The Devon has wavy fur that gives a rippled effect. The fur is thickest on the back and sides of the body, tail, legs, face, and ears. The coat may be shorter on the top of the head, neck, chest, and belly, but should never have bare patches. It has a distinctive texture: soft, fine, and full bodied. When it comes to the Devon Rex coat, the more gentle the grooming the better. The hairs are delicate, and rough brushing or combing can damage them. The skin of some Rex cats may develop a greasy feel, especially in folds or on the paws. If this is the case, bathe this wash-and-go cat every few weeks. The rest is basic care. Trim his nails every week or so and brush his teeth with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. Check his ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out using a cotton ball moistened with a gentle ear cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Make baths, brushing, nail trimming, and tooth brushing regular parts of kitten care, and your Devon won’t fight you on these matters when he’s older.
The Devon’s wavy coat is easy to maintain. Groom gently so you don’t break the delicate hairs. In many cases, brushing your hand over the coat is all it needs. The best thing about a Devon Rex coat is that it doesn’t shed much, and the fur is so fine that it isn’t very noticeable on clothing and furniture.Baths are rarely necessary unless the cat is white or has a lot of white on the coat. Those cats can start to look dingy if they are not regularly bathed. The coat dries quickly after a bath.Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Wipe the corners of the eyes daily with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading any infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear.Keep the litter box spotlessly clean. Like all cats, Devon Rex are very particular about bathroom hygiene.The Devon Rex feels warm to the touch, but he is always seeking warmth. If you are cold, he probably is too. Buy him a nice sweater or two to help him retain heat.It’s a good idea to keep a Devon Rex as an indoor-only cat to protect him from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a car. Devon Rex who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such an unusual cat without paying for it. If possible, build your Devon Rex a large outdoor enclosure where he can jump and climb safely. If your Devon Rex has an outdoor enclosure that allows for sunbathing, be sure to apply cat-safe sunscreen to his body to prevent sunburn.
