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 Cat Breeds - There are a variety of different cat breeds. Read about the many domestic cat breeds, including the Maine Coon and Siamese cats. And view the many cat breeds pictures to see how each breed differs dramatically in coat length and overall look.
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Devon Rex. Read all about these unusual curly haired Devon Rex cats. Devon Rex cat breed and Devon Rex history information, FAQs on Devon Rex cats and Devon Rex pictures.
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DEVON REX
Devon rex cats are not only unusual in
appearance, but these wavy-haired wonders have personalities that can't
be beat. Affectionately called poodle cats for their short, curly
coats, Devons are playful and animated, and love nothing more than
spending time entertaining their favorite humans.
The Devon Rex like its cousin the Cornish Rex, exhibits an interesting
and exotic appearance. Cat lovers who like the unusual are
capitvated by the Devon.
History
The first known Devon was born in East
Germany in 1946. Breeding of the Rex cats began in 1951, one year
after the Cornish Rex appeared. The Devon Rex was discovered as a
single kitten in a litter in the 1960's. The curly coat is its
outstanding characteristic.
Description
The Devon Rex like its cousin the Cornish Rex,
exhibits an interesting and exotic appearance. Cat lovers who like
the unusual are captivated by the Devon.
The Devon has a soft, downy coat with waves There are no hard guard hairs, just
a velvety, short undercoat.
Devon rex's sport a variety of coats that range from a full-rolling
loose uneven wave through lessening degrees of density that support
a tighter rippling effect all the way to a thin suede-like cover.
Kitten coats usually thin out (molt) at about eight weeks of age.
Although some kittens escape this molt phase, many juveniles sport a
suede look until the adult coat begins to come in.
Further molts are
sometimes witnessed at about six months and ten months of age,
although these tend to be less dramatic and of shorter duration.
Selective breeding is required to produce the beautiful show Devon
with its unique pixie face, bat-like ears, and a coat with just the
right amount of density, length and texture to display a rippling
wave when stroked with the hand.
The Devon's ears are astoundingly large. They are wide at the base and
set low on the head. The head is short and wide. The entire picture
is elfin or pixie-like.
Devons are low maintenance, wash-and-wear companions. Their large ears
occasionally require cleaning, but otherwise a quick shampoo and
towel dry (or even a wipedown with a damp cloth) and a nail-trim is
all the grooming most Devons require.
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Characteristics and Temperament
Devon Rex cats are intelligent, inquisitive and extrovert, shows great
resourcefulness in getting what it wants. Playful and affectionate,
enjoys indoor life.
Special Requirements
The fine coat does not provide much
insulation, so protection is needed in cold weather. The large, open
ears should be checked and cleaned regularly. Groom by stroking with a gloved hand.
Rumor has it that Devon rex cats are hypoallergenic and can be
tolerated by those allergic to cats.Devons do shed less
than cats with ordinary coats, which is great for keeping your
favorite furniture free of hair.
However, it's not hair that causes
the allergic reaction in most people, but an allergenic enzyme
called Fel d1 that's secreted via saliva and sebaceous glands.
Devons produce as much of this enzyme as any cat and during grooming
they spread it onto their fur.
However, since Devons shed less of
their allergen-covered hair and can be regularly bathed to remove
the enzyme, some people can tolerate them. If you're allergic, plan
to spend some time with a Devon before agreeing to buy.
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