"I Just Want a Pet" – Why That’s Exactly Why You Should Pick a Show Breeder for your next Devon Rex Kitten

Many people looking for a Devon Rex kitten believe that showing and titles don't matter if they "just want a pet." However, choosing a breeder who actively participates in cat shows is one of the best ways to ensure you're getting a healthy, well-socialized, and high-quality companion.

Talulah achieved numerous Regional Wins as a Grand Premier

What Happens at a Cat Show?

Unlike dog breeding, where dogs can prove themselves in multiple disciplines such as conformation, agility, scent work, and hunting, cats have only one outlet to demonstrate their quality—cat shows. These events allow an unbiased, educated third party (the judge) to compare each cat against the breed standard. Judges evaluate elements such as head shape, body proportions, coat texture, and overall condition to determine how closely a cat aligns with its breed’s ideal characteristics.

Beyond physical traits, cat shows also help cultivate solid personalities. Show cats must be handleable by strangers, remain calm in loud environments, and tolerate being near other cats. They must also be comfortable with frequent travel and exposure to new surroundings. A breeder who actively shows their cats is proving that their breeding stock possesses not only physical correctness but also excellent temperament—traits that are passed down to their kittens.

Why Active Showing Matters for Devon Rex Kitten Pet Buyers

Even if you are only looking for a companion and not a show cat, every show breeder will produce some pet quality kittens. Every single one, and buying from a breeder who actively competes has direct benefits for you and your future pet:

1. Ensuring Breed Standards Are Maintained

Cat shows exist to evaluate whether a cat adheres to the breed standard, which includes aspects such as body structure, coat texture, ear shape, and overall health. A breeder who consistently shows their cats is being held accountable by experienced judges who assess these traits. This means that even pet-quality kittens from a show breeder will have better structure, temperament, and overall health than those from someone who does not subject their cats to this kind of scrutiny. Furthermore, unlike in dogs, who have various methods by which to "prove" structure, temperament, type or adherence to standard, such as conformation, scenting, hunting, agility, herding etc., cats have just shows. If a breeder is not showing, there is no other objective measurement from unbias educated sources.

2. Socialization and Temperament

Cats that are shown regularly must be comfortable with handling, travel, and unfamiliar environments. This makes them naturally more social and adaptable, traits that tend to be passed down to their kittens. A breeder who shows their cats is actively selecting for good temperament, meaning your pet is more likely to be confident and well-adjusted.

3. Better Health and Less Chance of Preventable Contagions

At cat shows, judges inspect each cat for overall cleanliness and signs of illness, as any visible health issues could lead to the exhibitor and their cats being asked to leave. This includes conditions like fleas, ringworm, respiratory infections, or other visible contagious diseases. Because of this, breeders who show their cats must maintain a high level of health care and hygiene.

4. A Responsible, Ethical Breeder

Anyone can claim their cats have champion lineage, but only an active show breeder continuously proves their breeding cats meet high standards. These breeders are more likely to be ethical, responsible, and dedicated to improving the breed rather than just selling kittens for profit. If a breeder does not show their cats, it raises the question: are they truly committed to the breed’s well-being, or are they simply using the term "champion lines" as a marketing tool?

While some breeders advertise that their cats come from "champion lines," this does not necessarily mean they are breeding to the highest standards today. There is a significant difference between a breeder who actively shows their cats in competition and one who simply claims to have champion lineage in their cattery. Pro tip: You will often see these people claim champion heritage but have no registered cat names or titles on their breeding animals. Ex: "Tasha" listed as a "queen" in their cattery. An active show cattery will list something like GC/CH/QCH PureX Mashed Potato Time (aka Tasha) where the registered (show name) and titles are listed, along with their call name(pet name).

Additionally, some breeders may refer to "champion lines" from generations ago, which means nothing about the quality of the cats they are breeding today. (And that is also not touching on how the definition of "champion" varies wildly from association to association). A cat may have ancestors with impressive titles, but without active participation in shows, there is no guarantee that the breeder is maintaining or improving upon those qualities.

Final Thoughts

If you think showing doesn’t matter because you "just want a pet," think again. A breeder who truly cares about the breed will want to demonstrate their commitment by actively showing their cats—not just boasting about past champions. While it is not THE ONLY thing you should look for in a breeder, it should be one of the things that is a requirement in your in your search for a perfect cat/kitten. By choosing a breeder who participates in cat shows, you are doing your part to support ethical breeding practices that prioritize health, temperament, and the overall betterment of the breed. Even if you are "just looking for a pet," selecting a kitten from a show-focused breeder ensures that you are getting the best companion possible—one that will be healthy, well-adjusted, and a joy to have in your home.