Why Devon Rex? And not another breed?

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We quite often get questions about Devon Rexes from people who do not yet fully know this breed, or who have a cat of another breed, and yet for some reason became interested in Devons.

So we thought we would create (besides the already existing description basic information about the Devon Rex breed on our website) – a guide for people looking for a cat ideally matched to their expectations!

Choosing a cat breed is not just a matter of appearance – it is a decision about what temperament, energy level and emotional needs will move into your home for the next dozen or so years. If you are considering the Devon Rex and other popular breeds, this guide will help you see the differences before you make a decision.

What distinguishes Devon Rexes?

Devon Rexes are a breed for people who want a cat that is friendly, follows its human around, squeezes onto its human's lap, but also an energetic, crazy cat, keen on play and needing company, attention and attractions.

The most important traits that make it exceptional:

• Enormous friendliness and attachment: A Devon is a „cat-dog”, a „cat-child”, a „cat-shadow”. It follows its human around, sleeps beside them, takes part in every activity from the morning coffee to the evening Netflix.
• Cuddling, purring, emotional communication: Devons love to cuddle (in most cases), for them physical contact is a natural need, not a reward. They are cats that speak with a purr and a look – there is a truly constant dialogue with them.
• Intelligence and willingness to learn: tricks, fetching, responding to their name, sound signals – many Devons can be taught this without any problem. They like various challenges and new games.
• Fantastic coat: short, soft, comfortable to the touch. Their fur is pleasant, it does not fly around the house like the long hairs of some breeds, and grooming is surprisingly simple (they do not need to be combed, trimmed, bathed).
• Small size, delicate build, cosmic appearance: rarely exceed 3-4 kg, they are light, very agile and trouble-free to carry (including by children). They have their very unusual charm and appearance – a bit of an alien, a bit of an elf, a bit of a bat.
• Energy: even though, like other cats – they probably sleep through some 70% of their life, those remaining 30% are very energetic and lively cats. They jump, run, go wild, provoke, they constantly want to do something.

Devon Rex vs. other breeds

Below you will find a comparison of the Devon with the most commonly chosen breeds in Poland. The point is not to criticise any of them – each is beautiful and each has its own fantastic features. But they are cats really different from the Devon, and it is worth knowing about this before adoption.

As a fun fact – Devon Rexes (DRX) are the 4th most popular cat breed in Poland*. In recent years Ragdolls (RAG) are in first place, Maine Coons (MCO) in second, British Shorthairs (BSH) in third. Then come the Devons. And just after the Devons among the popular breeds we still have in Poland – Russian Blues (RUS) and Siberians (SIB).

* Data based on statistics of the FPL Feline Federation for the years 2006-2025. The number of kittens registered (kitten pedigrees issued) in the years 2025+2024: RAG – 5052+6717, MCO – 4388+6424, BSH – 3469+4931, DRX – 1389+1966, RUS – 713+973, SIB – 556+729

DRX vs. BSH

For whom will a Devon be better? For people who are looking for a cat current, emotionally close and engaged in everyday life.

DRX vs. MCO

For whom will a Devon be better? For people who want a cat close to people and… do not want to untangle mats every week.

DRX vs. RAG

For whom will a Devon be better? For people who want an active cat that will really play and seek contact.

DRX vs. RUS

For whom will a Devon be better? For families, couples and active people – a Devon finds its way more easily in changes and in life „at full speed”.

DRX vs. SIB

For whom will a Devon be better? For people who want a family cat, close to people and uncomplicated in grooming.

How do Devons get along with other breeds / species?

One of the most unique features of Devon Rexes is that they are sociable not only toward people, but also towards other animals. Unlike many breeds that can be territorial, withdrawn or need a long adaptation, Devons often enter into relationships… with surprising ease.

Below you will find how this usually looks in practice:

• Other cats: Devons are open, curious, not inclined to dominance, and often actively seek company. That's why they get along great both with active breeds (such as Abyssinians, Siamese, Orientals) and with more withdrawn or calm ones (British, Ragdolls, Siberians). The only important rule: a new cat must be given time to adapt and to carry out a proper introduction of a second cat – but the very nature of the Devon favours quick befriending.
• Dogs: Devon Rexes very often form strong relationships with dogs. Why? They are self-confident, not afraid of movement and sounds, they like playing together, they don't run away in panic (and this reduces the chase reaction in a dog), and they are communicative and flexible in contact. Both small breeds (Maltese, shih tzu, yorkies) and large ones (shepherds, labradors, huskies) can get along with Devons – we know this from our own experience too.
• Small animals (hamsters, guinea pigs, parrots): Devons are curious, but they don't show a particular hunting drive compared with other breeds with a higher hunting instinct. In practice: they live peacefully alongside such animals, they take an interest in cages, but rather from the perspective of „who's this new friend?”, not „how do I get in there?”. With appropriate securing of the cage there is no risk.
• Children: many long-haired or more independent breeds can be overwhelmed by children's energy. Devons are patient, they initiate contact themselves, they like touch, they have a sense of humour, they easily engage in play (without using their claws). That is why they are one of the best breeds for families.

Summary: the Devon = a social, flexible and very friendly cat.

The Devon Rex is one of the breeds most easily accepting the company of other animals – and this not as „tolerance”, but real friendships. That is exactly why they do brilliantly in: homes with dogs, homes with other cats, families with children, homes with small animals (secured cages!)

And cats from our cattery regularly go to such places and adapt quickly thanks to excellent socialization.

For whom will the Devon Rex NOT be the best?

Honestly: if someone is looking for a cat that:

• likes to spend time alone,
• does not need constant contact,
• is a “decoration on the couch”,
• does not require attention,

– then a Devon will be too much of a… Devon for them 🙂 And indeed it may not be the best choice.

But if you dream of an affectionate, family, playful and intelligent cat – is the ideal breed.

Summary

The Devon Rex is a choice for people who want:

❤️ a close, affectionate cat
🧠 intelligent and easy to train
🎮 a very playful one
🔥 a brave and self-confident one
🤝 socializing wonderfully with people and animals

If you are looking for a cat to live with, and not just „to have”, the Devon Rex is a choice you cannot help but fall in love with.

How does this look at Kotki Kędziorki?

In our cattery we focus on:

• strong socialization – thanks to this our cats enter new homes confident and brave,
• contact with people from the very first days,
• participation in household life, because they live with us, not “next to” us,
• extensive guides and support for new owners.

That is why people who adopted cats from us write in their reviews that a Devon from our cattery is a friend, not just an animal.

Tags: Cattery, Socialization

#Cattery #Socialization