Grooming and Maintenance

​Devon Rex are not particularly high maintenance cats, but there are some basics that need to be carried out regularly, to keep your curly friend in tip top condition. Unlike the Cornish Rex, which has no outer guard hairs in its coat, Devons have some guard hairs that are very sparse, short, and rexed. This creates a coat that has an open wave and varies in density, texture, and length, but may also be somewhat fragile, leading to occasional bare or “sueded” areas. While all cats shed, Devons certainly shed less than most; they are easy-care, wash-and-wear cats that may be well tolerated by those sensitive to cats. Contrary to popular belief, though, they are not hypoallergenic.

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Curly Coat

Pet Devons should be bathed every 3-4 weeks as the majority of the breed exude grease, particularly on their tummies, neck and under their armpits. This is particularly noticeable if they sleep on a light colored blanket as they will leave behind a greasy mark. Use a mild shampoo and make sure to rinse the coat well. Do not bathe a cat immediately before a cat show as their curls tend to lose their density due to the loss of oil from the coat. I would recommend bathing about five to seven days before a show, which gives the curls a chance to spring back. Too much bathing strips all of the oils form a cat's coat, so that you end up with a very dry coat, so please don't overdo the bathing.

The coat is very fine and delicate so too much stroking can result in losing density.

 

 

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Ears

Most Devons produce wax in their ears, and the lighter colored cats seem to be worse. First and foremost, make regular ear cleaning part of your routine. If you inspect and clean your cat's ears on a weekly basis from the start it will become part of the routine they won't fight at grooming time. Ears do need to be checked regularly.

Examine the ear for redness or discharge. Light brown wax is OK, but black, red, or infected-looking discharges (e.g. yellow or green pus) indicate a problem. Gently wipe the inside of the ear with an ear wipe or warm damp towel. If the ear contains a lot of wax or debris you should use an ear cleaner to assist in loosening the wax.

If the ear is sore or infected or if the cat is shaking its head or scratching at the ear, have them examined by a veterinarian. Ear mites are a common cause of ear infections in young cats and your veterinarian may recommend a medicated treatment.

 

Claws

Indoor cats will need their nails clipped on a very regular basis. Only remove the tips of the claw. 

Cats should never be de-clawed.

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​​Eyes

Due to the special shape of Devon Rex cat faces they are prone to runny eyes or excessive tearing. This excessive tearing can cause staining around the eye that may be hard to clean with just warm water. Sometimes there can be a dry crusty build up. There are commercial products to clean these types of stains but be very careful when using them. A good wipe with a cotton wool ball or pad soaked in saline solution is very effective.

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Teeth

Dental conditions are among the most prevalent issues veterinarians find when treating cats. Gingivitis (gum inflammation) is the mildest form of periodontal (or gum) disease, and it's also the most common oral problem. Gingivitis begins when plaque, a sticky, bacterial film, mingles with saliva and food particles and stays on teeth. It can harden into tartar, a yellowish-brownish crust. If severe, tartar has to be removed by your vet through a scraping process called descaling.

Starting a tooth brushing regiment at home will help prevent dental issues.

• Hold your kitty in your lap and let her get comfortable.

• Once she is relaxed, gently raise her lip on one side of her mouth and begin brushing on the outer portions of her teeth. Always brush down away from the gum line so that you loosen any embedded food particles and push them out of the mouth.

• On the bottom jaw, brush up away from the gum line. You may need to open her mouth by gently pinching her two cheeks between your two fingers, but cats will generally open up on their own once they taste the toothpaste.

• Continue working your way around the outside of her teeth on both sides until you have brushed the entire mouth.

• You don’t need to rinse her mouth with anything at this point because the toothpaste is made to be eaten — there are no chemicals that can hurt her tummy. Allow her access to her water bowl once you’re finished.

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Grooming Resources

     - Grooming Tips

     - Introduction to toothbrushing 

     - When and how to clean your cat's ears

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