Cats come in all shapes and sizes. Many breeds have their own unique characteristics from their size, colors, face, and even the length of their coats. However, when it comes to unique appearances, the Devon Rex and Sphynx cat are two amazing cats that definitely stand out.
The Devon Rex and Sphynx cat are nearly hairless cat breeds that give them their unusual appearance. Despite this, they make amazing pets with their loyalty, companionship, and their own personal quirks!
Choosing between these two cat breeds can be difficult because of their similarities, but the Devon Rex and Sphynx also have differences that can help you choose which is right for you.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
Devon Rex Overview
The Devon Rex is a unique and distinctive cat breed known for its wavy coat, large ears, and affectionate personality. The breed originated in Devon, England in the 1960s when a kitten with a curly coat was born in a litter of domestic shorthair cats. The Devon Rex breed was developed through careful breeding to maintain and enhance the unique traits of the curly coat, large ears, and slender body.
As house cats, the Devon Rex are known for their affectionate and social nature. They are often described as “people-oriented” and enjoy being close to their human companions. They are known to be lap cats and are often found snuggling or keeping close with their owners. They are also playful and intelligent, enjoying interactive playtime and toys.
Devon Rex cats are also known to be good with children and other pets, but they do require regular socialization to ensure they are well-adjusted. They are active cats that enjoy climbing, jumping, and exploring their surroundings. They are also known for their curious nature and may get into mischief if not provided with enough mental and physical stimulation.
Overall, the Devon Rex is a beautiful and affectionate cat breed known for its unique appearance, including its curly coat and large ears. They make loving and social pets that enjoy being close to their human companions. With proper care and attention to their grooming needs, Devon Rex cats can thrive as beloved pets in the right home.
Appearance
The Devon Rex is a unique and striking breed known for its curly coat, large ears, and expressive eyes. They have a slender, agile body with a wedge-shaped head and high cheekbones. Their coat is short, curly, and soft, often described as a “pixie” or “velvet” coat that can come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Personality and Behavior
The Devon Rex is an outgoing and social breed that loves to be the center of attention. They are known for their playful and mischievous nature, often engaging in acrobatics and antics that are sure to make you smile. They are affectionate and enjoy close contact with their human companions, often following them around the house or sitting on their laps. They are intelligent and curious, always exploring and investigating their surroundings.
Grooming Needs
Despite their unique coat, the Devon Rex has low grooming needs compared to other breeds. Their curly coat requires minimal brushing to prevent matting, and they do not shed much. However, they may need regular ear cleaning and nail trimming. Additionally, their skin can be sensitive, so it’s important to provide them with a balanced diet and avoid harsh chemicals when grooming.
Health
The Devon Rex is generally a healthy breed but like all cats, they can still be prone to common feline health concerns such as dental issues, obesity, and respiratory infections. Regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and regular exercise are important for maintaining their overall health and well-being.
Suitable for:
The Devon Rex is a loving and social breed of cat that is perfect for families that enjoy bonding with their pets. They also work well with children and other pets, so they are great for multi-pet households. They have short coats that are easy to maintain and have high energy levels that require lots of stimulation and play!
The Devon Rex craves companionship and can easily experience separation anxiety if kept alone for too long, so consider this before adopting a Devon Rex.
Sphynx Overview
While you would think the Sphynx has relations with the Sphynx in Egypt, the Sphynx cat has nothing to do with Egypt at all! The breed’s origins can be traced back to Toronto, Canada in the 1960s, when a kitten named Prune was born with no fur due to a natural genetic mutation. Through careful breeding programs, the Sphynx breed was later developed to maintain and enhance their unique traits.
The Sphynx cat is a distinct and remarkable breed recognized for its hairless appearance, large ears, and affectionate temperament. Contrary to popular belief, Sphynx cats are not completely hairless, but rather have a fine layer of down-like fuzz covering their bodies.
Like the Devon Rex, the Sphynx are also considered “people oriented” and enjoy keeping their humans company. They are playful and affectionate cats that also get along with children and other pets. They are also active, intelligent cats that require stimulation to stay entertained. They also love learning new tricks and also attempt to communicate with their humans, so expect a loud and vocal cat at home!
Appearance
The Sphynx cat is a captivating and unique breed known for its hairless body and large, bat-like ears. They have a sleek and muscular body with a prominent potbelly, wrinkled skin, and large, almond-shaped eyes. Their lack of fur showcases their striking features, revealing the beautiful color and texture of their skin.
Personality and Behavior
The Sphynx cat is an affectionate and extroverted breed that thrives on human interaction. They are often described as “velcro cats” due to their desire to be close to their owners at all times. They are playful, energetic, and intelligent, enjoying interactive play and engaging in acrobatics. With proper training and positive reinforcement, they can also learn new tricks!
They are also known for their inquisitive nature and will often explore every nook and cranny of their environment.
Grooming Needs
Despite being hairless, the Sphynx cat still requires regular grooming. Their skin produces natural oils that need to be wiped off with gentle cleaning to prevent skin issues. They may also need occasional baths to wash off the gunk and dirt that builds up on their skin, keeping their skin nice and healthy. In addition, their large ears need regular cleaning to prevent wax buildup.
Health
The Sphynx cat is also generally a healthy breed with no specific breed-related health issues. However, their hairless body makes them susceptible to temperature changes, so they may require extra warmth in colder weather. Their exposed skin also makes them sensitive to sun exposure, so keeping them indoors is recommended.
They are also prone to dental issues and may need regular dental care. Overall, with proper care and attention to their grooming needs, the Sphynx cat can live a healthy and happy life.
Suitable for:
Sphynx cats are suitable for families looking for an affectionate and energetic family pet. They are sociable and love human interaction and can even work well with other pets. Sphynx cats, however, require moderate grooming attention to keep their skin and ears clean and also require high levels of play time and stimulation to keep them engaged and entertained.
As people-oriented cats, the Sphynx cat is suitable for families that will keep them company as they do not do so well alone.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
The Devon Rex and Sphynx are two amazing cat breeds that thrive in the company of their humans. They both have high energy levels, love playing with their humans, and can even work well with children and other pets.
The biggest difference, however, is their grooming needs and the health concerns that come with it. The Devon Rex has short and curly hair that sheds minimally but also requires less grooming attention than the Sphynx. Despite being hairless, the Sphynx needs constant cleaning and washing to keep their exposed skin nice and healthy.
Overall, the Devon Rex and Sphynx are two excellent family cats that are full of personality and energy!
Featured Image Credit: Top – Devon Rex (Damir, Pexels) | Bottom – Sphynx (Anna Shvets, Pexels)
