Devon Rex Cats
The Devon Rex is a breed of cat with a curly, very soft short coat similar to that of the Cornish Rex. The first Devon Rex was discovered in Buckfastleigh, Devon, UK in 1960 amongst a litter of kittens near a disused tin mine. The breed was initially thought to be linked with the Cornish Rex; however, test mating proved otherwise. The first kitten with the curly hair was named Kirlee and originally kept as a pet. As kirlee grew the owner, Miss Cox, contacted Mr. Brian Stirling-Webb, who was working to establish the curly-haired "Rex" cats as a breed.
Mr.Stirrling-Webb and other rex breeders were excited to hear the news of a new breed of 'rex'. They persuaded Miss Cox to send them Kirlee to use with their rex program. Kirlee was mated with several rex females and to everyone's surprise, the resulting kittens were all straight-haired. After several additional attempts, it was apparent that kirlee represented a completely seperate genetic variation than that found in the other "Rex" cats.
The "Gene I" Rex cat became knowm as the Cornish Rex and the "Gene II" Rex cats became known as the Devon Rex.
History of Devon Rex Cats
Physical Characteristics
The curl in Devon Rex fur is caused by a different mutation and gene than that of the Cornish Rex and German Rex, and breeding of a Devon with either of those cats results in cats without rexed (curled) fur. Devons, which are medium sized cats, are often called "pixie cats" or "alien cats" because of their unique appearance. Their uncommonly large ears are set low on the sides of their wide heads, their eyes are large, and their noses are slightly upturned. Unlike most cats their whiskers are very short and often curled to such an extent that it may appear as if they have no whiskers. Their body type is distinctly lightly-built. Their long, sturdy legs are well suited for long leaps, and their toes are unusually large. Devon Rex cats come in all colours. The ears are large and slightly rounded.
Temperament
The typical Devon is active, mischievous, playful, and very people-oriented. They have been described as a cross between a cat, a dog and a monkey (or, more famously, as "a monkey in a cat suit"). They are high-jumpers and will try to occupy any space large enough to admit them. With this trait, they are often found in odd nooks and crannies of a closet, shelf, or laundry basket. Devons prefer to be in high places and will go to great lengths to get to the highest spot in a room. They are relatively easy to take care of. Most Devons also have one central person to whom they devote their love, and on whom they will most often lie and rub. They like to playfully nip, and love to play throughout their lives.
They are a very intelligent breed; the typical Devon Rex can be trained to walk on a leash, fetch or perform all manner of tricks usually associated with canines.
Another common trait is their show of affection: they have a particular penchant for being close to the head or neck of their human companions and can often be found mounted upon ones shoulder or nestled into the cranny created by the neck and shoulder when one is prone.