Devon Rex
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Devon Rex |
|---|
 |
| Common nickname |
| Pixie cat, Alien cat, ET |
| Country of origin |
| England |
| Breed standards (external links) |
| AACE, CFA, ACFA, CCA,
ACF, FIFe |
The Devon Rex is a breed of cat that began emerging in England during the 1960's. Known for their odd, striking appearance and playful, companion nature, the Devon is a favorite among pet owners. They are often featured in Cat Fancy, a monthly magazine about cats. A very rare and select breed, the average Devon Rex sells at select breeding businesses for $500 to $750 USD and $500 to $800 AU. This price is compared to that of the early 1990's, when they sold for around $300 USD.
Contents |
[edit] Breed History and Information
[edit] Discovering and Relations
The Devon Rex is a relatively new breed of cat with a sparse, curly, very soft coat similar to that of the Cornish Rex. The first Devon was discovered in Buckfastleigh, Devon, UK in 1960 amongst a litter of Feral Kittens, initially thought to be linked with the Cornish Rex; however, test mating proved otherwise. Cats have three types of Hair; guard hair, awn hair, and down hair. The Cornish Rex's coat is unusual because there is no guard hair. In the Devon Rex, all types of hair are present but are abnormal in texture. More information on the layers is available under Cornish Rex. See also the Sphynx breed for more information on hair-deficient genetics in cats.
[edit] Appearance
The curl in Devon Rex fur is caused by a different mutation and gene than that of the Cornish Rex and German Rex, and breeding of a Devon to either of those cats results in cats without rexed (curled) fur. Devons, which are medium sized cats, are often called "pixie cats" or "alien cats" because of their unique appearance. Their uncommonly large ears are set low on the sides of their wide heads, their eyes are large, and their noses are slightly upturned. Their body type is distinctly lightly-built. Their long, sturdy legs are great for long leaps, and their toes are unusually large. Toe color varies from fur color to fur color. Devon Rex cats come in most colors.
[edit] Behavior
The typical Devon is active, mischievous, playful, and very people-oriented. They have been described as a cross between a cat, a dog and a monkey. They are high-jumpers and will try to occupy any space large enough to admit them. With this trait, they are often found in odd nooks and crannies of a closet, shelf, or occassional laundry basket. They're relatively easy to take care of. Most Devons also have one central person who they devote their love to. This person is who they will most often lay upon and rub on. They like to playfully bite, and will bite strangers they do not recognize.
[edit] Role In Allergy Control
The Devon Rex breed is often marketed as a cat that someone with cat-related allergies can easily co-exist with. It is true that their missing layer of hair and very low amounts of shedding help toward this, but they are not hypoallergenic. However, they can still are easier for someone on the right allergy medication to own.
[edit] External links
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