The world of cat breeds is wonderfully diverse, showcasing a spectrum of appearances and personalities. Among these fascinating felines, the Rex Cat stands out with its uniquely wavy coat and captivating features. While the term “rex” refers to a genetic mutation causing curly fur seen in several breeds, this article delves into the specifics of one of the most beloved and distinctive rex cats: the Devon Rex. Originating from Devonshire, England, the Devon Rex is not just another rex cat; it’s a breed with an elfin appearance, a playful spirit, and a set of breed standards that define its exceptional characteristics.
Decoding the Devon Rex Standard: A Point-by-Point Guide
Cat fanciers and breeders rely on breed standards to understand the ideal characteristics of different cat breeds. For the Devon Rex, these standards are meticulously detailed, ensuring the preservation of its unique traits. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and other cat registries provide guidelines that judges use in cat shows and breeders utilize to refine their breeding programs. Let’s break down the Devon Rex breed standard based on a point scoring system, offering a comprehensive look at what makes this rex cat truly special.
Head: The Elfin Crown Jewel (40 Points)
The head of a Devon Rex is arguably its most striking feature, accounting for a significant portion of the breed standard score. It’s described as a “modified wedge,” and from the front, this wedge is formed by a series of convex curves, starting from the outer edges of the large, low-set ears, flowing into the prominent cheekbones, and finally meeting at the whisker pads.
- Size and Shape (12 points): The head should be broad, slightly longer than it is wide, contributing to the Devon Rex’s distinctive appearance.
- Muzzle (5 points): A short, well-developed muzzle is essential, with prominent whisker pads that add to the breed’s expressive face.
- Profile and Chin (6 points): In profile, the Devon Rex exhibits a nose with a noticeable stop, leading to a forehead that curves back to a flat skull. A strong, well-developed chin is also crucial, aligning vertically with the nose in profile, neither receding nor protruding.
- Eyes (5 points): Large, wide-set, and oval-shaped eyes that slant towards the outer edges of the ears enhance the breed’s alert and intelligent expression. Interestingly, any eye color is acceptable in the Devon Rex standard, although colorpoints often display blue eyes, and minks typically have aqua eyes.
- Ears (12 points): The ears are undeniably a hallmark of the Devon Rex. Strikingly large and set very low and wide on the head, the base of the ear extends beyond the wedge shape of the face. They taper to rounded tips and are covered with fine fur, sometimes adorned with earmuffs or ear-tip tufts. These substantial ears contribute significantly to the elfin or pixie-like appearance that is so characteristic of this rex cat breed.
Body: Lithe and Graceful (25 Points)
While the head captures immediate attention, the body of the Devon Rex is equally important in defining the breed standard. It emphasizes a balance of athleticism and elegance.
- Torso and Tail (10 points): The body should be hard and muscular, lithe, and of medium length, showcasing a broad chest and medium-fine boning. The tail is long, fine, and tapering, well-covered with short fur, completing the sleek silhouette.
- Legs and Paws (10 points): Devon Rex cats stand tall on long, slim legs, giving them a poised stance. Their paws are small and oval, with five toes in the front and four in the back, contributing to their overall delicate yet athletic build.
- Neck (5 points): A medium-long and slender neck further accentuates the Devon Rex’s graceful lines.
Coat: The Defining Rex Texture (30 Points)
The coat is where the “rex” in Devon Rex truly comes to life, representing a significant portion of the breed standard. The unique wavy fur is a result of a genetic mutation not found in other rex cat breeds like the Cornish Rex or Selkirk Rex, making the Devon Rex coat distinctly its own.
- Density (10 points): A Devon Rex should be well-covered with fur, with the densest areas being the back, sides, tail, legs, face, and ears. Slightly less density is acceptable on the top of the head, neck, chest, and abdomen. Bare patches are considered faults, especially in adult cats. It’s important to note that downy underparts should not be mistaken for bareness. Sparse hair on the temples is not penalized.
- Texture and Length (10 points): The Devon Rex coat is celebrated for its soft, fine, and full-bodied texture. It’s described as “rexed,” meaning it appears to lack guard hairs, contributing to its plush feel. The coat is short on most parts of the body, becoming very short on the head, ears, neck, paws, chest, and abdomen. Kittens may have very short fur overall, but it should be evenly distributed.
- Waviness (10 points): The hallmark of the Devon Rex coat is its rippled wave effect, which becomes apparent when the coat is smoothed. This waviness is most pronounced where the fur is longer, such as on the body and tail. This distinctive wave sets the Devon Rex apart from other rex cat breeds and is a key element in its breed standard.
Color: A Spectrum of Possibilities (5 Points)
While color only accounts for a smaller portion of the point score, the Devon Rex breed standard embraces a wide array of colors and patterns, adding to the breed’s visual appeal. “Any genetically possible color and pattern and any combination of genetically possible color and pattern are allowed.” This inclusive approach means Devon Rex cats can be found in solid colors, shaded patterns, smoke patterns, tabby patterns, tortoiseshell, calico, bi-color, pointed, mink, and sepia variations, each with specific color descriptions for nose leather and paw pads. The standard even clarifies terminology, for instance, using “Lavender” instead of Lilac in most patterns but “Lilac” specifically in pointed patterns.
Faults and Disqualifications: Maintaining Breed Integrity
Breed standards also outline faults and disqualifications to ensure the integrity of the breed. Penalties are applied for deviations from the ideal, such as heads that are long or narrow, flared ears, round heads, extremely short muzzles, misaligned bites, small or high-set ears, short or bare tails, straight coats, and bare patches. Disqualifications are more serious, including extensive baldness, excessively long or shaggy coats, long hair on the tail, kinked tails, incorrect toe count, crossed eyes, weak hind legs, or any signs of illness or poor health. These points are crucial for breeders and judges to maintain the health and specific characteristics of the Devon Rex rex cat breed.
Beyond the Standard: The Devon Rex Personality
While the breed standard focuses on physical attributes, the Devon Rex is equally loved for its personality. Often described as intelligent, playful, and people-oriented, they are known for their affectionate nature and their desire to be involved in household activities. Their “elfin” appearance is matched by an impish and curious temperament, making them wonderful companions. Understanding the breed standard alongside their personality traits provides a complete picture of what makes the Devon Rex a truly exceptional rex cat breed.
In conclusion, the Devon Rex breed standard offers a detailed blueprint of this unique rex cat. From its distinctive head and large ears to its wavy coat and lithe body, every aspect is carefully defined. This standard not only guides breeders and judges but also helps enthusiasts appreciate the remarkable qualities of the Devon Rex, a breed that continues to charm cat lovers worldwide with its elfin grace and rexed allure.
