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American Shorthair vs Devon Rex
The American Shorthair is a calm, independent cat; the small Devon Rex is a clingy, playful clown that needs warmth and company.
Verdict
The American Shorthair and the Devon Rex sit at opposite ends of the independence scale. The American Shorthair is calm, sturdy and happy on its own for a workday, and it scores top marks with children. The Devon Rex is small, at about 6 to 9 lb, scores top marks for affection and play, and has the lowest independence score. It wants company and a warm home. Both suit apartments. Choose the American Shorthair for an easy family cat and the Devon Rex for a clinging, playful companion.
Choose the American Shorthair if
- You are out for part of the day.
- You want a calm cat with young children.
- You want a harder coat that needs little care.
- You want a larger, sturdier build.
Choose the Devon Rex if
- You want a pixie-faced, big-eared cat that seeks contact.
- You want a playful, clownish cat.
- Someone is home much of the day.
- You can keep the house warm and handle the fragile whiskers gently.
Where they are alike
Both are common, with short coats and modest grooming needs. Both suit apartment living and get on with other pets.
Side by side
| American Shorthair | Devon Rex | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | North America, from European cats brought by settlers | Devon, England |
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Typical weight | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger | 6-9 lb (2.7-4.1 kg); males are somewhat larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches | Soft, short, wavy coat with sparse, curled guard hairs; fragile whiskers |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1983 |
| How common | Common | Common |
| Affection | 3 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 | 2 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 1 |
| Trainability | 3 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 5 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The Devon Rex sheds less hair than many cats, but allergens also come from saliva and skin. |
| Suits | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. | A warm, busy home with someone around much of the day and a taste for a clinging, playful cat. |
| Less suited to | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. | A cold house, a home left empty all day, or someone who wants a calm cat that keeps its distance. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026