Part 3: 
Caring for A Devon Rex Coat

The Devon Rex has one of the most unique coats in the cat world—soft, wavy, and unlike that of any other breed. While often described as “low maintenance,” a Devon Rex coat still benefits from informed care.

 

Understanding coat texture differences, proper grooming tools, and how to manage common skin issues will help keep your Devon comfortable and looking their best.

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Understanding Devon Rex Coat Texture and Density:

Through many years of breeding, most of our kittens have fairly predictable coats but not all Devon Rex coats are the same. Coat texture can vary significantly between:

• Different breeding lines

• Individual cats within the same litter

• Age (kittens vs adults)

• Hormonal changes, stress, or illness
   

Some Devons have very fine, sparse waves with minimal guard hair, while others may develop denser curls or a more “plush” feel. This variability is normal for the breed and does not necessarily indicate a problem. 

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Grooming: Why Goat Hair Brushes and a fine greyhound comb are Ideal

Traditional cat brushes can be too harsh for Devon Rex coats. Instead, goat hair brushes are strongly recommended. If you have a Devon with a more dense plush coat, consider also adding a fine greyhound comb to the grooming routine. 

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Why goat hair?

• Extremely soft and gentle

• Helps distribute natural skin oils

• Removes light debris without pulling or breaking hair

• Encourages healthy skin without irritation
   

Use light strokes and avoid over-brushing. In many cases, brushing once or twice a week is sufficient. Over-grooming can actually thin the coat or irritate the skin.

For some Devons, simply using a damp microfiber cloth or your hands may be all that’s needed between baths.

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The Role of a Fine Toothed Greyhound Comb

If you have a more heavily coated Devon, in addition to a soft goat hair brush, a fine greyhound comb can be a useful tool in a Devon Rex grooming kit when used correctly. These lightweight, metal combs are excellent for gently checking areas where oils or debris or even tangles can accumulate.

The key benefit of a fine toothed greyhound comb is detection, not necessarily daily grooming. A few careful passes can help identify buildup or early skin changes before they become an issue. Always use a light hand, and never force the comb through resistance. If it doesn’t glide easily, stop. A fine toothed greyhound comb complements a goat hair brush without compromising the integrity of the coat.

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Bathing a Devon Rex: When and Why

Devon Rex cats can be more prone to oil buildup and yeast-related skin issues than many other breeds. This doesn’t mean frequent bathing is always required—but targeted bathing can be very helpful when problems arise.

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Managing Yeast Flares

A common issue in Devon Rex cats (and many lower coated breeds of dog and cat) is Malassezia yeast overgrowth, which may present as:

• Greasy or waxy skin

• Mild odor

• Redness/Orange Color or irritation (especially around paws, ears, belly and in any folds(like under arms or legs)

• Increased scratching

When bathing for yeast-related issues, it’s critical to use the correct type of shampoo.

**Please note: Veterinarians who may not be as well versed on lower coated breeds, sometimes attribute these types of yeast flares alone to an underlying condition like allergies. Largely because if this kind of flare happens in a normal coated animal, there often IS an underlying reason for it. However, in lower coated breeds, Like the Devon Rex, Sphynx, Cornish Rex, Peterbald etc. that often -isn't- the case. Yeast loves to live where it is warm and moist. In those unprotected areas where most animals have fur to keep it at bay. These breeds do not. An animal can have both allergies and yeast flares, absolutely, but it is not at all a given conclusion in these breeds as they lack the protective barrier that most animals have. 

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The Right Shampoo Matters

For yeast control, the shampoo must contain both:

• Ketoconazole (antifungal)

• Chlorhexidine (antimicrobial)

Using one without the other is often ineffective. Both ingredients work together to reduce yeast and secondary bacterial overgrowth.

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How to Bathe Correctly (This Step Is Crucial)

1. Fully wet the coat with warm (not hot) water (remember

2. Apply the shampoo and lather thoroughly, especially in problem areas

3. Let the lather sit for a full 10 minutes

   • This contact time is essential for the medication to work

   • Rinsing too early significantly reduces effectiveness

4. Rinse extremely well—leftover residue can cause irritation

5. Towel dry gently

6. Keep your cat warm and draft-free until fully dry
    

If your Devon dislikes baths, wrapping them in a warm towel during the wait period can help reduce stress.

Follow your veterinarian’s guidance or the medicated shampoo instructions on frequency, over-bathing can dry the skin and cause other skin issues to occur.