Does a Devon Rex Cat Shed? Care and Grooming Tips

The Devon Rex has extremely short fur, making them look almost like a hairless cat. This fur is also extremely soft, and since you typically never see it lying around, many people wonder if these cats shed. The short answer is yes. The Devon Rex sheds their fur just like other cats, but keep reading as we discuss why many people think that they don’t, if they are hypoallergenic, and how to reduce shedding in general.

Do Devon Rex Cats Shed?

Yes. Unfortunately, Devon Rex cats shed their fur in the spring and fall like most other cats. However, since the hairs are so small, most people don’t notice them on their furniture or floor, which is probably where the myth about these cats not shedding came from. That said, you will likely still see shed fur on your clothes, and some cats also naturally shed more than others.

Are Devon Rex Cats Hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, the Devon Rex is not hypoallergenic. The protein Fel D1 is responsible for causing allergic reactions in humans, and it is present on the fur that they shed. It’s also present in their saliva and their urine. However, since the fur is so tiny, some people might experience milder symptoms or have attacks less frequently.

How You Can Reduce How Much Your Devon Rex Sheds

Brushing

You can reduce how much your Devon Rex sheds by grooming them frequently. Brushing them daily with a soft-bristled brush and comb will help reduce the amount of fur that you find on your clothes. It will help the cat’s coat look nicer too.

Frequent brushing can also help you find other problems sooner, like fleas and ticks, and reduce the number of hairballs that you need to clean up. Getting your cat used to being groomed while still a kitten is the best way to get them into a familiar routine that carries on into adulthood.

Bathing

Occasionally bathing your Devon Rex can help reduce the amount of dander that builds up on the body, which could trigger an allergic reaction. Their short hair can also develop an oily appearance, especially around the skin folds, so they will require a bath every few weeks to keep them looking their best. When bathing your Devon Rex, use a pet-safe shampoo that doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or artificial dyes, and don’t bathe them too frequently, or you can strip the skin of important nutrients.

Hiring a Professional

If you are not sure how to groom your Devon Rex or they get upset when you try to brush them or give them a bath, you can hire a professional groomer to help. They often work quickly and have experience dealing with resistant pets. Another benefit of using a professional groomer is that they can set you up on a schedule.

What If My Devon Rex Is Shedding Excessively?

There are several reasons that your Devon Rex might be losing more hair than usual, including stress, poor diet, allergies, parasites, poor grooming habits, and imbalanced hormones. If you notice that your cat is losing a large amount of hair and is starting to develop bald spots, we recommend taking them to the vet to get help determining the problem.

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, the Devon Rex isn’t the answer for those looking for a cat that won’t shed. Like most other cats, they shed in the fall and spring, and their fur might trigger an allergic reaction. However, some people don’t suffer as many symptoms because the fur is so short and fine. Most people also like the fact that they don’t see much cat fur around the house. Frequent grooming and occasional bathing can help reduce shedding even further, and hiring a groomer can be a great way to keep your cat looking their best.

Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock