a luxury.
Does the Devon Rex coat need special care?
Yes, but in the direction of less, not more. The wavy coat is fine and fragile, so hard brushing breaks it - a soft mitt or bare hand is enough, plus occasional ear cleaning since the big ears build up wax. Some Devons get oily skin and need an occasional gentle bath. They also chill easily, so provide warm sleeping spots.