Do Devon Rex Cats Shed?

Do Devon Rex Cats Shed?

Good information on cat breeds can’t be beaten.  This is true for most breeds, but especially becomes true when you have breeds that are similar to each other or if they have something unique about them.

The Devon Rex is a unique cat that ironically is also similar to a couple other breeds, such as the Cornish Rex.  The Devon Rex has a lot of interesting traits, but one of the most interesting is its fur coat and people often wonder if Devon Rex cats shed.

Yes, Devon Rex cats shed but they shed very little.  Devon Rex cats are well-known to have a short fur coat that may appear to curl.   This cat breed is a great choice for someone that does not like cat hair everywhere and also wants less cat fur coat upkeep than you would get with other cats.

There is much more to learn about the Devon Rex.  Read on to learn more!

Devon Rex cats and Their Fur

Devon Rex cats have an interesting history.  The first Devon Rex cat can be traced back to a cat that lived in a tin mine in Devon, England in 1960.  Eventually, through breeding this cat they created a cat that had a curly coat and pixie appearance, which you will often hear about Devon Rex cats.

Devon Rex cats are medium sized and due to their short coat will appear to have muscles.  Due to this, they may also surprise you by weighing more than they look since muscle weighs more than fat and you may have expected a cat that looks like the Devon Rex to weigh less.

The Devon Rex’s fur coat is incredibly special.  It has a curl, which is something that differentiates it from similar cats, and this fur coat is noticeably short.  This short coat does not shed very much and obviously contributes to the Devon Rex’s unique appearance, in addition to the big ears this cat has.  Due to the Devon Rex’s coat, they often feel warmer than other cats.

Devon Rex kittens are known to molt sometimes, which could result in them outgrowing their birth coat and growing into the adult coat that many know and love.  If you decide to own a Devon Rex kitten and see this happen, it does occur normally, however, you should probably consult your local Veterinarian.

How Should You Maintain a Devon Rex Cat’s Fur?

The Devon Rex is a special cat with a special fur coat that requires special maintenance.  The good news about owning a Devon Rex regarding their fur coat is that it is well known not to shed much at all.  This is good news because some cats shed quite a bit.  My cat Charlotte, who is a Domestic Shorthair, is a medium shedder and if I do not keep up with the cat hair control, I will find cat hair everywhere.  This is probably unlikely with the Devon Rex.

You should groom a Devon Rex with light hands.  You don’t want to be rough with this cat when you are grooming her.  You should be careful when you brush this cat.  I recommend brushing this cat with a glove brush that you can wear on your hand so that you can easily control how softly you touch this cat’s fur coat.  I would brush this cat once every week or two, and I would do it very lightly.  It is important to be gentle with this cat’s fur coat.

Bathing this cat will be important and you should likely bathe this cat once a month.  I would check this with your Veterinarian to ensure their advice does not deviate from this.  With the short coat, you will want to keep it clean and that can mean an easy bath for this cat.

Nutrition is important to a cat’s coat, and you should be mindful of the balanced meal that you feed your cat.  When I feed my Domestic Shorthair, I tend to give her a mix of a premium dry food, a name brand wet cat food, and mix in some fish a couple times a week as well for the fish oils.  She loves it.  You will want to discuss your nutrition regimen with your Veterinarian.  This cat’s fur coat can be fragile, so you should be mindful of anything that could affect it, like nutrition.

What is the Difference Between the Devon Rex and the Cornish Rex?

The Devon Rex and the Cornish Rex are both well-known and often spoken of in the same breath.  While these cats do have many similarities, the Devon Rex has the curly hair, which the Cornish Rex is not known for.  Additionally, the Devon Rex is from Devon, England (sometimes called Devonshire) while the Cornish Rex is from one county over, which is Cornwall, England.

The Devon Rex’s appearance also differs from the Cornish Rex because the Devon Rex has that pixie appearance and the Cornish Rex has a very stoic, noticeable chin.  If you saw these two cats together you would know they are different cats, and the Cornish Rex looks a little more like a normal cat than the Devon Rex does in my opinion.

Are Devon Rex Cats Good Pets?

Devon Rex cats are good pets if you are someone that can deal with a super curious cat.  Devon Rex cats like to play and are also very intelligent.  Devon Rex cats are well-known to be a less vocal cat, but at the same time they will be affectionate enough to want to sit on your lap.  This cat is social and likes being around people.

Devon Rex cats do like high areas, so you may want to get them a tall cat condo to climb on and hang out in.

Summary

Devon Rex cats have a special fur coat that is short, has curls, and does not shed much.  This makes the Devon Rex cat ideal for someone that might be incredibly nervous about a cat shedding on furniture.  The Devon Rex cat is often spoken about with the Cornish Rex, but those two breeds have differences, not just where they come from (different counties in England) but also how they look.