Devon Rex cat grooming guide — coat care, routine, products, and finding a groomer

Moderate — Few Times a Week

Devon Rex.

Elfin looks, wavy coat, unique grooming needs

Devon Rex cats are unmistakable with their large ears, huge eyes, and short, wavy coat. Their unique curly fur is fragile and requires a gentle grooming approach — aggressive brushing can break the delicate hairs and cause bald patches. Devon Rex grooming is less about deshedding and more about skin care, gentle cleansing, and protecting their distinctive coat texture.

Last updated May 30, 2026 by Cat Grooming Directory

Every 8–12 weeks

Pro Visit

Weekly (gentle)

At Home

N/A — too short to mat

Mat Risk

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The Overview

The Devon Rex requires a fundamentally different grooming approach than most cat breeds. Their delicate, wavy coat is made primarily of fragile down hair that breaks easily. Traditional brushing with slicker brushes or combs can damage the coat and cause bald spots. Instead, gentle hand-grooming, soft cloths, or very gentle rubber grooming tools are appropriate.

Like the Sphynx (their cousin in coat uniqueness), Devon Rex cats produce skin oils that are not fully absorbed by their thin coat. This means they need more frequent bathing than most shorthairs — every 2-4 weeks depending on the individual cat. Their large ears also accumulate wax and debris and need regular cleaning.

Professional groomers experienced with Devon Rex understand that less is more with this breed. Grooming sessions focus on gentle bathing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and skin care rather than intensive brushing or deshedding. The goal is cleanliness while preserving the unique coat texture.

Your At-Home Routine.

4 steps total

4 steps. Daily commitment.

Gentle Wipe-Down

2 min·Weekly

Use a soft, damp cloth or chamois to gently wipe the coat.

Ear Cleaning

2 min·Weekly

Large Devon Rex ears produce significant wax.

Nail Trim

3 min·Every 2 weeks

Devon Rex have slim toes — use small, precise clippers.

Skin Check

1 min·Weekly

Check for bald patches, redness, or oil buildup.

Bathing Tip

Devon Rex benefit from occasional baths (every 4–6 weeks) to remove oil buildup. Never use a high-velocity dryer on a Devon Rex.

Coat Characteristics

Understanding the Devon Rex Coat.

The Devon Rex coat consists of mostly down hair (the soft undercoat layer) with minimal guard hairs. This gives the coat its distinctive wavy, rippled texture that feels like soft suede. The coat is fragile — the curly hairs break easily with rough handling. Some Devon Rex cats have thin areas or even bald patches, especially on the belly, which is normal for the breed. The coat does not shed as much as most breeds.