How to Identify a Devon Rex Cat

Co-authored by Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD

Last Updated: December 11, 2022 References

Devon Rexes are impish, playful cats with an unusual look. Originating in Devonshire, England, in the 1950s, their large ears and alien-like appearance distinguishes them from most house cats. By examining your cat's physical appearance and observing their temperament, you can best determine if your cat is a Devon Rex.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Examining Physical Appearance

1
Feel for a curly coat. Devon Rex cats are known for their unusual curly coats. Their fur grows in ripples and waves, often having a suede-like feel. They are shorthaired cats, and their curls are short and dense, a bit like a Poodle's.
- A Devon Rex's coat can come in any number of colors.
2
Look for large eyes on a small face. Devon Rexes have eyes that are exceptionally large in proportion to their petite head size. They are often described as looking like aliens or pixies because of their otherworldly looks. If your cat's eyes are far bigger than a normal cat's, they may be a Devon Rex.^{[1]
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- Devon Rex eyes come in many shades, so color is not a good indicator of the breed.
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3
Look for large, bat-like ears. The Devon Rex's ears are large, triangular, and bat-like with deep cups. They are particularly impressive compared to the breed's small, wedge-shaped head. Many Devon Rexes have small wisps of hair sticking off the tips of their ears. Inspect your cat while you are petting them to examine the ears more closely.^{[2]
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4
Look for a long, thin neck. Devon rexes have slim, dainty necks, which look unusual compared to their expressive eyes and large ears. Look for an elongated neck where the fur is thinner than on the body.^{[3]
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5
Weigh your cat. Devon Rex cats are medium in size, typically ranging from 6-9lb or 2.5-4kg. If you want to weigh your cat at home, a good method is to weigh just yourself, then weigh yourself holding your cat. The difference will be the cat's weight.^{[4]
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- While weighing your cat may help you determine its breed, don't use weight as a primary indicator. Cats' weights vary a ton, depending on whether they are overweight, underweight, full, or pregnant. If your cat isn't in the typical weight range, it doesn't mean it isn't a Devon Rex.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Observing Temperament

1
Play hide and seek with your cat. Devon Rexes are very playful cats that often enjoy fetch or a game of hide and seek. To gauge your cat's interest in play, let them see you, and then hide behind the side of the couch. If they come to find you or bat playfully at the side of the couch, you may have a Devon Rex.^{[5]
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Cat Fancier's Association
World's largest registry of pedigreed cats and organization devoted to the well-being of all cats
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2
Encourage your cat to vocalize. Devon Rexes are exceptionally vocal cats that trill, coo and chirp at their owners. Make some meowing noises at your cat to see if you can engage them in conversation. If they call right back, you'll know your cat is on the talkative side like a Devon Rex.
3
Gauge your cat's interest in unusual foods. Devon Rexes have been known to eat lemons, olives, asparagus or any other number of strange foods. They love food and will often attempt to swipe a bite of your dinner. If your cat seems to want a bite of whatever you're having, no matter how unusual, they may have a Devon Rex's unusual taste.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
Cat Fancier's Association
World's largest registry of pedigreed cats and organization devoted to the well-being of all cats
Go to source}
4
Place your cat in your lap. Devon Rex cats are social, affectionate cats that often enjoy sitting in their owner's laps. They've also been known to follow their owners from room to room to keep them company. Observe your cat's behavior to see if they enjoy affection or prefer to be on their own.^{[7]
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- Devon Rexes enjoy the company not only of people but also other pets. They often get along well with birds, other cats, dogs and any number of creatures. If your cat meets the other criteria and loves socializing with other animals, they may be a Devon Rex.^{[8]
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