Devon Rex

• Bathing: Devon Rex cats don’t require as much maintenance as a hairless cat but do share some of the same skin care needs. Depending on their coat coverage and type, some Devons may need occasional bathing to control natural oil buildup, particularly on their underside or in skin folds, Evans says.
• Brushing: How often you brush your Devon Rex also depends on their coat coverage and type. Generally, Evans recommends brushing once a week. “Most Devon coats don’t suffer from being brushed too frequently,” she says, though she still recommends specialized tools. A brush made with goat hair provides a gentle stroke that helps to distribute natural oils. For more densely coated Devon Rex cats, Evans recommends a fine-toothed comb to release tangles.
• Ear care: Devon Rex cats also produce excess oil around their ears. To keep buildup at bay, clean their ears weekly using a pH-balanced, vet-approved ear cleaner, such as Virbac Epi-Otic. This is also a good time to check your cat’s ear health: Head shaking, pawing at the ears, discharge, a foul smell, or dark specks resembling coffee grounds are common signs of an ear infection or mites.
• Nail care: “Don’t forget those paws and claws,” Evans says. This is another place where oil tends to build up. Additionally, your Rex requires nail trims about every two weeks. 
• Dental care: To reduce plaque and tartar buildup and reduce the risk of dental disease, brush your cat’s teeth with cat-safe toothpaste such as Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic toothpaste. Even with good at-home dental care, professional dental cleanings will be necessary.

Obesity is common in cats, and the best way to prevent weight gain and support a long, healthy life is by feeding portioned meals of high-quality cat food. A high-quality cat food should:

• Be a commercially sold wet, dry, or fresh formula; some cats enjoy a combination of textures
• Be the right formula for your cat’s life stage (kitten, adult, or senior)
• Meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional recommendations 

Work with your vet to determine your cat’s ideal weight and daily calorie needs, then split those total daily calories into two to three meals a day.

Evans says serving at least one meal in a puzzle feeder (try the Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree Cat Feeder) can satisfy their need for mental stimulation and keep those busy paws out of trouble—at least temporarily.

Sure, Devon Rex cats will happily join their people on the couch for a movie night, but they also require daily exercise—both mental and physical. 

Highly athletic with a knack for getting air, your Devon Rex can get their heart pounding with toys and teasers. Foraging for toys, treats, and meals in puzzle feeders is also right up their alley. However, if your cat requires lower-impact play, teasers dragged across a ripple rug or toys that scurry along the floor, like the Potaroma Rechargable Automatic Ball, can be just as engaging.

The Devon Rex can be a monkey in a cat suit (read: they like to climb—often to places they shouldn’t) and get into everything. Offer a natural outlet for that energy with cat shelves, trees, perches, and cat walls to explore, though they may still prefer to perch on your shoulder most of the time.

Evans describes the Devon Rex as highly adaptable, and most pet parents are pleasantly surprised at how quickly they tend to settle into their forever homes. That said, all cats benefit from having cozy places to retreat and rest when needed, whether that’s as simple as a DIY cardboard castle or as cozy as a felt cave.

As in any cat-friendly home, there should be enough resources—like scratchers, beds, and water bowls—for every cat, plus one more litter box than there are cats.