Devon Rex Care Tips
Every Devon Rex kitten has its own personality, activity level and needs, but there are a few basic rules that help keep your cat healthy and happy. This page shares how Devon Rex cats are cared for in Great Elf Cattery and gives simple recommendations for new owners. If you are still choosing your future pet, you can look at our available Devon Rex kittens for sale and read more about what to expect from life with this curly cat.
Bathing a Devon Rex
Devon Rex cats usually do not need frequent bathing. Their delicate wavy coat and skin can become dry or irritated if they are washed too often. Kittens are bathed only when they are really dirty or about 3–5 days before a cat show. Some Devon Rex absolutely love water and will try to jump into the bath when you are taking a shower, but others are afraid of water and find bathing very stressful.
If your cat enjoys baths and tolerates washing well, you can bathe it about once every 1–2 months with a gentle cat shampoo. After a bath keep your Devon Rex in a warm room and dry it carefully with a soft towel. Do not rub the coat too strongly to avoid damaging the curls.
Why you should not use a hair dryer
Devon Rex coat is thin and sensitive. Hot or even warm air from a hair dryer can overdry the skin and make the coat brittle, fluffy and uneven. Do not use a hair dryer on Devon Rex kittens or adult cats. Instead, gently pat the coat with a towel and let the cat dry in a warm, draft‑free room.
If your home is cool, you can wrap the cat in a dry towel for a few minutes and hold it in your arms until it is comfortably warm.
Nail trimming and basic grooming
Regular nail trimming helps protect your furniture and makes handling easier. Kittens and adult cats have their nails trimmed regularly. Many people use special pet nail clippers, but it is also possible to use simple human nail clippers if you feel confident and careful.
Trim only the sharp transparent tip and do not cut into the pink part (the quick). If you are not sure, ask your vet or groomer to show you the correct length the first time. Accustom your Devon Rex kitten to having paws touched from a young age so nail trimming becomes a normal part of care.
Devon Rex also often need regular ear cleaning and sometimes wiping of the eyes, because large ears and big eyes can collect more wax and tear staining. About once a week gently check and clean the ears using a vet‑approved ear cleaner and soft cotton pads or cotton balls, carefully wiping only the visible part of the ear. Never push anything deep inside the ear canal or use hard cotton swabs, because this can push wax further in and injure the ear.
Vaccinations and health care
Before going to a new home, kittens from Great Elf Cattery receive two core vaccinations: the first vaccine is given at about 2 months of age, and the second booster is given about 3 weeks later. All following vaccinations for adult cats are usually done once a year, for example at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and so on, according to your veterinarian’s schedule and local rules.
If your cats have access to the outdoors, live in a private house, travel with you to the forest or countryside, or visit shows, rabies vaccination is very important. It protects both the animal and you from serious legal and health problems. Regular veterinary check‑ups and parasite control (deworming) should also be part of your cat’s routine care.
Flea and parasite prevention
Even indoor cats can sometimes get fleas or other parasites, for example if other animals visit your home or eggs are brought in on shoes or clothes. Cats can be treated with spot‑on drops applied to the skin on the back of the neck (between the shoulders).
After applying drops, make sure other cats in the home cannot lick that area until the product is fully absorbed. Use only products recommended by your veterinarian and never give dog flea treatments to cats, as many dog products are toxic for felines.
Feeding your Devon Rex
A balanced diet is one of the most important parts of Devon Rex care. Do not give your cat fried, smoked, salty, spicy or very fatty food from the table. These products can harm the liver, pancreas and kidneys.
The easiest and safest option is a high‑quality super‑premium dry food formulated for cats, with constant access to fresh drinking water. In addition, you can offer well‑frozen and then thawed raw meat, or quality canned food designed for cats. Do not give raw pork or fish with bones.
Introduce new products gradually and monitor the cat’s stool and overall condition. If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, itching or other signs of intolerance, consult a veterinarian.
Emotional wellbeing and environment
Devon Rex are active, social and intelligent cats that need attention from their humans. Provide scratching posts, climbing trees, toys and interactive games so your kitten can spend energy in a safe way.
Talk to your cat, play with it every day and do not leave it alone for very long periods whenever possible. A stable routine, gentle handling and positive reinforcement help a Devon Rex kitten grow into a confident, friendly adult cat.
If you follow these simple care tips and listen to your veterinarian’s recommendations, your Devon Rex kitten will adapt quickly in the new home and will stay healthy and happy for many years. If you still have questions about care, delivery or documents, you can contact us through the form on the cattery contacts page or ask about the Devon Rex kitten price before making a decision.