🐾 Devon Rex

Devon Rex

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Who it is

• Scientific name: Felis catus
• Family & relatives: A domestic cat breed; like all pet cats it is related to the wildcat and to every other cat breed.
• How to spot it: A small cat with big ears, large eyes, high cheekbones, and a soft, wavy, curly coat.

Its body & abilities

• Size: A small to medium cat, about 25 to 30 cm tall at the shoulder.
• Weight: Usually about 2.5 to 4 kg (6 to 9 lb).
• Body & adaptations: Its short curly fur and whiskers come from a special gene, giving it a soft, wavy coat.
• Top speed: Very quick and springy, this cat loves to leap, climb, and dash around the house.
• Strength: Light but athletic, it can jump high and perch in the most surprising spots.
• Senses: Keen night vision, sharp hearing, and a fine sense of smell, like all cats.
• Growing up: Kittens are born blind and tiny, open their eyes in about a week, and grow up over about a year.

Where it lives

• Habitat: Lives indoors as a warm, cozy house pet.
• Where in the world: Kept as a pet worldwide; the breed began in Devon, England.
• Territory: Its home, where it loves warm laps and sunny windowsills.

What it eats

• Diet: A pet that eats cat food in daily meals and needs fresh water always nearby.
• Favorite foods: Good-quality cat food, wet or dry, with treats now and then.
• How it hunts: A playful pet that hunts toys and enjoys chasing and pouncing games.

How it behaves

• How it moves: Walks, runs, leaps, and climbs with great spring and balance.
• When it is active: Lively and playful through the day and loves to curl up warm to sleep.
• Family life: Very people-loving and friendly, often following its family from room to room.
• How it talks: Meows, purrs, chirps, and lots of head-bumps and cuddles to show affection.
• Babies: After about 63 to 65 days a mother cat has a litter of around three to four kittens, which she nurses and grooms.

Its place in nature

• Role in nature: A gentle, playful companion; its job is to be a friend, not a worker.
• Conservation: Domestic breed, not a wild animal, so it is not counted for conservation.
• Dangers: Because its coat is thin, it likes to stay warm, and regular vet care keeps it healthy.

Life & legacy

• How long it lives: About 12 to 16 years with good care, sometimes longer.
• In our culture: A famous breed nicknamed the pixie cat or alien cat for its big ears and elfin face.
• Where to see it: In homes as a pet and at cat shows.
• Fun fact: The Devon Rex is nicknamed the pixie cat because of its big ears and elf-like face.