CHAPTERS

Chapter Three: Devon Rex Requirements

The Devon Rex Cat is a pretty robust feline in comparison to other pedigreed cat breeds. They are prone to a few conditions that can either be avoided, or managed through proper care and nurturing. As long as particular conditions are met in order for them to thrive in a healthy environment, the devon rex will stay healthy and their usual pleasant selves. They require little but the routine care and grooming that should be carried out to maintain their health and wellness. We shall be discussing the needs of the playfully cute Devon Rex. We shall also discuss what is expected of any one who intends to get a new cat as well as the pros and cons of raising one.

You will also be able to find out if keeping more than one of these lovely cats is possible. Find out how much purchasing or adopting one would set you back initially, and get an idea of how much you will be spending for its maintenance and upkeep on a monthly and annual basis. We have included a run – down of costs you will be incurring upon acquisition of a Devon Rex and how much you are looking at on a monthly basis.

Pros and Cons of Devon Rex Cats

The Devon Rex Cat is generally lauded one of the healthiest of felines amongst most, if not all, cat sorts. All cats are prone to developing health problems, just as easily as a human would inherit a disease. An upstanding breeder would cannot claim that a cat is free of genetic or health problems. Do not do business with anyone who says otherwise. The great ancestor of the cat from the English county of Devonshire is an overall healthy cat with a minor probability, given the right attention and care, of a few ailments. Make sure that the breeder you do business with will be able to hand over solid, paper based health guarantee for the devon rex kitten.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a typical form of heart disease seen in cats. This heart disease causes hypertrophy, a thickening of the heart muscle. A vet would be able to confirm this by ordering an echocardiogram which can confirm if a feline has HCM. You will want to cross out breeders from your lists who claim to have HCM-free kittens in their breed. No one can give any sort of guarantee that the felines under their care will never develop the condition. Devon Rexes that result from breeding must be examined and tested for HCM. If a cat is found to be associated with HCM, the devon rex must be taken out from breeding programs. Make sure that the breeding pair or the parents of the kitten you are acquiring have both been tested for HCM, supported by documentation.

No matter what sort of pet you decide to take in, make sure that you research possible illnesses and to which your pet may be prone. Doing so prior to bringing one home saves you for unexpected surprises and allows you to set reasonable expectations for when you take home with your new feline companion. Make this a priority at the onset of your decision to take in one. This will be important to your success in raising the cat correctly.

A hereditary problem which may require surgical correction is patellar luxation. This genetically passed on condition involves the popping out of the cat’s kneecap. This condition would cause the cat to limp or hop when in movement. The condition usually corrects itself and the kneecap pops back into place on its own. However there are some cases which are more severe than others and would require you to take in your feline friend for surgery.

You will have to do a lot of calling, asking questions and studying to empower yourself to know all you need to know about the background, history, breeding methods and possible medical conditions an animal may be averse to and prone. Whenever taking in a new pet it is but wise and sound to discuss possible illnesses your pet may contract with a pet health care provider – namely, your vet. You, as its caregiver, will have to study up on what to avoid keeping your cat safe and healthy.

Needless to say, you will need to do some investigative digging by doing the proper research on the needs of your devon rex, and that is why you are here. When you have determined certain people you will be talking to down the road of acquiring a devon rex, whether you go to a shelter, talk to a breeder or adopt, asking questions, being present and observant will lead you to a good pairing for you and the cat. Make yourself aware of the history as well as the needs of the cat, so that you in turn can determine if you are up for the union.

Make sure that you get all the necessary equipment and sundries your devon rex cat will need to keep itself occupied and engaged whilst you are away. If you are the sort of owner who spends their day at a job away from home, you may want to consider getting a pair of cats from the same litter. Although relatively independent, the devon rex thrives best with company around, yours in particular. If this can’t be avoided then there are other options you may consider. You will, all the more, want to provide your devon orex cats with toys and devices that wouldn’t keep them from turning your house into a playground and your furniture and ornaments into playthings. Just make sure that when you are in the house, you spend lots of quality time with your cats, playing and interacting with them.

Ask for vet recommendations from friends and community members who have pets. It is important that you coordinate, consult with and have a vet you can call on, not only for emergencies, mind you! Even before acquiring your pet, you will want to consult with your vet and find out more about the pet you intend to take in. Your vet will be an important resource of information about the health and possible conditions your pet may acquire. They will be the best people to give you advice on what sort of nutrition your pet will need. They will also be the best candidates to identify illness or malaise in the animal. Make sure that you have a trusted vet on your speed dial.

This feline from England is a playful breed with a notably high level of intelligence and of moderate activity. The devon rex isn’t one who would go into overdrive when too excited, so you won’t have to deal with an overly hyperactive cat mate if you have your heart set on bringing home a devon rex. This is one cat that knows how to have fun and is one heck of a great playmate.

Behavior with Children and Other Pets

Most children love pets and it will not be unusual for parents to hear their children ask for pets to keep and raise. Not only does a pet help the child learn to take responsibilities that are age appropriate to their abilities, keeping animals as pets also allows children to learn about individual personalities and life in general.

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