Devon Rex myths: allergies, shedding and bald patches

The Devon Rex is a breed with plenty of personality and striking looks, so it is no surprise that a fair number of myths have grown up around it. Some promise more than the breed can deliver, while others cause needless worry. Here are seven popular claims and what we actually know about them.

“The Devon Rex is hypoallergenic”

This is the most common myth, and the one to be most careful about. The main cat allergen, a protein called Fel d 1, is produced in the skin's sebaceous glands and in the salivary glands, not in the hair itself. A cat spreads it while grooming, and from there it settles on furniture, fabrics and dust. So a short, curly coat does not make a Devon safe for someone with allergies.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) stresses that all cats produce allergens and that studies have not shown any cat to be hypoallergenic. Some allergic people say they tolerate Devons better, but reactions are highly individual and depend on both the person and the particular cat. If someone in your family has allergies, talk to an allergist first and, if possible, spend time with adult Devons before you decide.

“Devons don't shed at all”

Devons do leave noticeably less hair around than fluffy cats, because their coat is short and sparser. But the hairs still renew themselves, and they are fine and brittle too, so you will find a little hair on blankets and clothes. As with any cat, there is more of it during seasonal shedding. On top of that, some of the skin oil that a normal coat would absorb stays on a Devon's skin and can leave marks on its favorite resting spots.

“The Devon and the Cornish are one breed from two counties”

The similar names and curly coats are genuinely confusing. But these are different breeds with different genes: the Devon's curls are linked to the KRT71 gene, the Cornish's to the LPAR6 gene. When the Devon Kirlee was mated with Cornish Rex cats in the early 1960s, every kitten was born straight-coated. The two breeds also differ in looks and coat: the Cornish has no guard hairs, while the Devon has all three hair types. A Cornish usually has an egg-shaped head with a Roman profile, while a Devon has a short, broad wedge with enormous, low-set ears. Read more in Why the Devon Rex is curly.

“Bald patches in a kitten mean it is ill”

Not necessarily. Devon kittens go through several stages of coat development: from about eight weeks, many lose a large part of their coat and spend several months in short fuzz, only getting their full adult coat after six months. A shorter, sparser coat on the chest, belly, neck and top of the head is normal for the breed at any age. That said, bald patches in an adult cat, redness, flaking or itching are a reason to see your vet.

“A short coat needs no care”

It is true that a Devon should not be groomed with stiff brushes, which would only break the delicate hairs. A soft rubber grooming mitt or simply your palm works well instead: stroking removes dead hairs and gives your cat a pleasant few minutes. But it does need a different kind of care: oil builds up on the skin and around the claws, and those big ears collect wax quickly. So a Devon needs ear checks and cleaning, claw care and an occasional bath. We cover this in Devon Rex care.

“A Devon doesn't mind being home alone”

Quite the opposite: Devons become very attached to people and cope poorly with long periods alone. A cat left on its own for hours every day may get bored, call out and look for entertainment in the cupboards. If you work long hours, consider a second cat and fill your home with puzzle feeders and warm beds. Another animal can't replace a person, but the company of another cat is often a real comfort to a Devon while you are out.

“A Devon is a fragile, weak cat”

The slender look and big ears are deceptive. Devons are agile, muscular and excellent jumpers, with enough energy for several cats. Thanks to powerful hind legs they easily leap onto wardrobes and the fridge, so sturdy cat trees and shelves come in handy. At the same time, the breed has a few known inherited conditions, such as congenital myasthenic syndrome, for which a DNA test exists, and a predisposition to kneecap luxation. Responsible breeders screen the parents, and we explain what to ask in Devon Rex health.

Find out more on the breed page. See whether there are kittens of this breed right now, and if not, join the waiting list.