short hair · Small-Medium · Origin: England (1959, Devonshire)
Reviewed by HypoallergenicCat Editors · Updated May 2026 · 8 min read
The Devon Rex looks like a pixie that got into the espresso machine — wedge face, oversized ears, big eyes, and a thin curly coat that barely qualifies as fur. That sparse coat is the reason they're on hypoallergenic shortlists: they shed very little, which means less Fel d 1-coated dander on your couch. The trade-off is that Devons are intensely people-attached, monkey-like climbers who will sleep on your face. They're not for households who want a cat that minds its own business.
At a glance
Devon Rex — by the numbers
Allergen level
4 / 10
Grooming needs
2 / 10
Energy level
8 / 10
Trainability
7 / 10
Price range
$1,200 – $2,500 USD
The science
Devon Rex cats have a coat mutation that produces curly, wavy guard hairs and a much thinner undercoat than typical domestic cats. The relevant allergen, Fel d 1, is produced in saliva and sebaceous glands regardless of coat type — but with so little hair to shed, allergen-coated dander accumulates more slowly in the home. No breed-specific Fel d 1 production study has been published, so the allergy benefit is best understood as a 'less stuff in the air' effect rather than a 'less allergen produced' effect.
Across the broader allergy literature, single- and sparse-coated cat breeds consistently deposit less measurable Fel d 1 into household dust than double-coated breeds. The mechanism is environmental load, not source-level production: the cat still makes the protein normally, but less of it gets distributed.
From the community
u/rex_owner_long · r/devonrex · 2021
“Devons are not completely hypoallergenic, but they do tend to shed less than domestic shorthairs. I first 'adopted' Devons 13 years ago and have managed my allergies fine with one or two precautions.”View original on Reddit
u/honest_dev_owner · r/devonrex · 2021
“TL;DR — Devons are not hypoallergenic. You will react if allergic. We made it work with a lot of effort: HEPA filter, bathing, no cat in the bedroom.”View original on Reddit
u/rex_and_cornish · r/cornishrex · 2021
“The Cornish and the Devon have been the lowest allergy [breeds I've lived with]. Most friends who would interact with them had little to no reaction as well.”View original on Reddit
Living with one
Almost zero brushing required — the coat is too fine and sparse to mat. They do produce skin oils that can build up between baths; a gentle bath every 3-4 weeks keeps both skin and (importantly) allergen load down. Devons tolerate bathing better than most cats if introduced young.
Famously dog-like and clingy. A Devon will follow you room to room, sit on your keyboard, sleep on your head, and demand involvement in every household task. They learn fetch, names, and simple commands. They are NOT a good fit for households where the cat will be alone all day — they get genuinely depressed.
Generally healthy with a 12-15 year lifespan. Watch for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — reputable breeders test breeding parents — and a rare hereditary myopathy specific to Devons. Their sparse coat means they get cold easily; in winter, they appreciate sweaters or heated beds.
Apartment-friendly but require vertical territory and active engagement. They climb everything; secure curtain rods, shelves, and the top of the fridge.
Recommended products
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Affiliate link pendingWhere to adopt
We recommend reputable breeders who allow in-person visits and rescue organizations. Avoid kitten mills and breeders who won't let you meet the parents.
FAQ
No cat is fully hypoallergenic, and Devons are no exception — they still produce Fel d 1 normally. Their advantage is that they shed extremely little, so less allergen-coated dander gets distributed through your home. Many allergic owners tolerate Devons well with basic precautions (HEPA filter, no cat in the bedroom, occasional bathing). If your allergies are severe, do a multi-hour in-person visit before committing.
Yes — they have unusually strong rear legs and a monkey-like climbing instinct. Expect them on top of doors, refrigerators, curtain rods, and the highest cabinet in your kitchen. Childproof latches on cabinets containing food are a Devon-owner standard. Give them tall cat trees as legitimate climbing outlets.
Not happily. Devons are intensely people-oriented and bond hard to specific humans. Owners who work long out-of-home days should adopt two Devons (or a Devon plus a social companion cat), not one alone. A bored Devon becomes a depressed Devon.
From a reputable CFA/TICA breeder, expect $1,200-$2,500 for a pet-quality kitten. Adult rescues are occasionally available through Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue and similar networks for $300-$600. Avoid 'breeders' under $800 — the breed has known cardiac and muscular risks that require genetic testing breeders should not skip.