Devon Rex Cat Breed – All Information, Facts, Care and Price

What You Need to Know About Devon Rex Health

In the same way that all people are able to inherit diseases from their parents, cats are also able to develop genetic health problems. There is no breeder who can be trusted to tell you that her breed does not have any health problems or genetic problems. Such breeders are lying or uninformed about their breed. In other words, if you are considering buying kittens from a breeder who does not offer a health guarantee, whom you are told that the breed is healthy and has no known problems, or who is telling you that her kittens are being isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons, run, do not walk from that breeder.

As a breed, Devon Rex s have a generally good health record, however, problems like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and patellar luxation have been seen in this breed as well as something called hereditary myopathy that affects the muscle function of the dog.

As the most common form of heart disease in cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common type of heart disease. In the case of hypertrophy, the heart muscle thickens (hypertrophy). In order to confirm whether a cat suffers from HCM, an echocardiogram should be performed. If a breeder claims that their lines are free from HCM, it is best to avoid them. The possibility of their cats developing HCM is something that no one can assure them about. We recommend that all Devon Rexes that are to be bred should be screened for HCM, and those cats that are identified as having HCM should not be allowed to breed. I would strongly advise you not to buy a kitten whose parents have not been tested for this disease before you buy it.

There is a hereditary condition known as patellar luxation that leads to the kneecap occasionally popping out of place, causing the cat to limp or hop. As a rule, it tends to pop back into place on its own, but in severe cases, it can dislocate frequently or even permanently, requiring surgery to correct it.

Do not purchase a kitten from a breeder who does not provide a written health guarantee, and do not be tempted to buy from a breeder who does not provide evidence that the kitten’s parents have been tested for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and patellar luxation.

When you have taken a new kitten home, remember that you can help to protect him from one of the more common health problems that plague our country: obesity. This can be achieved by following some simple tips. The easiest way to maintain the health and well-being of your Devon is to make sure he is at an appropriate weight.

The Basics of Devon Rex Grooming

There are ripples in the fur of the Devon, which gives the impression that the dog has wavy fur. There are thicker hairs on the back and sides of the animal, on the tail, on the legs, on the face, and on the ears. It is okay to have a shorter coat on the top of the head, the neck, the chest, and the belly of your dog, but no patches of bare skin should ever be visible. A distinctive characteristic of this beverage is its texture: it is soft, fine, and full in body.

There is no doubt that when it comes to grooming the Devon Rex coat, the gentler the better. Brushing or combing the hairs with a rough brush or comb can cause them to break or damage the hairs.

A Rex cat could develop greasy skin under certain circumstances, especially under the folds and on the paws of the animal. As a result, you will have to bathe this wash-and-go cat on a regular basis if this is the case.

It is only necessary to provide basic care for the rest. To keep his overall health and breath fresh, you should trim his nails every week or so and brush his teeth with a veterinarian approved pet toothpaste twice a day. Make sure your child’s ears are checked on a weekly basis. The ear canals should be cleaned out using a cotton ball moistened with a mild ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian if they appear dirty.

Baths, brushing, trimming nails, and brushing your kitten’s teeth are all normal things to do to keep him healthy, and when he’s older, you won’t have to fight him over these matters.

Choosing a Devon Rex Breeder

It is important that you do your homework before bringing home your Devon Rex so that you can enjoy the time that you spend with him as much as you can. You can find out more about the history, personality, and appearance of the Devon Rex by visiting the websites of the Cat Fanciers Association, Cats Center Stage, the Cat Fanciers Breeder Referral List, and the International Cat Association to find both breeders as well as rescue resources.

It is important that you spend as much time researching your kitten as you would if you were selecting a new car or expensive appliance. Long-term, you’ll save a great deal of money if you do this.

There is no doubt that a breeder who is reputable is going to abide by a code of ethics that prohibits the breeder from selling to pet stores and wholesalers, as well as laying out the breeder’s responsibilities towards their clients and to their customers. Choose a breeder who has performed the necessary health certifications, as well as one who raises her kittens in her home, so that genetic health problems have been as much as possible screened out. Isolated kittens are prone to becoming fearful and skittish as they become older and it may be difficult later in their lives to socialize them.

A big question is how can you tell if a breeder is reputable or not if they have a website, because there are a lot of them? Cats are always available in the shop, there are multiple litters on the premises, you can choose any kitten you want, and you can pay online with a credit card. These are red flags. I know that there is something convenient about those things, but almost never are they associated with reputable breeders.

Don’t forget that the old adage of “let the buyer beware” applies whether you’re planning on purchasing your feline friend from a breeder, a pet store, or any other source. You would be hard pressed to distinguish between reputable breeders and unsanitary catteries if you do not have any experience with them. It is impossible to guarantee that you will never purchase a sick kitten, but there are ways of reducing the chances of ending up in a disastrous situation if you do the necessary research (so you know what to expect), inspect the facility (to identify unhealthy conditions or sick animals), and ask the right questions. Do not forget to ask your veterinarian, as he or she may be able to refer you to a reputable breeder, a foster home for kittens, or another reliable source for healthy kittens.

Take your time. It could take between six months and more for a kitten that meets your requirements to become available, depending on what you are looking for. Until kittens have reached the age of 12-16 weeks, many breeders will not release them to new homes until they have reached that age range.

Consider whether an adult Devon Rex might be a better choice for you, before you decide to buy a kitten, depending on your lifestyle. A kitten can be a lot of fun, but they can also be a lot of work, and they can also be destructive until they reach a more sedate stage of their lives. You will have a better idea of what you are getting in terms of personality and health when you deal with an adult. It would be best to ask breeders if they have any retired show or breeding cats that need a new home or if they know of any adult cats who need a new home if you are interested in acquiring an adult cat instead of a kitten.