Devon Rex in Australia — the honest 2026 guide

Also known as: Pixie cat, Alien cat

By Catstuff Editorial · Updated 2026-04-27

Size

Small

Energy

High

Lifespan

9–15 years

Height

25–30 cm

Weight

2.5–4.5 kg

Coat

Short, soft, wavy curls

Price AU

$1,800 – $3,500

Food/month

$45 – $75

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we'd use with our own cats.

If a chihuahua and a kitten had a baby that thought it was a monkey, you'd get a Devon Rex. Big ears, elfin face, curly soft coat, and an unhinged personality that wants to be on your shoulder, in your dinner, and under the doona — usually in that order.

Devon Rex temperament

Dog-like, attention-demanding, mischievous. Will follow you to the toilet. Excellent with kids who want an interactive cat. Gets along with other pets — better in pairs.

History in Australia

First cat (Kirlee) discovered in Buckfastleigh, Devon, 1959. The Rex coat is from a recessive mutation different from the Cornish Rex's. Reached Australia in the 1970s; established AU breeding lines by the 1990s.

Who the Devon Rex suits

Good for:

Allergy-conscious households (lower Fel d 1, but not zero)
Households wanting a goofy, monkey-like cat
Households with another pet for company

Watch out for:

Cold-sensitive — the curly coat is thin
Devon Rex myopathy (DNA-testable)
Demanding for attention

Caring for a Devon Rex

Bathe monthly — the curly coat traps oil, causing greasiness and sometimes Malassezia. They feel warm because they have less fur insulation; in winter, a cat-safe sweater or a heated bed isn't fussy, it's necessary.

Owning a Devon Rex in Australia — the essentials

Beyond the breed-specific notes above, every Australian cat owner needs to know:

Microchipping: Mandatory in every state and territory before sale or transfer (NSW: by 12 weeks; VIC: before sale; QLD: by 12 weeks). Around $60–80 at most vets.
Desexing: Required by 4 months in the ACT and parts of VIC; strongly encouraged everywhere else. Many councils discount registration for desexed cats.
Cat containment: 24/7 containment is now law in the ACT (territory-wide since 2022) and 40+ Victorian councils. Other states are following — assume your council requires it within a few years and build a catio.
Registration: Most AU councils require cat registration by 12 weeks. Annual fee typically $25–80, lower for desexed cats.
Vet costs: Budget $300–600/year for routine care (annual checkup, vaccinations, parasite prevention) plus an emergency fund of at least $2,000 — a single dental procedure or blocked-bladder treatment can hit $1,500–3,500.

Common Devon Rex health issues

Devon Rex myopathy (DNA test)
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Malassezia dermatitis
Hip dysplasia (rare)

Insurance note: Insurers occasionally flag for hereditary myopathy and Malassezia (yeast) skin issues. Confirm your policy doesn't blanket-exclude 'genetic conditions' before buying.

Get a Devon Rex quote from Knose Pet Insurance~2 min online

Best food for a Devon Rex in Australia

Our top picks based on coat quality, digestion, and AU availability:

Royal Canin Indoor Adult
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Skin
Black Hawk Original Feline

Shop Devon Rex food on Pet CircleFree shipping over $49 Compare on VetSupplyOften cheaper on parasite prevention

Essential gear for a Devon Rex

Three things that genuinely matter for a Devon Rex living in Australia:

PetSafe Drinkwell fountain

Water fountain · indoor cats

Moving water genuinely increases hydration — the single best preventative for the Devon Rex's most common urinary issues.

Newentor automatic feeder

Timed feeder · portion control

Useful for households out 8+ hours a day, or for managing the obesity risk most adult Devon Rexs face.

VetSupply parasite kit

Flea + worm + tick · monthly

Cheapest AU source for Bravecto Plus, Revolution Plus, and Advocate. Skip these and your insurer can deny claims.

Frequently asked questions

Are Devon Rex cats hypoallergenic?

Lower Fel d 1 protein than most breeds, but not zero. About 30–40% of cat-allergic people tolerate Devons reasonably well — spend an afternoon with an adult Devon before committing.

Do Devon Rex cats need a coat in Australian winters?

In Sydney/Brisbane, no. In Melbourne, Hobart, or Canberra winters, a cat-safe fleece or heated bed prevents shivering and stress. They genuinely lose more body heat than other breeds.