Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a distinct breed with a wavy coat, large ears, and a unique genetic mutation causing specific health risks like myopathy and skin issues.
The Devon Rex is a medium-sized cat with a wavy, short coat, large ears, and a distinct genetic mutation that sets it apart from other Rex breeds. This breed emerged in England in the late 1950s and is defined by a unique head shape, a "pixie-like" appearance, and a specific genetic variant that causes health challenges not found in other cats.
The breed emerged from a unique genetic mutation
The Devon Rex originated in Buckfastleigh, Devon, when Beryl Cox found a curly-coated kitten named Kirlee in 1960. Cox initially believed the mutation was related to the Cornish Rex and bred Kirlee with Cornish cats, but the resulting kittens had straight coats. This proved that Kirlee carried a different genetic mutation, leading to a dedicated breeding program to preserve this unique trait. The breed is distinct from the Cornish Rex, which has a different coat texture and genetic basis.
Appearance is defined by a specific head shape and coat texture
The Devon Rex has a medium build with a short, dense, soft coat that curls inwards, creating a waved or rippled effect. The head is short with a broad wedge and a brow that curves to a flat skull, giving the breed its characteristic "pixie-like" look. The eyes are large, oval-shaped, and set wide apart, while the ears are large, set wide apart, and have rounded tips. Whiskers and eyebrows are crinkled and twisted, and the coat may lack the wave effect in areas like the neck. The breed comes in any color, and the coat texture is the primary visual identifier.
Health risks include a specific hereditary myopathy
The Devon Rex is predisposed to hereditary myopathy, a condition caused by a genetic variant known as COLQ. This condition can appear anytime from 3 to 23 weeks of age. While the condition may stabilize in some cases, it most often worsens, leading to death from laryngospasm after the cat obstructs its larynx with food. Beyond this specific genetic issue, the breed is also predisposed to feline atopic dermatitis, congenital hypotrichosis, and Malassezia dermatitis.
Genetics differ from other Rex breeds
The Devon Rex's unique coat is the result of a specific mutation in the KRT71 gene, which is also responsible for hairlessness in Sphynx cats and the curly coat in Selkirk Rex cats. However, the Devon Rex mutation (re) is recessive to the wild type and distinct from the dominant mutation found in the Selkirk Rex. This genetic difference explains why the Devon Rex has a sparse, wavy coat rather than the thick, curly coat of the Selkirk Rex or the hairlessness of the Sphynx.
Management requires attention to skin and respiratory health
Owners must be vigilant about the breed's specific health vulnerabilities. The risk of laryngospasm from food obstruction requires careful feeding practices and monitoring for early signs of myopathy. Additionally, the predisposition to skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and Malassezia dermatitis means regular grooming and veterinary checks are essential to maintain skin health. The breed's unique anatomy and genetics require a proactive approach to care rather than reactive treatment.