Breed History

Devon Rex Breed History

The Devon Rex owes its origin to a natural mutation which occurred amongst non-pedigree cats in Devon. Kirlee, recognised as the first Devon Rex, was born 15th July1959, he was the only curly coated kitten in a litter born to a non-pedigree mother. His father was unknown.

At first it was assumed that Kirlee had resulted from the same genetic mutation that produces a Cornish Rex (a breed already known for the previous 9 years)

Kirlee was adopted by Miss Beryl Cox who must be given all credit for realising how unusual he was. She sold Kirlee to a breeder named Mr Brian Stirling-Webb who was trying to establish rex coated cats as a breed in Britain.

It soon became clear that Kirlee wasn’t carrying the same curly haired gene as the Cornish Rex as all attempted matings produced straight haired kittens. The Devon Rex gene is recessive – both mother and father must carry the gene to produce a curly haired kitten. Thus Kirlee was bred to his own offspring and this produced curly haired kittens proving the recessive gene and the complete lack of compatibility to the Cornish Rex. Although various other Rex breeds have become known over the years none has ever been found which is compatible with the Devon Rex.