Just like all other cats, Devon Rexes are carnivores. They do not have any special dietary requirements. They need a well-balanced, high-protein diet and constant access to clean, fresh water. Devon Rexes are prone to overeating and obesity, so it is better to control their daily portions.
Female Devon Rexes are typically ready to breed every 3 months. They usually give birth to 3-4 kittens per litter. The kittens' eyes typically open around the 4th-5th day, possibly earlier. At birth, they have short, wavy fur, which straightens and thins starting around 2 months of age. Between 3 and 6 months, the kittens do not resemble Rex cats, with short fluff covering their bodies and only waviness on the hips, tail, and paws. By 6-7 months, they start developing fur similar to adult Devon Rexes, with their coats fully forming by 2 years of age.
The coat of the Devon Rex is low-maintenance, but it requires gentle care to preserve its unique curls. Their fine fur doesn't provide much insulation, so keeping them warm is essential. Regular baths with cat-safe shampoo help maintain their skin health, but excessive bathing can damage their delicate curls. Additionally, it's crucial to keep their ears clean, nails trimmed, and teeth brushed to prevent health issues such as periodontal disease. Owners of this breed should be mindful of these specific care needs to ensure their cat's well-being.
Devon Rex cats are predisposed to a range of hereditary diseases, including patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and polycystic kidney disease. Additionally, they are at risk of developing vitamin K-dependent coagulopathy and myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular junction disease causing skeletal muscle weakness.
