The key difference between Devon Rex and Cornish Rex is their size. Cornish Rex cats are generally smaller, with an average height of 8–12 inches and weight of 5–10 pounds, whereas Devon Rex cats are slightly larger, with an average height of 10–12 inches and weight of 6–9 pounds.
The Devon Rex and Cornish Rex are two special cat breeds with curly coats and friendly personalities. Although they share some similarities, there are many differences between these two breeds.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. Devon Rex
3. Cornish Rex
4. Similarities – Devon Rex and Cornish Rex
5. Devon Rex vs. Cornish Rex in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Devon Rex vs. Cornish Rex
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex breed of cats is renowned for its strikingly unique appearance, often described as elven or even alien-like. Large ears, big eyes, high cheekbones, a long neck, and a slender body characterize this distinctive look. Devon Rex cats are generally slender-bodied, but they tend to be slightly larger on average compared to the Cornish Rex breed. When fully grown, they typically stand at a height of around 10 to 12 inches and weigh between 6 to 9 pounds.
The Devon Rex has a fine, soft, wavy/curly coat that is short all over, with even shorter fur near the head, ears, neck, paws, chest, and abdomen. Their coat comes in a wide range of colors, including black, blue, cinnamon, chocolate, lilac, and white. Additionally, they can have various patterns like tortoiseshell, calico, tabby, pointed, and shaded. One significant characteristic of their coat is its fragility. It is best to groom the Devon Rex with your hand or a chamois occasionally, as brushing may cause the hair to break off. Overgrooming or using harsh grooming tools can lead to bald patches on some Devon Rex cats. Due to their delicate coat and a low tolerance for cold weather, it is advisable to keep them indoors to ensure their well-being. Moreover, the Devon Rex’s short and fuzzy fur can be a suitable choice for families with allergies. Although they do shed, their wavy hair tends to reduce the amount of loose hairs left on furniture and fabric.
Devon Rex cats are known for their laid-back, curious, fun-loving, clever, and mischievous nature, and they form strong bonds with their human companions. They are highly active and playful, requiring plenty of mental stimulation to stay content.
The Devon Rex is generally a healthy breed, but it’s essential to be mindful of certain conditions. Hereditary conditions like Devon Rex myopathy and hypertrophic cardiac myopathy should be monitored, as well as the possibility of fading kitten syndrome.
Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex breed originated in Cornwall, England, when the first cat with a genetic mutation was born in 1950. These cats are small-to-medium-sized, with an egg-shaped head, large rounded but pointy ears, a slender, muscular body, long legs, and big round eyes that give them a perpetually surprised or inquisitive look. The Cornish Rex is known for its curly coat, which comes in a variety of colors. Despite its rough appearance, the coat feels surprisingly fine, downy, and silky when touched.
The Cornish Rex is an affectionate companion known for its playful and active nature. They enjoy running, jumping, climbing, and interacting with interactive toys. This breed generally enjoys good health and has a long lifespan, but they can inherit conditions like autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and progressive retinal atrophy and may be sensitive to anesthesia.
Cornish Rex cats are highly intelligent and adaptable, making housetraining relatively easy for them. While grooming their short and single-layered coat is not challenging, it tends to get oily easily due to its fine texture. The oil from our hands can build up on their skin and coat, requiring regular attention to keep them clean and comfortable.
What are the Similarities Between Devon Rex and Cornish Rex?
- Both the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex are active and playful cats.
- They are considered intelligent breeds. They are quick learners and can be trained to perform various tricks and behaviors.
- Both breeds are known for their curly coats, which give them a distinctive and eye-catching appearance.
- Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, needing about 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity daily.
What is the Difference Between Devon Rex and Cornish Rex?
Cornish Rex cats are generally smaller in size, with an average height of 8–12 inches and weight of 5–10 pounds, whereas Devon Rex cats are slightly larger, with an average height of 10–12 inches and weight of 6–9 pounds. Thus, this is the key difference between Devon Rex and Cornish Rex. Moreover, Cornish Rex cats have a longer estimated life expectancy of 15–20 years, while Devon Rex cats typically live for 9–15 years.
When it comes to grooming, Cornish Rex cats have moderate grooming needs due to their fragile coat, while Devon Rex cats have lower grooming needs. Cornish Rex cats are intelligent, active, people-oriented, and fast learners, while Devon Rex cats are smart, quick to learn, energetic, and people-oriented. In terms of health issues, Cornish Rex cats may be prone to conditions like polycystic kidney disease and progressive retinal atrophy. On the other hand, Devon Rex cats may have a higher risk of developing deafness, hereditary myopathy, and hip dysplasia.
The following table summarizes the difference between Devon Rex and Cornish Rex.
Summary – Devon Rex vs. Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex cats are generally smaller, with an average height of 8–12 inches and weight of 5–10 pounds, whereas Devon Rex cats are slightly larger, with an average height of 10–12 inches and weight of 6–9 pounds. Moreover, Cornish Rex cats have a longer estimated life expectancy. So, this is the summary of the difference between Devon Rex and Cornish Rex.
Reference:
1. “Devon Rex.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Cornish Rex Cat Information and Personality Traits.” Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Devon-rex • Девон-рекс (5289777648)” By Nickolas Titkov from Moscow, Russian Federation – Devon-rex • Девон-рекс (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Cornish Rex – Gatos” By Alexandre Gonçalves – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia