Devon Rex and Cornish Rex: comparison, character and peculiarities of care

Origin of breeds

At first glance, it may seem that the Devon Rex and the Cornish Rex are almost the same breed with different names. Both are slender, with huge ears, unusual curly fur and a look that pierces through. But in fact, these breeds originated separately, have different genetic origins, and their “curl” is a consequence of different mutations.

TheCornish Rex, the first of both breeds, appeared in the 1950s in the county of Cornwall, England. It all started with one unusual kitten named Callibunker, who was born with a wavy coat among the usual house cats. His owner noticed the unusual coat texture and began purposeful breeding, resulting in a new breed with a unique type of coat – thin, soft, without a shaft of hair, with curls all over the body. Thus came the Cornish Rex – a graceful, elegant cat with the appearance of a mannequin and the temperament of a puppy.

The DevonRex originated almost a decade later, in another corner of England, in the county of Devon. In 1960, a woman noticed a kitten with wavy hair near an abandoned mine. She also tried to breed it, but when it was crossed with a Cornish Rex, it turned out that the curliness of the two breeds was caused by different genes. This confirmed that the Devon Rex is a separate breed, with its own type of wavy coat and unique phenotype.

So although they look similar, they are two completely separate breeds with different histories, coat types and temperaments.

Appearance and differences

Both look like they’re from another planet – and that’s why they often make it to the top of the most exotic cat breeds. However, if you look closely, the difference between them is very clear.

TheCornish Rex has a slender body, elongated, flexible, with thin paws and a long tail. In profile he looks like a cheetah or even a brave statue. Its coat is very short, silky to the touch, covered with dense fine curls all over its body – especially noticeable on its flanks, back and tail. There is no hair at all, only undercoat, so the coat looks extremely smooth. The ears are large, high-set, and the eyes are oval, expressive, and usually bright.

TheDevon Rex looks a little less graceful, but much more cartoonish – shorter legs, wider skull, more pronounced cheekbones, large ears tilted slightly to the side, and an almost human look. His body is also muscular and flexible, but more compact. Devon’s coat is not as dense as Cornish’s, and his curls often have a somewhat careless, disheveled texture. It is short, but not as even – the curls can be uneven, sometimes with splotches. This is what creates a characteristic appearance – alien, funny and unforgettable.

Both breeds have a look that does not leave indifferent – either admiration or surprise. But they are definitely not the kind of cats you would confuse with anyone else. They are ideal for those who appreciate non-standard beauty and want their pet to be a personality – both in character and appearance.

Character and behavior

Both breeds – Cornish Rex and Devon Rex – outwardly look like aliens, but in character it’s all warmth, playfulness and clinging to the owner. These are the cats that live you. They need a person, contact, attention, conversation, touch. And yes – they know how to reciprocate.

TheCornish Rex is a graceful energizer. He is very agile, agile, jumps higher than it seems possible, runs with incredible ease and loves active games. He is also called “candy mouse” for his ability to sneak up quietly and suddenly appear out of nowhere. At the same time – he is gentle, delicate, affectionate. Not imposing, but always around. He gets along well with children, dogs and other cats, if he is accustomed to company from childhood.

Devon Rex is a clown and comedian in a cat’s body. He is very social, talkative, emotional. This cat does not just live with you – he believes that you are in tandem with him. Devons love to sit on your shoulders, look into your eyes, lie on your face at night (yes, literally), come into the bathroom when you’re in there, and comment on everything you do. It combines a cat, dog, parrot and monkey all in one fluffy package.

Both breeds are very intelligent, easy to train, adapt well to changes in the house, but can’t stand being alone. If you work from home – you will have fun. But if you are often away – it is worth considering a pair of cats or occupying their attention with something.

Care and grooming

At first glance, it seems that because of their short hair, these cats do not need special care. But the opposite is true: the curly fur is very delicate, the skin is thin and sensitive, and therefore requires careful handling.

Grooming Cornish Rex. His fur is more dense, but it is also very delicate. It can not be washed often – it is enough to wipe with a damp towel or microfiber. Combing is rare, with a soft brush or even by hand. It is important to keep the ears clean – they are large and open, so they quickly accumulate wax. It is also important to trim the claws and keep an eye on the skin folds – irritations can occur in hot weather.

Grooming the Devon Rex. He has an even more delicate coat, sometimes with shedding, and very active sebaceous glands. Because of this, it needs to be washed more often (every 2-3 weeks), but using only a delicate cat shampoo. Ears also get dirty quickly, and this is one of the most common reasons to see a groomer. At our V.O.G DOG SALON grooming salons, our groomers are experienced in handling these sensitive breeds – using gentle products, special skin wipes and comfortable drying without overheating.

Both breeds are ideal for people prone to allergies: they hardly shed and have no strong odor. But they are not “problem-free” cats – they need care, attention and very gentle care.

Who these breeds are for

Devon Rex and Cornish Rex are for those who want live contact, constant interaction and a real presence of the animal in life. They are companion cats, friends, family favorites that become the shadow of their owner.

They are ideal for:

• people who work from home or spend a lot of time at home;

• families with children (especially the Devon Rex is incredibly patient and playful);

• active owners who want to socialize with the animal, teach it tricks or even walk it on a leash;

• allergy sufferers – both breeds hardly shed and have no shedding hair, and their skin is less oily than most cats;

• those who want a unique, one-of-a-kind pet – with a personality, face and charisma beyond the “ordinary cat”.

But theywill not suit those who are not ready for:

• high activity;

• high affection for the animal;

• regular delicate care;

• constant presence (these breeds do not tolerate loneliness well).

Cornish Rex photo:

Devon Rex photo:

Devon Rex and Cornish Rex are not “decor” but a full emotional partner. They require time, attention and love – but they give it back a hundredfold. These are special cats, combining external exoticism with inner sincerity. They are not suitable for those who want an “independent cat”. But they are ideal for those looking for a friend who will be a shadow, a comedian, a cuddler and a lively spark in the house. Although they require careful grooming, this is one where the payoff is greater than the effort.