---
title: "Devon Rex Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/devon-rex-cat-breed/
description: "Devon Rex: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (12-16 years), health problems to watch, activity, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Devon Rex: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, gives the Devon Rex an average weight of 3.6 kg and a lifespan of 12-16 years, and lists 2 breed-related health problems: hip dysplasia, patella luxation. Estimated cost: £13,600 to £18,000 over a lifetime.

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Average weight | 3.6 kg (average) |
| Average lifespan | 12-16 years |
| Activity | Mischievous, highly active and a powerful jumper |
| Grooming | Never brush: pdsa says the coat is too fragile; stroking keeps it in good condition |
| Cost | £13,600 to £18,000 over a lifetime (pdsa estimate; average purchase price £500) |

Source: [PDSA, Devon Rex breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/devon-rex).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- hip dysplasia
- patella luxation (both raise the risk of osteoarthritis)

Source: [PDSA, Devon Rex breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/devon-rex).

## Activity and grooming

PDSA describes the Devon Rex as mischievous, highly active and a powerful jumper. Grooming: never brush: PDSA says the coat is too fragile; stroking keeps it in good condition. Source: [PDSA, Devon Rex breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/devon-rex).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as very sociable, a lap cat that may sleep in your bed; can become destructive if left alone too long. PDSA advises discussing the medical history of a kitten's parents and grandparents. Source: [PDSA, Devon Rex breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/devon-rex).

## Cost

PDSA's figure: £13,600 to £18,000 over a lifetime (PDSA estimate; average purchase price £500). These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a cat](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-cat/) and [kitten first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-kitten-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Devon Rex breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/devon-rex).

## Questions people ask

How long do Devon Rexs live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of 12-16 years.

What health problems do Devon Rexs have?

PDSA lists hip dysplasia; patella luxation (both raise the risk of osteoarthritis).

How much does a Devon Rex cost?

PDSA's estimate: £13,600 to £18,000 over a lifetime (PDSA estimate; average purchase price £500).

## Sources

- [PDSA, Devon Rex breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/devon-rex), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for cat owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/cats/), [what cats can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/can-cats-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Dobermann (Doberman)](https://pawmultiverse.com/doberman-breed/)
- [Pomeranian: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/pomeranian-breed/)
- [Jack Russell Terrier](https://pawmultiverse.com/jack-russell-terrier-breed/)

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