Despite their short coat arising from two different mutations, Devon Rex vs Cornish Rex contests two remarkably similar breeds. They are truly cousins in looks and temperament. According to the Rex Cat Club:
The Cornish Rex breed is the result of one of nature’s miracles, a spontaneous natural mutation, which occurred in non-pedigree cats in Cornwall in 1950.
The photographs the first cat having this gene — Kallibunker — have much the appearance of a modern Cornish Rex.
Magnificent modern Cornish Rex not dissimilar to the first of the breed. Photo Paul Lewis
Devon Rex vs Cornish Rex: After Cornwall another cat born in Devon
The mutation may have been the result of radiation — tin mines in Devon and Cornwall make this possible, but nobody knows for sure. What is known, it changes the whole look of the cat. As well as the very short coat it acquires a long, slight look. Belying this look it has powerful muscles that enable it to jump exceptionally high. Think of the Cornish Rex as a kind of feline ballet dancer. It is actually far heavier than it looks.
A few years later in 1959 some similar kittens were born in the county of Devon near Cornwall. These kittens were to a stray tom with a short curly coat and a stray tortoiseshell and white female. Because of the location it was thought that these must be related to the Cornish cat. However, when a Devon and Cornish cat were mated the coat was no longer short and curly.
This indicated two separate mutations were involved. In fact the Cornish coat has no guard (or down hairs) and the Devon only short guard hair. Because of the early interbreeding some Devon and Cornish Rex share some early ancestors. Both these breeds have been out-bred with other stock to produce the modern cat. In each breed a careful look shows a distinctive body and head type. Here is Wikipedia on the Devon Rex:
Devons, which are medium sized cats, are often called “pixie cats” or “alien cats” because of their unique appearance. Their uncommonly large ears are set low on the sides of their wide heads, their eyes are large, and their noses are slightly upturned. Unlike most cats their whiskers are very short and often curled to such an extent that it may appear as if they have no whiskers. Their body type is distinctly lightly built. Their long, sturdy legs are well suited for long leaps, and their toes are unusually large.
Beautiful Devon Rex Female
And this is the CFA on the Cornish Rex:
Large ears are set high on a comparatively small, egg-shaped head with high cheekbones, hollow cheeks, and a high-bridged Roman nose and strong chin. The body has been compared to a Whippet dog’s because of its arched back, barrel chest, small waist and very long, fine legs.
Both breeds are lively cats of great intelligence. Because of their coats they need an indoor life. Here is a video of the Devon Rex:
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfOp2yAtlZo
And another of the Cornish Rex:
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfRwpZeQk2c
Devon Rex vs Cornish Rex is a difficult choice. They are both have the potential to be wonderful pets and companions. I hope you enjoyed this discussion about the two breeds. Please share this post below.
