Now that you have chosen the energetic and sociable Devon Rex as your new pet, the next thing you need to know is how much one costs and what things you need to buy as you take one home.
Owning a Devon Rex is the start of a huge responsibility — physically, emotionally, and financially. This cat breed does not come cheap and would require careful financial planning.
Not to worry, as this article highlights the things you need to consider in owning a Devon Rex, such as its price of acquisition, initial and annual upkeep costs, where to get it, and even how to save money as you own one.
The Average Cost of a Devon Rex Kitten
Due to their rarity, Devon Rex kittens can cost around $600 to $2,500. This price may vary depending on various factors, such as the breeder’s reputation, pedigree, gender, and age. The cost of breeding and show-quality Devon Rex would even be a lot higher.
Aside from being a curly breed, which is rare for cats, the Devon Rex also has unique facial features, making it earn its alias as an “alien cat.” These distinct characteristics make the demand for this cat even much higher.
However, if you are on a tight budget, another option you can take is to look for one from legitimate rescue organizations and animal shelters. This way, you also get to give a cat another chance at life.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Devon Rex Kitten
Like other cat breeds, Devon Rex kittens may be nurtured in various ways, depending on the breeder. This variable, along with other factors, such as age and quality, affects the final price tag of this breed.
Here are some factors affecting the cost of a Devon Rex:
- Location: If your preferred Devon Rex breeder lives far from your current location, expect to pay additional fees for your kitten’s shipping and handling. The same expenses apply if you decide to travel far to pick the kitten up yourself.
- Pedigree: Many reputable breeders raise Devon Rex for breeding and show. Devon Rex kittens from champion lineages will fetch higher prices, especially if registered.
- Age: Adult Devon Rex cats would cost lower than kittens, except if the adult has already won competitions. Having a kitten would give the owner the joy of experiencing its quirks and cuteness and the opportunity to watch it grow into adulthood.
- Breeder’s Reputation: The price of a Devon Rex would also depend on the breeder’s reputation. The most notable breeders employ strict procedures to produce the best quality and healthiest cats. Many even offer health guarantees to show their confidence in their breeding.
If you really want to take home a Devon Rex cat, you should pack up a lot of patience since getting one from a reputable breeder means being placed on a long waitlist.
Here is a video that might convince you better why a Devon Rex is worth its price:
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Devon Rex From a Rescue?
Adopting a Devon Rex from a rescue center can save you a lot since the adoption fee is only around $300 to $600. The fee is also driven by factors such as vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and age.
When adopting a Devon Rex, it would be best to visit the nearest rescue center or look for one on a trustworthy website. Check the availability of the cat you want in the nearest area to avoid additional travel costs.
Every pet deserves a home. So, aside from the financial benefits of adopting, it would be a noble act to provide a homeless cat with both a home and a family.
Moreover, if you still haven’t located the Devon Rex you want at this point, you can also resort to other ways to find free kittens in your area.
Initial Cost of Devon Rex Ownership
Whether you are adopting a Devon Rex from a shelter or buying one from a reputable breeder, you will be responsible for the cost of welcoming the cat to its new home.
Devon Rex cats make devoted companions. Therefore, owners must be able to comfort and maintain their health through grooming, feeding, training, and many other things.
Along with investing time and effort, one should also buy supplies and consider the pet’s current demands and pre-existing medical conditions.
Below is a checklist of the initial costs you need as you acquire a Devon Rex:
- Food and Treats: The cost of cat food varies depending on its quality and formulation. It is always best to ask your veterinarian which type of food suits your Devon Rex. Treats should also be used sparingly for training purposes. A monthly budget of $20 to $50 should be enough to provide your Devon Rex with the nutrition it needs.
- Food and Water Bowls: Food and water bowls made of ceramic or stainless steel are recommended for your Devon Rex. A cat is known to prefer a fair and shallow variety, which costs between $10 and $25.
- Litter Box: For pet owners who mostly stay indoors, a litter box is necessary to serve as your Devon Rex’s bathroom. There are two types of litter boxes: permanent and disposable. Permanent ones are usually durable plastic, costing between $20 and $160. On the other hand, you can get the disposable litter box for at least $17.
- Litter Sand: Litter sand manufacturers recommend using two to three inches of litter, which is approximately 20 pounds. Expect to spend approximately $15 to $25 per month for quality litter sand that clumps well.
- Collar and ID Tag: ID tags and collars are bought based on the owner’s personal preferences. They are customizable and could cost from $5 to $20 depending on the complexity of the design, quality, and size.
- Cat Bed: Cat beds come in a wide variety. Various types of cat beds included those in the shape of trees, castles, and chaises. These $15 to $30 mattresses will provide comfort for your Devon Rex by reducing joint pain, soothing achy muscles, and keeping them warm all year.
- Cat Carrier: Cat carriers are essential in transporting your Devon Rex to nearby areas, such as the veterinarian. A quality cat carrier can hold you back by $20 to $60.
- Toys and Scratching Post: A Devon Rex needs to be stimulated with toys like teaser cats, toy balls, and laser pointers. At the same time, you would need a scratching post to avoid scratches on your other furniture at home. Allot around $15 to $70 for these items.
- Grooming Essentials: The Devon Rex may not shed as much as other cats, but it is still necessary for owners to maintain its hygiene. Budget around $25 to $35 for grooming essentials such as high-quality brushes and clippers.
- Initial Vet Visits: Regular vet visits usually include a general health screening and wellness exam. You may also be asked about your pet’s behavior, diet, and lifestyle patterns. The cost of every visit could range from $100 to $250.
- Initial Vaccine Shots: Protecting your Devon Rex from critical illnesses, such as feline panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and rabies, will cost you around $25 to $50. These vaccine shots will help keep your Devon Rex protected into adulthood.
- Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications: While heartworm treatments are only available with a prescription and in the form of injectables or chewable, the options for treating fleas and ticks include spot-on treatments, oral medications, and collars. Expect to pay around $30 and $100 to protect your Devon Rex from these parasites.
- Neutering and Spaying: A lot of health benefits come with neutering and spaying cats. Usually, these procedures are already covered by breeders. However, if your Devon Rex isn’t neutered or spayed yet, you should set aside a budget of $200 to $500 for these procedures.
- Microchip: Microchipping is a one-time procedure, but its benefits last a lifetime. The microchip can be used to retrieve your information in a pet database in case your Devon Rex gets lost. This would cost you about $40 to $60.
- Miscellaneous Supplies: Cleaning supplies such as poop scoopers and poop bags are necessary to keep you and your cat’s environment clean. These extra expenses could cost between $15 and $30.
Given below is the breakdown of the initial expenses of owning a Devon Rex:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $20 – $50 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 – $25 |
| Litter Box | $20 – $160 |
| Litter Sand | $15 – $25 |
| Collar and ID Tag | $5 – $20 |
| Cat Bed | $15 – $30 |
| Cat Carrier | $20 – $60 |
| Toys and Scratching Post | $15 – $70 |
| Grooming Essentials | $25 – $35 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $250 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $25 – $50 |
| Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications | $30 – $100 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $200 – $500 |
| Microchip | $40 – $60 |
| Miscellaneous Supplies | $15 – $30 |
| Total Initial Cost | $555 – $1,465 |
These initial expenditures are critical to the well-being of your Devon Rex, so make sure that these are not overlooked.
Moreover, when purchasing supplies, always go for items made of high-quality materials. Quality items last for years and save you money in the long run.
Annual Cost of Owning a Devon Rex
After 18 months, the Devon Rex stops growing, but that doesn’t mean you should stop providing for their basic needs and medical care.
You will need regular consultations with your vet during your cat’s lifespan. You also must ensure that you can account for your Devon Rex’s nutrition, exercise, training, and health needs.
Below is a list of the annual expenses for taking care of your Devon Rex:
| Type of Expense | Yearly Estimate |
| Food and Treats | $200 – $500 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 – $25 |
| Litter Box | $20 – $160 |
| Litter Sand | $200 – $250 |
| Cat Bed | $20 – $30 |
| Cat Carrier | $20 – $60 |
| Toys and Scratching Post | $100 – $250 |
| Grooming Essentials | $100 – $200 |
| Routine Veterinary Care | $100 – $200 |
| Vaccinations | $50 – $130 |
| Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications | $60 – $150 |
| Pet Insurance | $360 – $600 |
| Miscellaneous Supplies | $30 – $50 |
| Yearly Total | $1,270 – $2,605 |
| Average Monthly Cost | $106 – $217 |
Take note that this maintenance may last for up to 15 years or even more. Setting aside this budget year on year will be beneficial to ensure that you are prepared for any eventuality throughout the lifetime of your pet.
Acquiring pet insurance for your Devon Rex is also very advantageous. It can cover the cost of both recurring veterinary appointments and medical emergencies.
Other Potential Expenses
Occasionally, you may need to use additional services or spend extra money for your Devon Rex’s safety and comfort.
Here is a list of other potential expenses that may come your way as a Devon Rex owner:
- Cat Sitter: In case you have to leave the house for a day and cannot take your Devon Rex cat with you, hiring a pet sitter is a good choice. This service usually costs around $15 to $30 a day.
- Cat Boarding: A boarding service is worth considering for longer travels, such as a vacation or business trip, where you can’t bring your cat. This may hold you back by around $30 to $50 daily.
- Medical Emergencies: In times of illness and injury, your Devon Rex might require hospitalization, treatment, and medical interventions that could last for weeks or even months. These expenses could range from $500 to $1000.
- Grooming Services: If grooming will prove to be a problem due to the time and effort it takes to accomplish such, grooming services can help maintain your Devin Rex’s hygiene. This may hold you back by $100 to $200.
- Dental Hygiene: Oral healthcare is also an essential part of the overall hygiene of your Devon Rex. Set aside $70 to $400 for dental services for your cat, depending on the procedure that will be done.
Overall, it will depend on you if you will avail of these services and procedures.
It does take time, effort, and money to raise a well-maintained Devon Rex. However, as your relationship grows with your pet, you will see that everything is worth it.
Places to Find Devon Rex Kittens for Sale and Adoption
It is always best to do your research and canvass thoroughly when purchasing a Devon Rex. The best choice for you would be the closest location that offers a healthy Devon Rex and matches your preferences.
One of the benefits of getting your Devon Rex from a reputable breeder is that you will see the environment where it was raised and its parents. Responsible breeders also work hard to ensure that their cats have no behavioral issues.
To give you options, below are trustworthy breeders where you can locate Devon Rex for sale:
- FujiCats Cattery – FujiCats is a Phoenix-based cattery registered and approved by the Cat Fanciers Association, Inc. (CFA). Their cats come from grand champions and regional and national breed-winning lines.
- Kurakats – Established in 2010, Kurakats takes pride in being the largest supplier of Devon Rex kittens and retirees. Their kittens come with a sales agreement, receipt of good health, and a genetic guarantee. However, their kittens are not spayed, neutered, and microchipped upon release.
The following are the rescues where you can locate a Devon Rex for adoption:
- Feline Rescue, Inc. – Established in 1997, Feline Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit organization providing care for cats through their limited intake, no-kill, foster programs. They have a wide volunteer network and high-quality in-house veterinary care.
- Kitten Rescue – Kitten Rescue has already saved and placed over 21,000 cats into loving homes and over 1,000 cats yearly through their volunteers since 1997. They are also strongly committed to educating the public on responsible pet ownership and kitten care.
- Tabby’s Place – Located in Ringoes, New Jersey, the cattery is a cage-free haven for cats. Since 2003, Tabby’s Place has given world-class veterinary care to more than 100 residents. They also specialize in rescuing the neediest cats regardless of age, medical issues, or temperament.
These rescue organizations may not specialize in the Devon Rex, but they may occasionally have some of them in their adoption listings. So long as you pass their requirements and procedures, you can certainly avail of one from them.
To increase your chances of being approved for adoption, you should research the adoption process first.
Money-Saving Tips for Devon Rex Owners
The Devon Rex is not a cheap cat to own. The initial and annual costs of the upkeep add more to the burden. However, do not fret because there are ways to be economical while providing the best care for your pet.
Below are money-saving tips for caring for your Devon Rex:
- Be your cat’s trainer. Most owners have successfully trained their cats. You don’t need to enroll your Devon Rex in professional training when you can save by watching YouTube videos or reading proper modules on training your pet.
- Groom your Devon Rex at home. Grooming your cat at home will save you a lot of money. Since the Devon Rex has a short coat, they are easier to groom than other breeds.
- Invest in high-quality cat supplies. Buying cheaper pet supplies may cost a lot more in the long run if you keep buying again and again due to poor quality. On the other hand, investing in high-quality pet supplies will save you money due to their durability.
- Make cat spaces, beds, toys, and scratching posts. Being creative in making your fixtures for your Devon Rex may take time, but it is cost-effective and fulfilling. You can even use recycled materials to make customized versions of such.
Despite all these tips to save money, you must still keep the best interests of your Devon Rex in mind. You should not sacrifice the health condition of our beloved pets at all costs.
Final Thoughts
It is advantageous when you know all the expenses related to owning a Devon Rex before you purchase or adopt one. This makes you more ready for the financial obligation that goes along with it.
It is indeed a tremendous responsibility to own a Devon Rex. However, it is all worth it as they bring joy and satisfaction to your entire household.
Do you think you can shoulder the cost of a Devon Rex and the expenses associated with owning one? Let us know by dropping us a comment below!
