Devon Rex vs. Cornish Rex: At a Glance
Two curly-coated breeds, two completely different mutations. Devon Rex and Cornish Rex look similar but have distinct genetics, coats, and personalities.
Feature
| Feature | Devon Rex | Cornish Rex | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coat Gene | Re (Rex) — recessive | R (Wirehair) — recessive | Different genes, same result |
| Coat Texture | Wavy, soft, loose curls | Tight, short, rippled waves | Devon = looser; Cornish = tighter |
| Head Shape | Wedge with short muzzle, large low-set ears | Egg-shaped, high cheekbones, large high-set ears | Devon = pixie; Cornish = egg |
| Body Type | Muscular, medium, broad chest | Slender, arched back, greyhound-like | Cornish = more extreme |
| Whiskers | Short, crinkled, may be brittle | Short, curled | Both have unusual whiskers |
| Personality | Mischievous, dog-like, lap cat | Athletic, acrobatic, always moving | Devon = cuddlier; Cornish = busier |
| Size | 6-9 lbs | 6-10 lbs | Similar |
Rex Coat Genetics
Rex Cat Care Essentials
| Provide warm spots — thin coats = heat-seeking behavior | |
| Gentle grooming only — harsh brushing breaks fragile hairs | |
| Clean ears weekly — large ears collect more debris | |
| Feed high-quality diet — higher metabolism than coated cats | |
| Expect lap-cat behavior (Devon) or constant motion (Cornish) | |
| Breed Devon x Cornish — different genes, produces straight-coated kittens | |
| Use harsh brushes — fragile coat breaks easily | |
| Skip ear cleaning — large ears prone to wax buildup |
Devon and Cornish Rex mutations are at different gene loci — they are NOT allelic. Breeding a Devon to a Cornish produces straight-coated kittens, not curly. This proves the mutations are on different genes entirely.
Both Rex breeds have higher metabolisms than coated cats and need more food per pound of body weight. They also feel warmer to the touch — not because they have a fever, but because there's less fur insulating their body heat.
Devon Rex and Cornish Rex are both curly-coated cats that originated in Cornwall, England within 10 years of each other (Cornish Rex in 1950, Devon Rex in 1960) and were initially assumed to be the same mutation. Genetic testing proved they are separate mutations: Cornish Rex produces tight, wavy curls from a missing outer guard hair layer; Devon Rex produces looser curls from a different gene producing shorter, softer fur. Their personalities are also distinct -- the Cornish Rex is more athletic and active; the Devon Rex is more people-centered and often described as dog-like in its following behavior.
The coat: why they curl and what it means for owners
Cornish Rex cats lack guard hairs (the coarser outer layer of a normal cat coat). What remains is the down coat -- exceptionally soft, tight, marcelled waves. This coat is warm-feeling to the touch. Cornish Rex shed less than double-coated breeds but are not hypoallergenic -- they produce the same allergen proteins (Fel d 1) as other cats, just in lower quantities spread through less shedding. Devon Rex retain some guard hairs but they are shortened and wavy, producing a coarser, more textured curl than the Cornish. Both breeds need warm environments -- without the insulating outer coat, they lose body heat more readily than standard cats. They are comfortable at 70 to 75 degrees; they are not suited to cold homes without supplemental warmth.
Cornish Rex: the Whippet of cats
Cornish Rex are lean, long-legged, and fast. They have an arched back, a small head relative to their body, and the highest energy level among curly-coated breeds. They enjoy fetch (seriously -- most Cornish Rex return thrown toys reliably), sprint through rooms, and are perpetual motion animals until they decide to sleep. They bond strongly with owners but less intensively than Devon Rex. They are suited to active households; they do not thrive in homes where they are left alone for long periods without stimulation. Weight: males 7 to 9 pounds, females 5 to 7 pounds. Lifespan: 12 to 15 years.
Devon Rex: the "poodle cat"
Devon Rex are more people-focused than Cornish Rex and frequently follow their owners from room to room, sit on shoulders or in laps, and insert themselves into household activities. They have a wide, triangular face with large eyes and very large, low-set ears that give them an impish appearance. They are playful but less hyperactive than Cornish Rex. They are highly trainable (food motivated, intelligent) and known to learn to open cabinets and doors. Weight: males 8 to 10 pounds, females 5 to 8 pounds. Lifespan: 12 to 15 years.
Health considerations
Devon Rex are predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) -- TICA and CFA breed committee recommend annual echocardiography screening for breeding cats and screening for all Devon Rex by age 3. A DNA test for one HCM-related mutation exists but does not cover all genetic causes. Cornish Rex have fewer documented breed-specific diseases; annual cardiac auscultation is still recommended. Both breeds are prone to skin conditions if exposed to harsh grooming products. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks prevents oil buildup on the skin that can cause seborrheic dermatitis -- the reduced coat of both breeds means body oils are not distributed the way they are in coated cats and accumulate at the skin surface more readily.
Grooming and care
Both breeds require minimal brushing -- the curls are tight enough that regular combing disrupts the pattern. A weekly gentle wipe with a damp cloth removes surface debris. Ear cleaning is more important than in typical cats due to the large ear size (Devon Rex especially) and accumulation of wax. Nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks. Both breeds are food-motivated and prone to weight gain if food is not portion-controlled -- free-feeding of either breed commonly results in obesity.
Sources: CFA Devon Rex and Cornish Rex breed standards; TICA breed committee health recommendations; Lyons LA, Rex mutation genetic identification studies; Cornell Feline Health Center HCM screening guidelines for Devon Rex; AAFP preventive care guidelines.