Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a breed of cat that began emerging in
England during the 1960's. Known for their odd, striking
appearance and playful, companion nature, the Devon is a
favorite among pet owners.
They are often featured in Cat Fancy, a monthly magazine
about cats. A very rare and select breed, the average Devon Rex
sells at select breeding businesses for $500 to $750 USD and
$500 to $800 AU.
This price is compared to that of the early 1990's, when
they sold for around $300 USD.
Breed History and Information
Discovering and Relations
The Devon Rex is a relatively new breed of cat with a sparse,
curly, very soft coat similar to that of the Cornish Rex. The
first Devon was discovered in Buckfastleigh, Devon, UK in 1960
amongst a litter of Feral Kittens, initially thought to be
linked with the Cornish Rex; however, test mating proved
otherwise. Cats have three types of Hair; guard hair, awn hair,
and down hair. The Cornish Rex's coat is unusual because there
is no guard hair. In the Devon Rex, all types of hair are
present but are abnormal in texture. More information on the
layers is available under Cornish Rex. See also the Sphynx
breed for more information on hair-deficient genetics in
cats.
Appearance
The curl in Devon Rex fur is caused by a different mutation and
gene than that of the Cornish Rex and German Rex, and breeding
of a Devon to either of those cats results in cats without
rexed (curled) fur. Devons, which are medium sized cats, are
often called "pixie cats" or "alien cats" because of their
unique appearance. Their uncommonly large ears are set low on
the sides of their wide heads, their eyes are large, and their
noses are slightly upturned. Their body type is distinctly
lightly-built. Their long, sturdy legs are great for long
leaps, and their toes are unusually large. Toe color varies
from fur color to fur color. Devon Rex cats come in most
colors.
Behavior
The typical Devon is active, mischievous, playful, and very
people-oriented. They have been described as a cross between a
cat, a dog and a monkey. They are high-jumpers and will try to
occupy any space large enough to admit them. With this trait,
they are often found in odd nooks and crannies of a closet,
shelf, or occassional laundry basket. They're relatively easy
to take care of. Most Devons also have one central person who
they devote their love to. This person is who they will most
often lay upon and rub on. They like to playfully bite, and
will bite strangers they do not recognize.
Role In Allergy Control
The Devon Rex breed is often marketed as a cat that someone
with cat-related allergies can easily co-exist with. It is true
that their missing layer of hair and very low amounts of
shedding help toward this, but they are not hypoallergenic.
However, they can still are easier for someone on the right
allergy medication to own.
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