Cat Breed Comparison
Devon Rex vs Selkirk Rex: Key Differences
Devon Rex and Selkirk 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 | Devon Rex | Selkirk Rex |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small to Medium | Medium to Large |
| Weight | 6–9 lbs (2.7–4 kg) | 6–16 lbs (2.7–7.3 kg) |
| Lifespan | 9–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Origin | England (Devon, 1960) | United States (Montana, 1987) |
Visual Differences
Telling a Devon Rex from a Selkirk Rex
Selkirk Rex have a different curl gene producing a dense, plush coat with loose individual curls — more like a sheepskin. They have a rounder face and a cobby body, compared to the Devon Rex’s slender frame and shorter, finer waves.
Telling a Selkirk Rex from a Devon Rex
Devon Rex have a much shorter, finer wavy coat, a heart-shaped "pixie" head with oversized bat-like ears set wide and low, and a slender, arched body. Selkirk Rex have a rounder, heavier body, a full thick curly coat, a round head with pronounced whisker pads, and a much more laid-back, calm temperament.
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
Selkirk Rex Key Markers
- Dense, plush curly coat with loose individual curls — the curls are most prominent on the neck, belly, and tail; the coat is thick and plush like sheepskin, covering the entire body including the belly; whiskers are thick, crinkled, and curly
- Round, wide head with full cheeks, a short blunt muzzle, and prominent whisker pads — the CFA calls it "round and full with a distinct whisker break"; the muzzle is broad and square, giving the face a sweet, open expression
- Large, round eyes set wide apart in gold, copper, blue-green, or odd-eyed — the large, round eye shape contributes to the breed's soft, gentle expression; eye color depends on coat color
Temperament & Personality
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
Selkirk Rex
- Calm, patient, and laid-back — the most easygoing of all the Rex breeds; not as hyperactive or demanding as Devon or Cornish Rex
- Affectionate and tolerant — enjoys being held and handled; the breed is famously patient with children and gentle with other pets
- Playful but not demanding — enjoys interactive play sessions but is equally happy lounging on a lap or nearby
- Quiet voice — communicates with soft meows and chirps; not a demanding vocalizer
- Adaptable — adjusts well to new environments, visitors, and changes in routine
- Moderate energy — needs daily play but settles quickly into lap time and naps
Health Notes
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
Selkirk Rex
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — reported in the breed; regular echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) — inherited from historical Persian outcrossing in the breed's development; DNA testing available and recommended before breeding
- Patellar luxation — kneecap dislocation seen in some Selkirk Rex lines; ranges from occasional skipping to lameness requiring surgical correction
- Cherry eye (prolapsed nictitating membrane) — reported more often in Selkirk Rex than in many other breeds; requires veterinary treatment to prevent chronic irritation
- Obesity — the breed's laid-back nature and love of food make weight management a priority throughout life
- Seborrhea and skin infections — the dense curly coat can trap oils; regular gentle bathing helps prevent greasy buildup and skin irritation
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 Devon Rex apart from a Selkirk Rex?
How can I tell a Selkirk Rex apart from a Devon Rex?
Are Devon Rex cats hypoallergenic?
Are Selkirk Rex cats hypoallergenic?
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Breed Profiles & More Comparisons
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.
Selkirk Rex
A heavily boned, round-faced cat with a dense curly coat that feels like sheepskin — the result of a spontaneous mutation in a Montana shelter cat in 1987. Selkirk Rex cats are calm, patient, and tolerant, with a laid-back personality that sets them apart from the more high-strung Rex breeds. The coat is plush with loose individual curls, not the tight uniform wave of the Cornish Rex.