My Devon Rexes - The Bits I Missed

My boy's breeder, Patrizia of the Rarex Cattery in Italy just sent me these photos of my Devon Rex twins growing up before they came to live with me. They're just so adorable I had to share them!

Blue, my Blue Smoke Devon Rex as a baby 

140 grammes... Awww!

My cute little Devon Rex alien, Bowie

Bowie's first words on film

All three brothers together

This is the first photo I saw of Blue... how could I resist this face?

Mealtimes were a family affair

I just wish I'd been able to take all three!

One of the first pics I saw of Bowie. Cute here, DELICIOUS in real life!

Getting into trouble as only Devon Rexes can

So this is where the bad habits came from. I did have to train my boys that Mummy doesn't like sharing her dinner

Ski Kitty

Where do you keep the biscuits?

Growing up and looking more like the beautiful boys I know and love

Blue loves to snuggle under the duvet... and always has!

Seeing this photo I just knew I had to have both of them

Kitty Kisses

I've never, ever known a cat that likes to be kissed on the nose, but my Devon Rex boys love it. They'll stand on my lap with their paws on my shoulders for ages looking for kisses and if I go over to them when they're in their bed both of them turn their faces up to me expecting a smooch.

So what if I've had a bad day, a load of bills have come in or I'm having work worries. I take a break from the computer, snuggle with my boys and get a tonne of kisses to remind me that all the important stuff in the world is taken care of and the bad stuff will pass. How did I ever get along without these guys in my life?

Blue looking for a smooch

Learning to Speak Devon Rex

As I'd bottle-fed him and raised him from a baby I knew my "regular" cat Pushka pretty well. Like any good mum I could easily differentiate between his angry miaow, his upset miaow, his "where are you mum" miaow (this also doubled as his "where's my dinner" miaow). He also had the cutest little squeak for when I woke him up by stroking him.

Blue my Black Smoke Devon Rex at 5 months

Devon Rexes speak a whole different language though. They do have miaows but also chirrups, chatters, squeaks and... something I can't really explain but it sounds kind of like a chirrup with a stutter. Just over two weeks in and I'm still struggling to work out what they all mean.

They're not particularly vocal cats but seem to enjoy talking a lot more than Pushka ever did. He only ever talked to me if he had something urgent to tell me. My Rex twins seem to just talk for the pleasure of it.

Maybe it's because they are twins and always together, and because I'm pretty much always at home but it seems like the second one of my boys finds himself in a room alone, he starts chatting. I'm not sure yet if it's a "where are you", an "I'm bored" or just a "look at me" but I'm sure I'll get there. So far I just call back "I know" or "Tell me what's gone wrong in your life" and that seems to work... I'm invariably rewarded by a cat landing in my lap within seconds every time.

There's also the tail wagging thing... anyone used to "regular cats" knows that a wagging tail means you had better back off sharpish if you don't want a set of fangs sinking into your wrist or ankle. Devon Rexes, like dogs, wag their tails when they're happy which is insanely cute once you're used to it but can lead to a few errors in translation at the beginning. I love the sight of those super-long, elegant tails wafting back and forth every time I talk to my boys.

The difference between "catese" and "Devon Rexese" is like learning to speak fluent French and then finding yourself in a room full of Japanese people with someone asking you to translate. Yet another cute quirk of the breed that I just wasn't expecting...

Is One Devon Rex Better Than Two?

So I find myself the proud mumma of two beautiful Devon Rex boys... which is a little unexpected as I was only really looking for one kitten originally.

My Devon Rex kittens 

I work from home and have a house dog so none of the "your cat will suffer if left alone for long periods" arguments applied to me. I've also always been a dog person and the golden rule with puppies is never to get two at the same time as they'll bond far more with each other than with you so I kind of assumed the same applied to kittens. Other reasons for wanting just one cat were that animals already outnumber humans in my small household and I was pretty sure my boyfriend would kill me if I got any more pets.

However, when I found an ad online for two Devon kittens needing rehoming together I started researching how viable it is to have two kitties together. A Google search and a chat with a vet friend convinced me that actually two kitties ARE better than one, especially when we're talking about a sociable, loving, playful breed like the Devon Rex. It turned out the ad was a scam but by then the damage had been done and my heart was set on two cats rather than one.

Here's a few reasons why, two weeks into owning my twins I think it's the best decision I could have made

1. They adore each other
My boys sleep on top of each other, eat from the same bowl and spend hours playing together every day. I've filled the house with toys and gizmos to make sure they have plenty to keep them amused but by far the best toy for a Devon is another Devon. I'm sure their quality of life is much, much better than it would have been as an "only cat" and my heart breaks to even imagine seperating them now

2. Two cats are less work than one cat
They keep each other amused with chasing and wrestling games for hours meaning I can actually get some work done occasionally without the guilt factor of abandoning my kitty. I've had a "normal" cat before and I've been amazed at just how much more intense a Devon's affections are. They do need huge amounts of love and interaction and just aren't as independent as moggies. Having two is like having a live-in babysitter at times.

3. Quality playtime

We might look like we're killing each other but we're just playing, honest!

No matter how many toys you buy or how much playtime you dedicate to your cat it's impossible for a human to replicate play with another cat. Having watched my boys wrestle, chase and pounce on each other for hours on end I'm convinced that having cat-on-cat playtimes is a definite bonus for both of them. When they decide that 2am is a GREAT time to play, although they do wake me up at least I don't have to get out of bed and play with them... I just let them get on with it.

4. Training is easier
I was worried that I'd find training a nightmare with two Devons. The phrase "herding cats" came to mind. However, one of them is always a wee bit quicker to catch on to a new trick than the other and when that happens it seems to me that his brother watches him, copies him and voilá... he gets the lesson much quicker. It's been a bit trickier with toilet training them as mine is a one bathroom house and we have to go at the speed of the slowest member of "Team Citi Kitty" but that's certainly not the end of the world.

5. They reassure each other
I'm convinced that the process of picking them up, transporting them by air and introducing them to a new home was made much easier for both by having a littermate there for reassurance (read more here) and as I'm in the process of exposing them to all sorts of new experiences and meeting loads of new people it's wonderful that they both have that added security and confidence from their brother

6. They keep each other company
When I do have to leave them alone at home I know they're not going to get anxious, lonely or bored with somebody still around to play with and cuddle

7. I'm not constantly worrying if they're warm enough
It being winter, me being an overprotective Mum and my boys being too young to have their full coats it's great to know I don't have to constantly faff about with jumpers and hot water bottles as they cuddle up together and keep each other snuggly and warm. Their little house feels like a furnace with the two of them sleeping away in there together

8. It saves wear and tear on your furnishings!
Let's face it if they're having a ball beating each other up and wearing each other out, they're less likely to take out that extra energy on my sofas, curtains and anything else that takes their fancy... at least that's how it seems to be working for me

9. Entertainment value
It's hysterical watching my two boys thunder past me down the hall like a miniature herd of elephants... and then thunder right back a second later coming the other way. And again. And again. Watching kittens play is the best recipe for guaranteed laughter I know. It's also really cool to watch them develop their own individual personalities and compare how they're developing

10. They will still bond with their humans
This was the big worry for me about getting two kittens... would they be so involved with each other they would end up ignoring me? Obviously I've only had two together so can't compare how they would interact with me as an "only child" but my boys are so affectionate, interested and responsive to me I really couldn't imagine them being any better. This might be an issue with other breeds but doesn't seem to be with a people-orientated breed like Devon Rexes. There will just be two of them in your bed, on your lap, gazing at you adoringly and riding on your shoulder rather than one.

11. Littermates are best
My twins have never been seperated so have a fabulous bond. Being the same age and the same lively breed they have similar energy levels and temperament which helps them get along as best buddies. I also haven't had the stress and worry of introducing them to each other or having one get jealous about sharing their home and people with a newcomer

So for me, two cats ARE better than one... maybe not with all breeds but definitely with Devons and I adore both of my naughty little imps!

I Love My Devon Boys

Okay, so anyone following the toilet training experiment on my blog will know that today is a bad, bad day and I'm feeling demoralised and sleep deprived.

Blue and Bowie, my lovable little elves

But one thing I am very quickly learning about Devon Rexes is that whatever happens they will find a way to make you smile, to make you feel loved and to make you wonder how you ever got by without them.

They've been super cute today, wrestling a huge roll of kitchen towel to death (messy but hilarious), following me as I do my chores, sitting on the dish rack as I wash up, jumping in the washing machine as I try to get my clothes in around them and getting into even more pickles than usual. They've been chasing each other all over the house sounding like a mini herd of elephants and on one zoom round the kitchen they managed to upend the fruit bowl and then chased the oranges round the kitchen floor. Blue is now draped around my neck nuzzling my face and nibbling my ear and Bowie is curled up under my jumper in my lap.

A little Devon love will chase those first world problem blues away in an instant every time and it's impossible to go for more than 5 minutes without grinning from ear to ear with these guys in my life!

Devon Rexes - Indoor or Outdoor Cats?

I've always thought keeping an indoor only cat was unnatural at best and downright cruel at worst and my previous moggie Pushka was an indoor-outdoor cat meaning he could come and go as he pleased. I live in a hot country so I just left the door open whenever I was in the house so he was free to roam or chill out on the sofa, whichever he wanted to do.

He was a happy kitty who never strayed far and was always waiting at the door to greet me when I got home. The only downside was his penchant for catching rats bigger than he was and depositing them on my bedroom floor on a regular basis. They weren't always entirely dead either.

So I never even considered keeping cats any other way... until I started researching Devon Rexes. It seems there's a growing movement towards keeping cats as indoor only pets. I was surprised to find out that the average life expectancy of an indoor-outdoor cat was just 3 years compared to the 15 of an indoor only cat with cars, dogs and poisons as the most common cat killers out there. There's also a tonne of horror stories about cats being stolen and used as bait in dog fights although I'm guessing that depends on where you live and surely can't be all that common? My Pushka also became seriously ill once with an abscess from an infected bite, presumably from fight with another cat.

With pedigree cats you can add theft to the list. Some people will recognise your cat as the expensive, pedigree animal it is and pinch it either to keep themselves or to sell on. Or, in the case of the slightly odd-looking Devon Rex they may think it's a normal moggie that's been so badly treated by their owner that it needs re-homing or taking to the pound.

As I currently live in an area with a busy road nearby, gardens filled with unfriendly dogs and... (how can I put this nicely?) not the best class of neighbours I've made the decision to keep my Devons as indoor only cats for now. I'm currently renovating a house in the countryside with no neighbours and miles from the nearest road so once we're there I'll reevaluate the situation.

I do believe that access to the great outdoors does add an extra dimension to a cats life and would love nothing more than to let my babies run free. The cons outweigh the pros for now though, and my "kids" have always been kept as indoor only cats so don't necessarily know what they're missing. I have attached mosquito screens to several of my doors and windows so they're free to look outside and listen to what's going on, I'm training them to walk on the lead with me and I've done my best to make sure they have everything they need for a happy, fulfilling indoor life.

I'm happy with my decision considering the current situation but can't wait to get into my new house and watch my kitties run free through the fields

Blue getting some fresh air and watching the world through the mosquito screens. I call this "Cat TV"

About my Devon Rex Kittens

My babies... I can't believe they've only been with me for a little over a week... it seems like they've been part of my life forever and I honestly can't imagine being without them

I originally wanted just one cat, then ended up deciding on two. I originally wanted very young kittens but ended up with two 5 month old boys. I originally kind of wanted girls (but wasn't overly fussed) but ended up with two boys. Welcome to life with Devon Rexes... it's always unpredictable and all the better for it.

Mine are two 5 month old brothers, one black and one white with one blue and one yellow eye. Allow me to introduce Blue and Bowie...

Blue

The most affectionate and cuddly of the two, he is almost always on my lap or shoulders and is never more than a few feet away from me at any time. If I leave a room while he's asleep he starts calling me as soon as he wakes up to find out where I am. He loves weird foods like sweetcorn and adores cat grass but has less of an appetite than Bowie who generally ends up finishing his dinner for him. In bed at night he gets under the duvet and makes a beeline for my stomach and no matter how many times I move in the night he moves right with me. Some cynics say that Devon Rexes only seem to be more affectionate than other breeds but really they feel the cold more and want to cuddle up to you for warmth. Blue proves that's not true. When he's on my lap he gazes right into my face as I stroke him and as soon as I stop he's up and nuzzling my face for more. He seems to be the alpha and Bowie tends to follow his lead but Bowie invariably lies on top of him to sleep. My cuddly, lovely little boy who can jump from the floor into my arms in one bound (and does several times a day)

Bowie

Named after the singer because of his striking odd eyes, Bowie's the action man of the pair. He's totally fearless (also thanks to being so well socialised by his breeder) and into everything. He's slightly less affectionate than Blue (but remember these are Devon Rexes we're talking about and compared to normal cats he's a little hurricane of love) but slightly brighter and quicker to catch on with training. He ends up training me half the time. He has a voracious appetite and of the two is always the first one up and the last to bed. He also has far more stamina for playtimes and will end up trying to coax Blue back into a game long after his brother has given up and curled up on my lap. When we go out for "walks" (the two in a rucksack strapped to my front) he's the one peeping out the top while his brother prefers to travel incognito hidden in the bag. He's the one strangers are drawn to, partly because who can resist a kitten peeping out of a rucksack and secondly because of his striking looks. My adorable, smart, feisty little boy.

I had read that Devon Rexes are incredibly affectionate and intelligent which is why I chose the breed in the first place, but NOTHING prepares you for just how affectionate and intelligent they are. It's one thing to read that they like to ride on your shoulder, another to actually have your new baby jump up there within 10 minutes in their new home. They're purr machines, bright as a button, love their training sessions and are the most people-oriented cats I've ever met. In fact, I've decided they're not really cats at all.

To appreciate the beauty of a Devon you need to forget what cats are "supposed" to look like. Compare them to a regular moggie and they look like little aliens whose owner should really be reported to the RSPCA. Look at them as a breed in their own right and they're delicate, elegant little elves with adorable faces and muscular bodies.

As a previous moggy owner new to Devons there's a lot of differences. Pushka would do two seconds in my arms tops. He preferred human contact on his own terms. These guys actually want to spend the majority of their time in your arms and will jump into them any chance they get. Most cats hate being kissed on the nose, these guys practically beg you to do just that. They have seriously weird taste in food and go nuts over things a "regular" cat wouldn't dream of touching. Blue loves sweetcorn for example and cheesecake drives them insane. I don't give them any of course but they'll try anything to get some and if you've just eaten a slice and they get a whiff of it on your breath, they'll practically try and crawl inside your mouth to get at it. I used to think sleeping with a cat meant having him on top of the covers at the foot of the bed. These guys want to be under the duvet and snuggled up as close to you as they can. The whole tail wagging thing also took some getting used to. When Pushka wagged his tail you'd better be ready to have a set of fangs sink into your ankle. These guys wag when they're happy or excited like dogs. In fact they ARE like dogs. Crossed with monkeys. With the coat of a newborn lamb. In an alien suit.

They're Devon Rexes and they're just amazing!

Choosing my Devon Rexes

One of the first photos I saw of my babies to be

I originally started out looking for just one cat. I'd lost my beloved moggie Pushka a few months previously and wanted someone to help fill the void he'd left in my life. I'm also much more used to dogs and the golden rule with them is never to get two puppies together as they tend to bond more with each other than with their humans. However my obsessive internet research and a call to a vet friend of mine convinced me that two kittens are better than one so the search began for a pair of youngsters, ideally brothers.

Devon Rexes ain't cheap. I paid 700€ each for my kitties. I'm sure prices vary from country to country and breeder to breeder but where I live my research suggested that was a fair price for a good kitten. At that price they should come with a pedigree, vaccines and a microchip.


First things first, find a breeder. I live in Italy and the number of reputable breeders is limited. By "reputable" I mean people who really care about Devons and breed them intelligently and thoughtfully as opposed to just saying "I've got a Devon, you've got a Devon, let's mate them and sell the kittens for a tonne of money". The Devon gene pool is small and fragile and I wanted to make sure I wasn't encouraging and giving my hard-earned cash to disreputable folk out to make a swift buck.

I called ALL of the Italian breeders. Every one. Only a few had available kittens or cats expecting litters which narrowed down my search (I'm not the most patient person in the world and once I decided on a Devon I wanted one NOW). To me, the most important reason behind my decision to get a Devon Rex was their personality so I needed a breeder who was passionate about each and every cat and brought them up within a family environment rather than a cattery. That helped me cross a load more off my list.

When I spoke to Sandra and Patrizia of the Rarex cattery (click here to view their website) I knew I'd found the right breeder. Their operation is small and friendly, the kittens are brought up as part of the family, sleeping under the duvet with their humans, brilliantly socialised and best of all the kittens are used to having dogs in the home (I have an 11 year old Irish Setter who gets on well with cats so this was an important consideration for me). They just happened to have two males available from the same litter, one black and one white with odd eyes which was exactly what I was looking for so I knew my search had ended. The bank transfer and transport arrangements were made and a few days later I found myself at Milan airport, the proud and slightly nervous owner of two Devon Rexes. Let the journey begin...