Cat or dog? Or maybe… a Devon Rex? 10 arguments to convince a skeptical partner to welcome a cat

---

People who dream of a cat often get in touch with us – but their the other half is not entirely convinced.

Usually it is someone who had a dog in childhood or… never had contact with cats. Sometimes these are people who gave in to stereotypes: that cats are false, unattached, destroy everything and it is impossible to build a relationship with them.

In reality many of these beliefs have nothing to do with real, conscious life with a cat. And especially – with a Devon Rex cat.

If you are just such a couple – one person browsing kitten photos with a sparkle in their eye, and the other asking with a raised eyebrow “and what do we need this for?” – this guide is for you.

You will see how the cat versus dog comparison stacks up and how to convince (try to convince) your other half.

Cats vs. dogs – a comparison from everyday life

We will start with what cats can be better (or „more convenient”) at than dogs 🙂

1. Independence vs the need for constant attention

Dogs require daily walks, regardless of the weather or your mood, often several times a day (also in the morning, when we don't always feel like it). Cats – provided they have a suitably arranged environment – can keep themselves occupied and we don't have to walk them. This doesn't mean they don't need contact! But their independence is a huge plus for busy people or those who value flexibility.

2. Cleanliness and hygiene

From an early age, a cat learns to use the litter box; by the time you collect it from our cattery, it is already trained. You don't have to take it outside, it won't leave „surprises” on the neighbour's lawn. Cats are also incredibly clean and spend a lot of time grooming. With proper care and good food – there is no „cat smell” in the home. In recent years, automatic self-cleaning litter boxes have also done a lot of good, and we only have to empty the bag once every few days.

3. Maintenance costs

Keeping a dog (especially a large one) is a bigger expense: larger food portions, training, a groomer, potentially more expensive veterinary care (larger doses of medication, more expensive procedures, tick treatments), walking accessories (leashes, clothes). Devons don't need „servicing” when it comes to their coat, and the „walking” costs disappear (we advise against taking them for walks). A cat is smaller and more economical in daily upkeep.

4. Travel and leaving at home

Going away with a dog often means either a pet hotel, or the logistics of travelling together. A cat – especially a well-socialised one (you can read how we socialize the cats at our cattery) – it can calmly stay home alone for the weekend (just providing it with more water and food). Plus if we go away for longer someone trusted can come to our home once a day and that will also be OK (or even once every 2 days). The cat also does not suffer from a lack of walks, so the question of dumping such a responsibility on someone is out of the picture.

5. Living in an apartment

Let us not fool ourselves – a big dog in a small flat is a challenge. Cats are usually much smaller, they adapt superbly to smaller spaces, and a Devon Rex can turn a studio flat into the coolest playground.

Devon Rex – the cat that breaks stereotypes

If the classic image of a cat does not fully convince you, then a Devon Rex may surprise you additionally. These are cats that people often confuse with dogs (in terms of their character) 🙂

1. They follow a person around like a dog

Literally. A Devon can follow you to the bathroom, wait outside the door, greet you at the threshold, sit on your shoulder, lie on your belly, squeeze under the duvet. It is a cat that wants to be close. And it often chooses one person, whom it „adopts” as its human.

2. They love to play

Not only on their own – they happily bring a toy, learn to fetch, chase a little ball. They have loads of energy and a peculiar sense of humour. They are like crazy little house gremlins – light, funny, fast. Boredom? Not with a Devon! We will just add that Devons work great as a pair, both with a second Devon and with another animal! (we have such examples from the homes of our kittens).

3. They love people

These are not cats that hide in corners. They like guests, they often push their way onto laps by themselves. A well-socialised Devon is a contact-loving, friendly and very affectionate cat. But beware – sometimes it is love to the full, without limits, very intense!

4. They are delicate and agile

Small, light, with soft wavy fur and a velvety touch. They do not destroy the space (in our cattery they are taught to use scratching posts), they are clean and gentle on their surroundings. They fit in perfectly in modern houses and flats.

5. An appearance that attracts attention

Ears like a bat, eyes like an owl and a face like something out of a fairy tale (or an alien film :D). These are cats that catch the eye and make guests ask: „what kind of little animal is that?!”. A Devon doesn't resemble a typical cat – and that's exactly what often steals the hearts of those who weren't „cat people” before.

And if you are still hesitating…

Then we invite you to contact us. Sometimes one meeting with a kitten from our cattery is enough for a sceptical partner to change their mind completely 😉

We do not pressure – we believe that a relationship with a cat should be a conscious and joint decision. But if you dream of a friend who will bring energy, tenderness and a daily dose of smiles into the home – a Devon Rex may be just that missing element.

Aneta and Mariusz from Kotki Kędziorki*PL

PS. Finally, a bit of humor on this topic 😀