history of this breed

Devons are the natural mutation of domestic cat that emerged in England. In 1960, a cat loving woman, Beryl Cox, from Buckfastleigh in Devonshire found a cat with a strangely curly coat near an abandoned tin mine. Soon when the litter was born one off the kittens had the same curly coat. The woman was fascinated by this unique male kitten resembling an elf. She took this kitten, named him Kirlee and raised him carefully in her home. This male kitten grew into a beautiful cat with a wide head, fantastic fur and unique dog-like personality. This is how this extraordinary breed emerged. Since 1965 it appeared at cat shows in England and in 1967 it was officially recognized as a breed by the British Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

appearance

Devons are muscular and strong cats. They have a broad chest, long and slender neck, and long legs that bow slightly in the front. The tail is long, well covered with short rippled fur. Whiskers and eyebrows are short or medium-length and often curled to such an extent that it may appear as if they experienced an electric shock. The skull is flat with a curving forehead ended with a strongly marked nose stop. Cheekbones are prominent and wide. They have large almond shaped eyes directed diagonally towards external edges of ears. The colour should be even and should harmonize with the coat. Their uncommonly large, slightly rounded ears are set low on the sides of their wide heads. A perfect DRX has a curly and soft fur and does not shed much. This is undoubtedly a huge advantage of this breed. Any colours and patterns are allowed and quantity of dominant white in white cats is of no importance.

personality

Devons do well with other animals, but they are very much people-oriented. Their affectionate nature connects them deeply with their care takers. Be prepared for a lot of cuddling. They are faithful companions and are ideal pets for children. They are intelligent and never running low on energy. This is why they are unsuited to spending long periods of time without companionship. Without a full-time playmate Devon seems lonely, so it is worth considering on getting him a playmate (cat or god) so as to make him happy while waiting for people to return. Probably this is the only breed wagging its tail like a dog. It looks charming. Devons are masters of fetching and purring. They easily learn tricks and are very easy to take care of.

A cat for people with animal allergies – truth or a myth?

Allergies are not caused by a particular coat type. There are no hypoallergenic cats, however, some people with allergies react less severely to particular cats. Allergies are not caused by coat type but by dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by all cats. Anyone with allergy issues should arrange to handle a Devon before considering acquiring one.

caring for a devon

Devons are easy to take care of even for the first time cat owners.They do not need brushing, gentle petting glove or a cotton rug is all it needs. Regular bathing is advisory. The earlier your cat gets used to bathing the less struggling will it be. Of course you should use appropriate shampoos for pets. Rinse the foam carefully so as to prevent your cat from licking it off. Remember that chemicals are the most dangerous substances for your cat. Pay attention to less furry areas as they get dirty easily (neck and groins). Wipe these areas down more frequently with a gentle sponge.

Devon Rex ears require a great deal of hygiene as they are prone to dust gathering. Remove dust regularly with warm water or use special cleaning solutions available on the market.

Devon’s eyes are dust and smoke sensitive as they do not have eyelashes. Wipe the corners of the eyes with pre-boiled water using a soft cotton pad or apply special cleaning agent.

Devons have the need for added warm due to the coat being light and close to skin. They should only go outside during warm days as they are not protected against cold!!! If your cat goes outdoors protect your it by providing a well-secured balcony or a large outdoor enclosure (aviary). Remember that cats are born hunters. Dangerous accident may happen suddenly and unexpectedly!!! Protecting your windows and balcony with a special cat-net may save your pet’s life.

Devon Rex cat’s whiskers are very short so they are not equipped with GPS to thrive outdoors! Unlike most of domestic cats they should be kept indoors. Devon Rex may run the risk of not finding the way home or being “taken in” by someone who would like to have such an unusual cat.

pedigree or non-pedigree cat?

Pedigree certificate is not a useless piece of paper! It is the evidence of your cat’s lineage, its parents and ancestry representing particular breed. Only original pedigree certificate will ensure that a kitten will be of particular personality and appearance. This is why our cattery promotes the action:

It is not worth saving on the cost of your pet to be your life companion for the nearest 20 years! Relatively „high” price of pedigree cat is not quoted for nothing. It does not result from breeders’ conspiracy, fashion, or a pursuit of easy money, very often it merely covers the cost of breeding. It needs to be realised that a certified breeders bear plenty of additional costs. These include among other things: membership fees, costs of numerous other documents, cat show entry fees, winning awards, plus travelling and accommodation costs.

Unfortunately, apparent “savings” on a non-pedigree cat will affect your pet’s health and may result in unplanned expenditure on veterinary services.

acceptable colours

colour varieties

w – biały / weiss / white

n – czarny / schwarz / black

a – niebieski / blau / blue

b – czekoladowy / chocolate

c – liliowy / lilac

d – rudy / rot / red

e – kremowy / creme / cream

f – czarny szylkret / schwarzschildpatt / black tortoiseshell

g – niebieski szylkret / blauschildpatt / blue tortoiseshell

h – czekoladowy szylkret / chocolateschildpatt / chocolate tortoiseshell

j – liliowy szylkret / lilaschildpatt / lilac tortoiseshell

o – cynamonowy / sorrel (cinnamon)

p – płowy /beige fawn / fawn

q – cynamonowy szylkret / cinnamon schildpatt / cinnamon tortoiseshell

r – płowy szylkret / beige fawn schildpatt / fawn tortoiseshell

s – srebrny, dymny / silber / silver

y – złoty / golden

m – karmelowy

x – nieuznane barwy / nicht anerkannte Farben / non-recognized colours

degree of white

01 – van

02 – arlekin / harlekin / harlequin

03 – dwukolorowy / zweifarbige / bicolour

04 – mitted

09 – nieokreślona ilość białego / alle Mengen weiss /

        unspecified amount of white

zoned coloring of the hair

11 – shaded

12 – shell (tipped)

drawings of stripes

21 – nieokreślony wzór pręgowania / nicht spezifiert tabby Muster /

        agouti unspecified tabby pattern

22 – klasyczny / gestromt / blotched

23 – tygrysi / getigert / mackerel

24 – cętkowany / getupft / spotted

25 – ticked POINT

31 – znaczenia burmskie / Burmafarben / burmese colours

32 – znaczenia tonkijskie / Tonkanesenfarben / tonkanese colours

33 – znaczenia syjamskie / Siamesenfarben / siamese colours

        pointed/himalayan

eyes

61 – niebieskie / blaue Augen / blue eyed

62 – pomarańczowe / orange Augen / orange eyed

63 – różnookie / zweierlei Augen / odd-eyed

64 – zielone / grüne Augen / green eyed

65 – złote burmskie / Burmaaugenfarbe / burmese eye colour

66 – turkusowe tonkijskie / Tonkanesenaugenfarbe / tonkanese eye colour

67 – niebieskie syjamskie / Siamesenaugenfarbe / siamese (pointed) eye

        colour