Differences Between Devon Rex and Cornish Rex Cat: All You Need To Know

Choosing between the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex cat’s strains will be challenging for someone unfamiliar. They’re similar in terms of their physical features, places of birth, and, even more, their breed identities. Even though they may appear similar at first, you’ll get to know how different they’re from one another after becoming familiar with them. So, a potential owner needs to conduct extensive research to choose which cat breed is ideal for their home and the differences between devon rex and cornish rex cat.

Both cat breeds are renowned for their lively personalities and luxurious fur. These cat breeds have curly fur, huge ears, and lean, robust bodies that may confuse you easily. Despite sharing similar traits, there is a clear distinction between these breeds.

The big, floppy ears, small eyebrows, and stronger limbs set to differentiate the Devon cats from Cornish cats. The Cornish cats have long limbs, small waists, wide chests, and nicer fur.

In addition to these minor physical variations, psychological distinctions are also evident. But, it might be difficult for you to compare and find the key difference between these breeds. Don’t worry; in this today’s article, we’ve provided enough information regarding these 2 breeds that helps you to distinguish between them.

So, let’s dig into this article and find more interesting facts about these breeds:

What Is a Rex Cat?

Rex cats are the result of a unique mutation that forms delicate, slender physique cat breeds known as the Cornish or Devon. Both these breeds are produced from a single ancestor, but unique mutations make their hair follicles oval-shaped instead of standard round form. Rex cat’s hair grows in curly form rather than normal cats whose hairs grow straight.

Rex breeds are renowned for great stamina, intelligence, and sturdy bodies. These cats learn tricks quickly and compete with other cats during playing games.

Cornish Rex vs Devon Rex

Here we’ll examine both breeds in detail and determine precisely what distinguishes them. By comparing Cornish Rex vs Devon Rex (Breed Origins-Size Appearance, & Coloring-Temperament-Exercise Needs-Grooming Requirements-Health Problems-Cost Per Kitten), you’ll be able to select a perfect breed for yourself.

Breed Origin: Cornish Rex Overview

The Cornish Rex breed was a native of Cornwall and first appeared in the 1950s. It is produced because of a genetic abnormality that gave the litter’s kittens a peculiar fur texture. The kitten’s ancestors were an anonymous male cat and a British Shorthair female. Both of them are mated to create this breed.

When these Cornish breeds reached America, they were mated with American Shorthair and other species to prevent this breed from extinction as they were getting extinct in England.

Breed Origin: Devon Rex Overview

Devon Rex cat was first produced in 1960 in Devonshire city in England. When a breeder mated a Cornish cat with Karlee, which is an odd-looking breed, the waviness in the coat disappeared, and a new breed was produced. Karlee created a rare genetic abnormality, due to which Devon Rex, a modern breed, was created.

Size

Although Devon-breed cats are typically lighter than Cornish ones, they’re slightly bigger. The main difference between these outstanding cats is their size.

• Devon Rex breeds: have a weight limit of 9 pounds, typically one inch bigger than their continental equivalents. The shoulder size of Devon cats ranges from 25 to 30 cm.
• Cornish Rex breeds: have a maximum of 10 pounds weight. Cornish cats have 20 to 24-cm shoulder sizes.

Appearance

The physical appearance of Devon and Cornish breeds is one of the noticeable distinctions.

• Cornish breeds have bigger triangle ears, similar to bat ears. Moreover, they’ve oval-shaped heads and high cheekbones. They have taller necks, small, muscly back legs, and lean bodies.
• The Devon breed has large, spherical ears; located on the lower side of their heads. They feature smaller back legs and an extra masculine body, especially in the chest part.

Colouring

• If you choose the Devon breed, they come in a wide variety of natural colours, such as

1. Light purple or lilac
2. Black
3. Blue tones
4. Pure white
5. Chocolate brown
6. Cinnamon shade

• On the other hand, the Cornish breed offers all the above colours in their coat, including

1. Brown,
2. Red
3. Cream

Temperament

• The Devon Rex cat includes many appealing traits that make it a perfect cat for families. These cats are social, loving, and talkative. They enjoy being with their favourite person and love to be purred by their owners for the whole day. They retain all their kitten-like characteristics as they grow up, making the most demanding.
• A Cornish Rex cat is a real adventurer; you’ll most likely find them in odd spots, including the refrigerator top or cabinets. This cat enjoys playing here and there, and whatever he observes can stimulate his interest. These cats have friendly nature and get attached to new people. Once you become friends with him, he’ll always be by your side.

Exercise Needs

• You can easily motivate Devon Rex cats for some exercise. They like doing ordinary tasks like playing catch or tree climbing. The lively nature of these cats keeps them fit and active, as playing time is a wonderful moment to bond with these cats. So, you must bring toys for them, take them out daily, and let them go to wander and explore your lawn.
• Cornish Rex cats are small in size, but they can easily finish a large meal alone. Fortunately, his healthy lifestyle keeps him from getting extra weight. No need to provide them with activities for playing, as they have a natural tendency to find activities for themselves.

Grooming Requirements

• Devon Rex cats need more attention in the case of grooming than other species, but that doesn’t mean that they need high maintenance. Only you need to bathe him regularly for proper care of their greasy hair. Cut their nails whenever it grows bigger and uses a smooth brush to clean their ears and lower their shedding rate; 2-3 days within a week.
• Cornish Rex cats grooming task isn’t difficult, as they’ve small and wavy coats which are easy to maintain. So, they only need a weekly brushing that will help to get rid of any errant and old hair. Also, it helps to preserve natural oil for healthy skin.

Health Problems

• Devon Rex: This breed carries some inherent hazards; thus, routine examinations are necessary to maintain their fitness. But the average lifespan of a Devon Rex is between 9 and 15 yrs. Some of the following ailments could harm this breed:

1. Patellar luxation
2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
3. Panleukopenia
4. Calicivirus

• Cornish Rex: Cornish Rex cats are muscular and healthy looking, with few hereditary health issues. But, when they get old, they may get common diseases, including:

1. Patellar Luxation
2. Kidney disorder
3. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
4. Rhinotracheitis

Cost Per Kitten

• If you want to adopt a Devon Rex cat, then it’ll cost you $75 to $150. But as a reputable breeder, it’ll cost $1,200 to $1,800.
• On the other hand, a Cornish Rex cat adoption will cost you $75 to $150. While, as a reputable breeder, it’ll cost $800 to $1,300.

The 4 Key Differences Between Devon Rexes and Cornish Rexes

1. Cornish cats are slightly heavier than the Devon ones, but in height, Devon Rexes win the game and are 3-4 inches taller than them.
2. Both cat breeds have unique coats, but the Cornish cat has a much finer coat than Devon Rex. Devon Rexes have a wavy but short coat, while the Cornish Rexes have fine and curly coats with whiskers.
3. The egg-shaped head, along with lifted cheekbones and large and triangle-shaped ears of Cornish cats, makes it different from Devon cats having wedge-shaped elf-like heads.
4. However, both cats have good natures, and they proved to be excellent pets. But Cornish cats have a more agile and lively nature than Devon ones and are also easy to train.

Are Devon Rexes and Cornish Rexes Hypoallergenic?

No cats are genuinely 100% hypoallergenic; Both Rexes cat breeds are hypoallergenic. Because as we read above, they have short hairs, which they do not shed so much, so they’re unlikely to cause allergic reactions than other cat breeds.

An allergy reaction in cats is not a result of the length of the fur; it is due to a glycoprotein called Fel d1, which is produced by the sebaceous glands of the skin, saliva, dander and urine.

Are Cornish Rex Cats Affectionate?

Despite their menacing appearance, Cornish Rexes have a kind nature. These cats are loving, smart social creatures who love to engage with people and other animals. Cornish cats like to play and maintain this excitement and enthusiasm throughout their lives.

Are Devon Rex Cats Affectionate?

Devon rex cats are also social and have loving nature. But they get scared if you leave them alone. Still, they welcome the other furry friend at your home because of their friendly nature.

Which Cat is Right for You?

Both species are wonderful pets as both are affectionate, adventurous, and spirited cats. They’re very similar, but the Cornish Rexes breed is more social, lasts longer, and also has fewer inherited health problems than Devon ones. Still, both breeds are ideal if they provide them with a better lifestyle for maintaining their lifespan and health.

Frequently Asked Question

The Bottom Line on Differences Between Devon Rex and Cornish Rex

Both these Rexes breeds are much more alike than dissimilar, and either cat will make a loving, social, amusing, and devoted family member. Their small, curly coats, wrinkled beards, and big floppy ears give them a distinctively elegant look. Both breeds need little grooming and are simple to care for. 

Whereas the Devon Rex’s cats are gentler and more laid-back than the Cornish ones. Still, both breeds make excellent choices if you’re searching for a fun, active cat who is friendly, caring, and faithful.