Devon Rex
Devon Rex: pixie-like, playful. Naturally curly, wavy coat; many colors and patterns.
Updated October 15, 2026 · 8 sources · see sources
| Weight | 6–9 lb on average [1] |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | About 9–15+ years on average [1] |
| Coat | Shorthair (curly, wavy) [2] |
| Look | Naturally curly, wavy coat; many colors and patterns [2] |
| Personality | Pixie-like, playful [2] |
| CFA popularity (2025) | No. 5 pedigreed breed [3] |
Activity and exercise
CFA calls them part court jester, part soulmate; they follow their people everywhere. [2]
Grooming
CFA notes the sparse, wavy coat can be fragile, with occasional bare or “sueded” patches, and Devons shed less than many breeds. [2]
Health issues to budget for
PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide lists these conditions to know about: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Polycystic kidney disease, Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Routine vet visit, any cat (owner bills) | $190–$525 | [4] |
| Yearly cost of a cat, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,149 | [5] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, cat (US 2025) | $435/year | [6] |
| Cat heart disease treatment (owner bills) | $525–$1,250 | [7] |
| Cat kidney disease (CKD) care | $600–$3,500 total | [8] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for cats in general or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The breed traces to a single curly-haired male kitten found in a garden litter in Devon, England, in 1959. His owner, Beryl Cox, named him Kirlee. [2]
- Kirlee was first thought to carry the Cornish Rex mutation, but test breedings proved that wrong. [2]
- CFA called the Devon Rex the most popular shorthair breed on its 2025 top-10 list. [3]
- CFA says their chatter is soft chirps, trills and peeps, and some like fruit and vegetables. [2]
Good fit for
- ✅ People who want an interactive, people-focused cat (CFA)
- ✅ Homes where someone is around a lot
Common questions
How long do Devon Rex cats live?
PetMD's vet-reviewed guide gives a lifespan of about 9–15 years on average.
How big does a Devon Rex get?
PetMD lists a weight of 6–9 lb on average.
More cat breeds
Sources
- PetMD – Devon Rex cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
- CFA – Devon Rex breed profile
- CFA – Most Popular Breeds for 2025
- VetReceipt – Cat Routine Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- VetReceipt – Cat Heart Disease Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Kidney Disease (CKD) Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)