Devon Rex vs. Cornish Rex: Which Curly Cat Is Right for You?

Breed Origins and History

Cornish Rex Origins

The Cornish Rex first appeared in Cornwall, England, in 1950. It all started with Kallibunker, a curly-coated cream male kitten born to a barn cat on Nina Ennismore's farm on Bodmin Moor.

Development Timeline:

• 1950: Kallibunker is born on Ennismore's farm.
• 1956: A California breeder purchases a pair and brings them to the United States.
• 1962: Accepted for CFA registration.
• 1964: Achieves CFA Championship status.
• Today: A mainstay in cat shows and homes worldwide.

The Genetics: Basically, a happy accident of nature. According to the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) Cornish Rex breed profile, early outcrosses with Burmese, Siamese, and British Shorthair cats confirmed that the wave-causing mutation is recessive. In 2013, researchers identified the exact mutation — a four-base-pair deletion in the LPAR6 gene that disrupts hair-shaft structure (Gandolfi et al., PLoS ONE, 2013). We call them "Rex" after the curly-coated rabbits Ennismore was familiar with, but these cats are all feline.

Devon Rex Origins

About a decade after the Cornish Rex popped up, the Devon Rex appeared just a county over in Devon, England.

Development Timeline:

• 1959: A curly-coated stray kitten named Kirlee is found in a garden in Buckfastleigh, Devon, by breeder Beryl Cox.
• 1960s: Test breedings with Cornish Rexes produce straight-haired kittens, proving the Devon mutation is a separate gene.
• 1979: The CFA officially welcomes them to the championship ranks.

A Surprising Discovery: At first, everyone assumed Kirlee was related to the Cornish Rex. But when breeders tried to cross the two, they got a surprise: a litter of completely straight-haired kittens. The CFA Devon Rex breed profile explains that this test breeding "proved this theory to be completely incorrect" — Kirlee was then bred back to his own offspring to preserve the new mutation. They might look like cousins, but genetically, they're worlds apart. And despite popular belief, Devon Rexes are not hypoallergenic.

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Physical Characteristics

Size and Build Comparison

The Coat: Waves vs. Curls

Cornish Rex Coat: Think of crushed velvet. Their coat is made of tight "Marcel waves" that run evenly across their body. They lack guard hairs entirely, leaving only a soft, silky undercoat that feels incredible to touch.

Devon Rex Coat: The Devon's coat is more of a "tousled" look. It's short and rippled, but the curls are loose and a bit messy. Devons are also more likely to have "thin" spots where the hair is sparse — the CFA Devon Rex breed profile notes that, unlike the Cornish, Devons do carry some guard hairs, but they're sparse, short, and rexed, leaving occasional bare or "sueded" patches.

Face and Expression

Cornish Rex: They have a sophisticated, almost regal look. The head is egg-shaped, the nose has a high "Roman" bridge, and those ears sit high and proud.

Devon Rex: Total pixies. They have a short, broad wedge-shaped head with a very distinct "stop" at the nose. Their massive ears are set lower on the head, which, combined with those giant eyes, gives them a mischievous, "I'm about to cause trouble" expression.

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Temperament and Personality

The Athletic Cornish Rex

If you want a cat that stays on the floor, keep looking. The Cornish Rex is a high-speed acrobat. They are perpetually in motion and will investigate the top of your refrigerator just because it's there. The CFA describes them as intelligent, alert, and "insistent on sharing every aspect of your life." Don't expect silence, though — they "engage in conversation but are not given to unnecessary or loud vocalizing."

What to expect:

• Energy: Through the roof.
• Vibe: Inquisitive and highly active.
• Smarts: They'll learn to fetch or open cupboards faster than you can hide the treats.

The Mischievous Devon Rex

Devon owners often call them "monkeys in cat suits." They aren't just pets; they're little shadows that want to be involved in everything you do. The CFA Devon Rex breed profile describes them as "intensely loyal and loving" cats that "become deeply attached to their owners and dislike being left alone for long periods" — a behavioral pattern we see regularly in our behavior clinic as separation-related distress when these cats are left solo for long stretches. Their "conversation consists of soft chirps, trills, and peeps." Curious how they stack up against other unique breeds? Check out our Sphynx vs. Devon Rex breakdown.

What to expect:

• Energy: High, but with a major focus on play.
• Vibe: Devoted "Velcro" cats.
• Affection: They don't just want to be near you; they want to be on your shoulder or tucked under your chin.

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Care and Grooming

Don't let the short hair fool you — these cats actually need a bit of maintenance. Since they don't have heavy coats to absorb skin oils, they can get a bit greasy.

Grooming Routine:

• Cornish: A quick wipe with a soft cloth usually keeps them looking sharp. Skip the blow dryer — heat will flatten those signature waves.
• Devon: Be gentle; their hair is fragile. Brushing isn't really necessary, but a regular bath (every month or two) helps manage the oil.

The Ears: Those giant satellite dishes are magnets for wax. You'll need to check and clean them weekly with a vet-approved cleaner to prevent infections.

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Health Considerations

Cornish Rex

Lifespan: 12–16 years. The CFA describes the Cornish Rex as a "sturdy, vigorous breed," but breeders should still screen for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and patellar luxation. HCM is the most common feline heart disease — it thickens the muscular walls of the heart and can lead to congestive heart failure or blood clots (Cornell Feline Health Center). Annual cardiac screening with a veterinary cardiologist is recommended for breeding cats.

Devon Rex

Lifespan: 10–15 years. Like the Cornish, Devon Rexes can develop HCM. They also carry a breed-specific concern called Devon Rex myopathy — a hereditary muscle weakness caused by a variant in the COLQ gene, which typically appears between 3 and 23 weeks of age and can be fatal due to laryngospasm (Malik et al., Journal of Small Animal Practice, 1993; Gandolfi et al., Animal Genetics, 2015). Responsible breeders should provide documentation of genetic testing for both HCM and the COLQ variant. The CFA also flags a high incidence of blood type B in the breed, which matters when planning matings.

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The Ideal Home

Indoor Living — With Sensible Enrichment

These thin-coated cats are sensitive to sunburn, drafts, and freezing temperatures, so free-roam outdoor access is not recommended. That said, they don't have to live behind closed doors — supervised outdoor enrichment works well. A secure catio, a harness-and-leash walk on a calm day, or a fully enclosed porch all let them enjoy fresh air and sunshine without the risks. If you're cold, they are definitely cold.

What they need:

• Heat: They'll seek out heater vents and sunny windows.
• Climbing Gear: Get a tall cat tree. These cats live for vertical space.
• Playtime: If you don't keep their brains busy with puzzles and toys, they'll find their own (likely destructive) entertainment.

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What's the Damage? (Cost)

Buying a Kitten

Expect to pay between $900 and $1,800 for a pet-quality kitten. If you're looking for a show prospect, prices can easily climb past $3,000.

Annual Upkeep

Budget for $1,300 to $2,500 per year. This covers the good stuff: high-protein food, litter, pet insurance, and those inevitable vet checkups.

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The Quick Breakdown

Cornish Rex:

• The Good: Elegant, minimal shedding, and a total athlete.
• The Challenge: Needs a lot of room to run and hates the cold.

Devon Rex:

• The Good: Deeply affectionate and hilarious personality.
• The Challenge: Can be very "needy" for attention and prone to specific health issues.

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Reviewed by

This guide was reviewed by Dr. James Okafor, DVM, Diplomate ACVB — a board-certified veterinary behaviorist specializing in feline behavioral medicine.

Think of the Cornish Rex as the graceful athlete—sleek, fast, and always on the move. The Devon Rex is more like your eccentric, tiny roommate—always on your shoulder, constantly curious, and deeply attached to your side.

Whichever you choose, make sure you're ready for a cat that acts more like a toddler in a fur suit than a quiet ornament. Do you have plenty of warm blankets and a high-climbing cat tree ready?