Are Devon Rex cats healthy pets?

If you’re looking for a unique cat, look no further than the Devon Rex. Also known as pixie cats, they have large low-set ears, huge saucer eyes and a triangular face, making them a striking breed. Their short, curly coat is velvety to touch and their petite frame makes them very endearing. Almost alien like, but super cute. Rumour has it that Steven Spielberg took inspiration from his own Devon Rex cat when he created the infamous character E.T., and I wonder if J. K Rowling was similarly influenced when Dobbie took shape?!

Breed history

The Devon Rex was first “discovered” in England (yes, in Devon) in the 1960s by a lady called Beryl Cox after a cat gave birth to a litter in her garden. One of the kittens was a curious looking chap with a curly coat. She called him Kirlee and went on to develop a breeding program with him, creating the Devon Rex breed. Although similar in looks, they are genetically different from the Cornish Rex. The Devon Rex was eventually exported to the United States and can now be found across the globe.

As well as their unique appearance, Devon Rex cats also have wonderful personalities: playful, intelligent and very affectionate. But, purebreds of any species unfortunately often come with their share of health concerns. So how does the Devon Rex do on the health spectrum? Let’s explore.

Common health problems in Devon Rex cats

Firstly, it is fair to say that Devon Rex are generally healthy cats, but the breed is predisposed to some particular health conditions. This means they are at higher risk of developing these conditions than the average cat. Understanding these potential issues is important if you are considering adding a Devon Rex to your family.

Hereditary myopathy

Devon Rex myopathy is a serious genetic condition which affects how the nerve signals are transmitted to the muscles, resulting in weak muscle function. It is also found in Sphinx cats. The genetic defect has been identified (called the COLQ variant) and a genetic test is available for it. Cats with this condition usually start showing signs when they are kittens between about 3 weeks and 6 months of age. The symptoms they may experience include:

Muscle weakness, particularly in their head and neck.
Head bobbing / low head carriage due to weakness
Shoulder blades protruding upwards
A high-stepping forelimb gait
Muscle tremors
Inability to exercise
A shortened stride
Regurgitation
Pneumonia
Inability to swallow safely

This disease tends to worsen until the cat is around 6-9 months old. Oddly, after this age, the deterioration usually slows down or stops, and from then onwards the signs remain stable. Signs can periodically worsen if the cat becomes stressed, excited, or has a period of illness. Cats that reach a point of stability with only mild to moderate signs can live happily with some care and adaptations in the house, but if the symptoms are severe the disease can be fatal. Death is usually through choking as their ability to swallow is impaired by the muscle weakness.

Because there is a genetic test available for this condition, DNA testing is advisable for all Devon Rex cats before they are bred from, to reduce the chance of it being passed to the offspring.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Alongside Ragdolls, Maine Coons and oriental breeds, Devon Rex cats are among the breeds predisposed to this condition, but it is often diagnosed in Domestic Short Hair cats too. HCM is a result of abnormal thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle. As the walls of the heart get thicker, the space inside the heart for the blood to flow gets smaller, so less blood can be held within the heart, and therefore less blood is pumped around the body with each contraction. Over time, this can lead to congestive heart failure.

Worryingly, HCM can sometimes be silent (i.e. your cat will show no outwards signs), but it may result in several changes that can be detected by you or your vet:

Heart murmur
Increased rate of breathing / panting
Increased breathing effort
Reduced activity
Reduced appetite
Fluid build up in or around the lungs
Blood clot formation
Cardiac arrhythmias

Unfortunately there is no particular genetic screening to check for HCM in this breed, so owner awareness and regular veterinary check-ups are important to detect it early. If your cat is diagnosed with HCM, sadly it can’t be cured but medication can be used to control their blood pressure, reduce fluid build-up and prevent blood clots.

Patellar luxation

Patellar luxation is when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its usual position, causing discomfort and difficulty walking. It is much more common in small dogs than cats, but the Devon Rex does seem to be predisposed.

Patellar luxation is graded 1 to 4 according to its severity. Mild cases (Grade 1 and 2) often don’t need any intervention as the patella slips out of place rarely and generally finds its way back into place quickly too, causing only temporary discomfort. Surgery is generally recommended for more severe cases (Grade 3 and 4) because the luxation is regular and causes ongoing pain and lameness.

Hip dysplasia

The Devon Rex also seems to be predisposed to hip dysplasia. In this condition, the hip joints don’t develop normally, leading to hip pain, lameness and the development of early osteoarthritis.

Skin issues

One of the defining features of the Devon Rex is their fine, wavy coat, which is structurally very different to your average moggy. Typical cat fur found in other breeds is made up of three types of hair:

guard hair (the outermost, protective layer that you’ll find all over your sofa)
awn hair (the shorter, middle layer)
down hair (the insulating undercoat)

Devon Rex cats only have down hair, giving them their short, velvety coat. The benefits of their fine coat are that they don’t shed like your average cat. For you as an owner, this means no matted fur, less grooming maintenance, less shedding around the house, and it’s great for people with allergies.

The downsides of having such a unique coat are:

Less protection

Climbing trees and scrapping with your neighbour’s cat may see them much worse off than a cat with a thick layer of protective fur. They will also feel the cold! You will often find Devon Rex cats gravitating towards a sunny windowsill or warm fireplace because they don’t have the natural insulation from their fur. For these reasons it is generally advisable to keep Devon Rex as house cats.

Skin irritation / infections

Devon Rex cats are prone to greasy skin. The natural oils produced by the skin build-up as the outer layers of fur (which the oils normally cover) are absent. This can lead to dermatitis and skin infections, so gentle grooming or bathing to remove excess oils may be a requirement for owners of these cats. Due to their lack of furry protection, their skin will also be more exposed to irritants and allergens.

Polycystic kidney disease

This is a hereditary disorder which causes cysts to develop on the kidneys and leads to kidney failure. This can be fatal, and sadly often when they are still young. It is highly associated with Persian cats in particular, but other breeds including the Devon Rex are listed as being at low risk. A genetic test is available and recommended before breeding to avoid passing on the defective gene.

Considerations for prospective owners

If you are considering a Devon Rex as a pet, there are several factors to keep in mind before you take the plunge.

Insurance

Pet insurance is recommended for all pet owners, but because of their predisposition to certain health issues, purebred cat owners should be extra inclined to insure their cats. Insurance will help cover the cost of any unexpected vet fees. Occasionally insurance companies will not cover certain conditions in certain breeds – so check the small print!

Indoor living

Devon Rex cats are best kept as indoor pets. Their thin coats provide little protection against the elements, and they are more vulnerable to injury if allowed to roam outdoors. An enriched indoor environment with plenty of company, toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures can keep them entertained and perfectly satisfied.

Regular veterinary check-ups

Routine vet visits are essential for early detection of any potential health issues as some problems will not be apparent to you at home. Things like heart murmurs will go completely unnoticed unless your vet is able to check them over, and with most diseases an early diagnosis often means a better prognosis for your cat. Even if your cat is kept indoors, they can still suffer with disease and illness, so don’t forego your routine vet checks.

Grooming

While their coats require much less grooming than long-haired breeds (in fact, their coats are very delicate and easily damaged with over-brushing), occasional bathing or grooming is still important to prevent that oily build-up and reduce the risk of skin infections. Cleaning their ears and trimming their nails are also essential parts of their grooming routine.

Socialisation and mental stimulation

Devon Rex are highly social cats and need companionship. They are described as having a ‘dog-like’ playfulness. If you’re often away from home, or don’t have much time to spend with your cat, consider a different breed. They are also very active, and because they are generally indoor cats you must be willing to provide plenty of entertainment, climbing towers and games for them. Devon Rex are an intelligent breed and they enjoy playing games with people – you can even teach them some tricks and commands!

So, are Devon Rex healthy pets?

In general, yes – Devon Rex cats are relatively healthy, especially when compared to some other pedigree cat breeds. While they are predisposed to some health conditions, many of these issues can be managed with proper care and regular vet visits, and their life expectancy is the same as an average cat at 10-15 years.

Their affectionate and playful personalities make them excellent companions. As long as they get enough company and mental stimulation, they can suit both busy family environments and individuals living alone. So if you’re considering taking on a Devon Rex, do your research. If you’re aware and able to cope with their quirks, you will be rewarded with a loyal and playful companion, with some added impish charm.