Devon Rex
Created | Updated Oct 21, 2002
These creatures are most likely to be owned by aliens, possessing large ears, large eyes, short curly hair and short demented whiskers. They are often confused with pixies, a comparison that might surprise you (but then, you may have a non-diseased mind).
Devons are very social with people and each other and tend to weigh no more than 9lbs (they are usually quite small). At least one sounds like a bagpipe when his tummy is rubbed. Most tend to purr very loudly when pleased (and this is more often than not).
If you were to encounter a Devon Rex during the normal course of life, then you should be very surprised. These cats are quite rare and are mostly to be found at strange cat shows (a tautology?) in the United States.
In such circumstances as a cat show, be sure to ask the cat owner first if you could gently rub the cat behind its ear (be warned, some owners are extremely assertive when provoked - e.g when the proper protocols are not respected). If one succeeds in pleasing a Devon, it will be your friend for life.
These cats require a lot of love. Feeding them on a regular basis allows such cats to start loving you. Rubbing them gently behind the ears or on the chin wins the favour of all but the most diehard Devon. Do not mix with Himalayans. Be sure to clean their ears and wipe the occasional goop from their eyes. Devons are very curious, playful and social - any interaction with them will be rewarding, unless you are out to deprive them of food. They tend to be healthy cats (i.e. few genetic problems, surprisingly) and are alleged to be excellent pets for those unfortunates who have allergies.
More information can be obtained from http://www.planetdevon.com and http://www.breedlist.com/devon-rex-breeders.html . More information on the various cat breeds can be found at http://www.breedlist.com .
Some fine examples of the breed can be viewed at http://photomail.photoworks.com/sharing/album.asp?Key=0987872837480507 (look at Olive and Pimento who are both Devons, the other one is a Himalayan).
There is a Devon Rex Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page at http://www.devonrex.com/faq/faq.htm .