Page 130 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

128 C A T AL OG OF BREED S

Exceptionally
large ears, very Nose has
wide at base distinct stop

Wide
Comparatively cheekbones
small head set
on long neck
Firm, muscular,
body Fine, curly
silver tabby
Short muzzle coat has few
with curly guard hairs
whiskers

Long, slender
legs with small,
oval paws

Long,
tapering tail
DEVON REX

NICKNAMED THE PIXIE CAT, THIS MISCHIEVOUS BREED HAS AN ABUNDANCE OF ENERGY

Place of origin UK A curly coated feral tom and an adopted evenly over the body, but the degree of wave
Date of origin 1960s stray tortoiseshell were the founders of or curl varies from cat to cat and may alter
Breed registries CFA, FIFe, this highly specialized breed, which with seasonal shedding of hair or as a cat
GCCF, TICA
originated in Buckfastleigh, Devon, UK. matures. The whiskers are crinkly and tend
Weight range 6–9lb (2.5–4kg)
A litter produced by this unlikely pair to be brittle, breaking off before reaching
Grooming
included a curly coated kitten, which full length. Because of their thin coats, these
was used in the first program to develop cats can seem warmer to the touch than
Colors and patterns the breed. To begin with, it was assumed most breeds, but they easily become chilled
All colors, shades,
and patterns. that this new Devonian line could be and need a draft-proof accommodation.
crossed with the Cornish Rex (p.127), A Devon Rex’s coat usually needs little
another wavy-coated breed discovered more than a wipe-down to keep it in good
a short distance away and a few years condition; these cats will also tolerate gentle
earlier. When only normal-coated kittens bathing, provided they are introduced to
resulted from the matings, it was realized water when they are young kittens.
that two different recessive genes, arising in Despite its slender, leggy appearance,
surprisingly close geographical proximity, the Devon Rex is far from fragile, and
had produced slightly different rexed coats. possesses boundless energy for playing
The coat of the Devon Rex is fine and games and scaling heights. This cat adores
very short, with few guard hairs. Ideally, attention and is not suitable for a family
the waves should be loose and distributed that will be away from the home all day.