Cat Breed Comparison

Cornish Rex vs Devon Rex: Key Differences

Cornish Rex and Devon Rex are often confused. Compare their size, weight, lifespan, origin, temperament, and health — and learn how to tell them apart at a glance.

Quick Comparison

Trait	Cornish Rex	Devon Rex
Size	Small to Medium	Small to Medium
Weight	6–10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg)	6–9 lbs (2.7–4 kg)
Lifespan	12–15 years	9–15 years
Origin	England (Cornwall, 1950)	England (Devon, 1960)

Visual Differences

Telling a Cornish Rex from a Devon Rex

Devon Rex have a different curl gene (the Devon rex gene, not the Cornish rex gene), producing a softer, less uniform wave with a distinct marcel pattern on the body but often bald patches on the head and neck. Their head is shorter and wider — heart-shaped with a distinct whisker break — and their ears are set much lower and wider on the head. Cornish Rex have a Roman-nosed egg-shaped head, high-set ears, and a more uniform wave across the entire body.

Telling a Devon Rex from a Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex have a different curl gene (rex gene, not the Devon gene), giving a tighter, more uniform wave across the entire body. Their head is longer and more egg-shaped with a Roman nose profile, and their body is more slender with a distinctive whippet-like tuck-up. Devon Rex have a shorter, wider head with a distinct whisker break and a broader chest.

Cornish Rex Key Markers

Short, tight, uniform marcel wave covering the entire body — the coat has no guard hairs, only a soft undercoat arranged in continuous waves; the curl is most prominent on the back and sides, and the coat lies close to the body with a silky, warm texture
Egg-shaped head that is longer than it is wide — the CFA standard calls for a length about one-third greater than the width; the profile shows a Roman nose with a high, prominent bridge and a smooth, mild break at the forehead
Large, high-set ears that are full and wide at the base, tapering to rounded tips — set high on the skull, contributing to the alert, inquisitive expression; the inner ear has minimal furnishings

Devon Rex Key Markers

Large, bat-like ears set wide and low on the head — broad at the base with rounded tips and minimal inner fuzz; the most distinguishing feature of the breed, giving the face its characteristic pixie expression
Short, soft, wavy coat with a distinct marcel wave pattern — the waves are most prominent on the back and sides; the coat is fine and delicate, with some Devon Rex cats having bald patches, especially on the top of the head and neck
Short wedge-shaped head with prominent cheekbones, a short muzzle, and a defined whisker break — the CFA standard calls it a pixie face with a gentle curve from forehead to nose; the whiskers are crinkly and short

Temperament & Personality

Cornish Rex

Active and playful — jumps, climbs, and invents games; retains kitten energy well into senior years and needs interactive toys and cat trees
Intensely people-oriented — follows owners from room to room, greets at the door, and sleeps under the covers; hates being left alone for long periods
Intelligent and trainable — learns tricks, walks on a leash, opens doors, and solves puzzle feeders; needs mental stimulation or boredom leads to mischief
Social with strangers, children, and other pets — rarely shy or territorial; welcomes visitors and gets along with cat-friendly dogs
Heat-seeking — the single-layer coat offers little insulation, so Cornish Rex gravitate toward warm spots, sweaters, heated beds, and laps
Moderate vocalization — communicates with chirps, trills, and soft meows rather than loud yowling, but will voice displeasure at closed doors or empty food bowls

Devon Rex

Extremely people-oriented — wants to be involved in everything you do, follows from room to room, and sits on your shoulder or keyboard given the chance
Mischievous and playful — opens cabinets, steals small objects, and invents games; stays kittenish well into senior years
Excellent jumper — routinely reaches the highest perches in the house and watches household activity from above
Social with strangers, children, and other pets — rarely shy or territorial, greets visitors at the door like a dog
Moderate vocalization — chirps and trills rather than yowling, but will voice displeasure at closed doors
Heat-seeking — the short, fine coat offers little insulation, so Devon Rex cats gravitate toward warm spots, sweaters, and under the covers

Health Notes

Cornish Rex

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — genetic heart disease affecting Cornish Rex; regular echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats, as the breed shows higher-than-average incidence
Patellar luxation — kneecap dislocation more common in Cornish Rex than most breeds, likely due to the fine-boned hind leg structure; ranges from occasional skipping (mild) to lameness requiring surgery (severe)
Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) — a genetic neuromuscular disorder causing generalized muscle weakness, head-bobbing, and easy fatigue in kittens; DNA test available through UC Davis VGL, same mutation found in Devon Rex
Skin sensitivity and dermatitis — the single undercoat offers minimal skin protection; Cornish Rex are prone to dry skin, breakouts, and sunburn; harsh grooming brushes and over-bathing should be avoided
Periodontal disease — the narrow, elongated muzzle contributes to tooth crowding and gingivitis; regular dental care is particularly important for this breed, and annual professional cleanings are recommended

Devon Rex

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — genetic heart disease affecting Devon Rex; echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats
Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) — a neuromuscular disorder causing generalized muscle weakness, head-bobbing, and easy fatigue in kittens; DNA test available through UC Davis VGL
Patellar luxation — kneecap dislocation more common in Devon Rex than many breeds, likely due to fine-boned hind legs
Skin sensitivity and dermatitis — the delicate single coat offers minimal skin protection; avoid harsh grooming brushes and over-bathing
Dental disease — the narrow muzzle shape contributes to tooth crowding and gingivitis risk; regular dental care particularly important

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell a Cornish Rex apart from a Devon Rex?

How can I tell a Devon Rex apart from a Cornish Rex?

Are Cornish Rex hypoallergenic?

No — Cornish Rex are not truly hypoallergenic, though their single-layer coat sheds very little and produces less loose fur. They still produce the Fel d 1 protein, and individual response varies, so some allergy sufferers find them easier to tolerate.

Are Devon Rex cats hypoallergenic?

Not fully, though they are often better tolerated — the short coat sheds little and produces less dander than many breeds, but they still produce the Fel d 1 allergen protein. Individual allergy responses vary widely, so spend time with the breed before adopting.

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Breed Profiles & More Comparisons

Cornish Rex

A slender, curly-coated cat with a whippet-like silhouette — long legs, arched back, and a deep chest. The Cornish Rex coat has only an undercoat — no guard hairs — giving it a short, tight wave of fur that feels like warm silk. Active, people-oriented, and endlessly curious, the breed stays kittenish well into old age.

Devon Rex

A pixie-faced cat with oversized bat ears and a short wavy coat that feels like soft lamb’s wool. Mischievous, people-oriented, and endlessly energetic — the breed was discovered in Devon, England in 1960 when a stray cat gave birth to a curly-coated kitten.