Cat health

Devon Rex health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Devon Rex, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 15 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe vet-reviewed breed guide points to 4 health issues to plan for: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease, hip dysplasia and luxating patella.

Health problems linked to the Devon Rex

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)Named by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]The heart muscle thickens and stiffens. It is the most common heart disease in cats and can cause heart failure or blood clots. [2]Cat heart ultrasound (owner bills): $90–$400 [3]
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)Named by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]Fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys from birth and slowly lead to kidney failure. A DNA test and ultrasound can screen for it. [4]Kidney disease care, per year: $400–$1,200 [5]
Cat ultrasound (owner bills): $90–$400 [3]
Hip dysplasiaNamed by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [6]X-rays: avg $493 (range $56–$1,000) [7]
Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]The kneecap slips out of its groove. Mild cases may only cause an odd skip in the step; severe cases can need surgery. [8]Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [9]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

PetMD's vet-reviewed guide to the Devon Rex lists these conditions to know about: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Polycystic kidney disease, Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella. [1]

Health screening

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 3 DNA health tests for the Devon Rex, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA rdAc) (Abyssinian); Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD1); Dilute. [10] One health test costs $47 there. [11]

What to budget

Breed-specific cat bills aren't published, but a routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525. [12]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Devon Rex at US-average prices, before insurance, is $800–$1,300. Multiply that by a life expectancy of about 9–15 years on average and you get roughly $7,200–$19,900 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [12][13] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $435 a year for a cat in the US in 2025. [14] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [15]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Devon Rex?

Based on PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide, the conditions to know about are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease, hip dysplasia and luxating patella. That doesn't mean every Devon Rex will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Devon Rex?

Breed-specific cat bills aren't published. A routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525 (VetReceipt owner bills).

Should I get pet insurance for a Devon Rex?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $435 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

How long does a Devon Rex live?

PetMD gives a life expectancy of About 9–15 years on average.

Devon Rex breed guideDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogsPolycystic kidney disease (PKD) in catsAtenololMRI, CT and ultrasound costCost of chronic kidney disease in cats

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (15) — tap to show
  1. PetMD – Devon Rex cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
  2. Cornell Feline Health Center – Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  3. VetReceipt – Cat Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. Cornell Feline Health Center – Polycystic kidney disease
  5. PetCostVS – Pet cost by life stage (2026)
  6. OFA – Hip dysplasia
  7. VetTally – Veterinary cost statistics, 932 reports (Oct 2026)
  8. VCA – Luxating patella in cats
  9. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  10. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Devon Rex DNA tests
  11. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Cat DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  12. VetReceipt – Cat Routine Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  13. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  14. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  15. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost