Standard & Characteristics

The HEAD of the Devon Rex is wedge-shaped, slightly longer than wider,
with a curved forehead and flat skull.

The MUZZLE must be short (profile view) and triangular (seen from the front).
In order for the muzzle to have these characteristics, the other elements
(cheekbones, nose, stop and skull) must adhere to the established standards.

The SKULL is completely flat.
It must show the space required to separate the ears and must be
covered in fur,although some characteristic folds in the skin may be seen.
The forehead curves immediately, to leave space for the stop and then the nose..

Breeders pay careful attention to the nose and the stop
(small depression that interrupts the nasal canal) because they determine a good expression.
The nose must be short and the stop that connects the forehead must be very
evident although not exceedingly so. The chin should be strong,
not weak and must form (as seen from the side) a straight segment with the point of the nose.
The stop should be very marked; the square and a bit angular muzzle along
with the strong chin are typical characteristics of the original European blood line..

The EYES are very wide and oblique, very expressive.
The angle and the position of the eyes serve as a reference to identify a correct
positioning of the ears: a Devon’s ears, in fact, must be set very low,
placed along an imaginary line that starts with the external corner of the eye.

The EARS must be very large and wide at the base and taper to a rounded top.
They should be well covered in thin hair, with or without ear-tip tufts
or earmuffs placed behind the ears. They must be set very low.
The size and positioning of the ears greatly contribute to the cat’s expression.
The whisker pads should not be overly prominent. Whiskers should be curled and strong,
not too long. Cheekbones are also important in order for the cat to have a good expression:
the curve made by the cheekbone, together with the marking of the ears and whisker pads,
gives the Devon the characteristic elfin look, with a heart-shaped muzzle
(with the typical “three arches”) and the large oblique eyes

The NECK should be long and slender.

The BODY should be strong and muscular, thin, with a wide chest.
The bone structure should be on the average

The LEGS should be long and slim. The length of the rear legs should longer
than the front legs, which instead should be slightly bowed. The paws should be
small and oval. Male cats are generally more sturdy and grow to larger sizes.

The TAIL should be long and tapering, well covered with thin hair..

The COAT should be of a very short fur, soft and wavy.
All three types of fur (whether or not modified) are present.
Many subjects have short fur or down on their underparts but a complete coat is preferable.
All colors and patterns are allowed, with any quantity of white.

Some DEFECTS worth mentioning are:
a thin, long head or a too-wide head (typical British shorthair); small, high ears; compact body
with no muscle tone; short tail covered in bushy fur; coat with straight hair and bald
areas (this defect is only allowed in kittens).Standards for the race vary slightly
from one feline association to another. You can see for yourself by looking at the links
to the standards established by the various feline associations.

With respect to personality, a Devon’s unique aspect is coupled with its very special personality.
A Devon totally depends on man, without whom it would find it extremely difficult to survive.
The selections put into practice by the breeders has favored extremely
sociable subjects, affectionate, with an elevated need for attention.

A Devon loves physical contact with its human companion, and can often
be found perched on his shoulder.It also loves contact with other animals and has
all the social graces: it knows how to make itself loved and appreciated by just about everyone.
It is a cat that detests solitude and is suitable for those who desire, and who have the opportunity,
to dedicate much time and affection to their little companions.

It is not an aggressive cat, but rather playful, quite active and reactive,
at times timid and should thus be treated with kindness and sensitivity.

It can also live in close quarters so long as they are well heated in the winter:
this is why they are so suited to indoor life.

One of a Devon’s characteristics is its hearty appetite and tastes in food,
that include food not generally favored by cats (vegetables, soups, bread, cereals and much more):
it should therefore be fed with care in order to avoid being overweighted.

Its very particular coat requires little care: just give it a pat and a caress.
It is, however, fundamental to keep its large ears clean.

It is very important to keep a Devon protected from drafts especially
when moving them during the winter and particularly when it is still a kitten.

CFA STANDARD

TICA STANDARD