Devon Rex personality & welfare

Devon Rex cat insurance

Is the Devon Rex the right cat breed for you?

Our guide to living with a Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a breed of cat originating from Devonshire in the UK. It has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Devon Rex quick facts

Size: Approx. 25-30cm
Lifespan: 9-15 years
Weight: 2.5-4.5 kg (adult male 3.5-4.5 kg and adult female 2.5-3.5 kg)
Colours: Devon Rex can be a variety of colours and patterns
Characteristics: Social, playful and intelligent
Common health issues: HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)

Where does the Devon Rex come from?

The Devon Rex breed originated in the UK – it got its name from Devonshire, where the first Devon Rex cat was born in 1960. The breed came about through a spontaneous genetic mutation – and has gone on to be a popular breed around the world.

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What is a Devon Rex's temperament?

Social & playful

They love to be the centre of attention and thrive in families where they get lots of interaction and stimulation.

Clever

Devon Rex cats are intelligent and can learn various tricks and commands.

Adaptable

They are known for their ability to adapt to different environments and people.

Devon Rex training and exercise

Cat behaviourist consultant Anna Jönsson Bergstedt gives tips on how to train your Devon Rex – and keep them active:

1
Adapt playtime to suit their needs
It’s good to adapt toys to your cat’s individual preferences, but things that move quickly such as spring flippers tend to be good for engaging cats.

Give your Devon Rex the opportunity to sneak about and plan a hunt when you play with them. And make sure they also have opportunities to run after and catch their toy – as this is an important part of the game.
2
Use food to keep them active
All cats have to eat, regardless of their breed. ‘Scatter feeding’ is a great way to keep them active – you can spread food or treats out around the home, and hide them for the cat to find.

You can also use activity bowls or food puzzles. However, you may need to do this in place of a regular food bowl, otherwise your Devon Rex won’t see the need to exert itself.
3
Training tricks
To prevent them from getting up to mischief, intelligent cats may need extra guidance with training. Therefore, it’s important to practice fun tricks together using methods like clicker training.

Using treats and toys is good for reward-based training – this is especially helpful when training cats as they won’t work as hard to impress you as dogs will!
4
Other ways to stimulate your cat
Many cats like to explore and be part of the activities in your home. Encourage them to participate when you’re doing things around the home, and give them outdoor items to play with. For example, you could give your Devon Rex pine cones and blades of grass, or let them explore empty cardboard boxes.

Give them lookout points too so they can keep an eye on their territory, both inside and outside.

Read more blogs by Anna Jönsson Bergstedt

Devon Rex size & appearance

Two grey Devon Rex cats laid down together on blanket.

The Devon Rex is a medium-sized cat with a slim body and a long tail. Its head is short, with standout cheekbones, a tiny muzzle, and a sturdy chin. Big ears and big eyes give it a bit of a bat-like look. Some say it even resembles Gizmo from Gremlins or Yoda from Star Wars.

Devon Rex cats often have wide chests, slender legs and small, oval paws.

The Devon Rex also has easy-care fur. Their coat is wavy and they have thin hair, which comes in different colours and patterns, making each individual unique.

Devon Rex health issues

The Devon Rex is generally a healthy cat breed. Although like other cat breeds, it can suffer from hereditary heart disease HCM.

Caring for your Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is often considered an indoor cat. While they’re curious and playful, their short coat and sensitive skin mean they’re better suited to a cosy indoor life where they’re less exposed to outdoor dangers. They do enjoy climbing and exploring, so an enriched indoor environment with cat trees, toys, and maybe a window perch is ideal.

Check out our guide on creating a good home environment for your cat.

Remember to clean their ears regularly to avoid infections.

Buying a Devon Rex kitten

Devon Rex kittens are adorable and charming. Like adult Devon Rex cats, they have a curly coat and large ears from a young age.

When buying a Devon Rex kitten it is important to make sure it is vet checked, vaccinated and wormed. You should also receive information on how to care for the kitten and when the next vet visit should take place.

Learn more about caring for your kitten, including how to settle them into their new home.

Woman sitting outside in nature snuggling up to her Devon Rex cat.

Devon Rex cat insurance with Agria

With Agria, it's lifetime, every time

At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.

So, whatever happens throughout your Devon Rex's life, we’ll always be there for you and your cat!

Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.

Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year

So your cat can get the care they need.

We pay 98% of claims*

And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your cat.

No increase in your premiums when you claim

So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.

Free vet video calls, 24/7

Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.

Get a quote

Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.

*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.

Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.