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Devon Rex vs Oriental Shorthair
Both are playful and clinging. The Oriental is far more talkative; the Devon talks less, has the wavy coat and rates better for small homes.
Verdict
These two are close in temperament, and the one thing that decides it is voice. The Oriental Shorthair scores top marks for talkativeness and expects a running conversation. The Devon Rex talks at a moderate level, has a soft wavy coat and rates top marks for small homes. Both score lowest for independence, so neither suits an empty house. The Devon is Common and the Oriental is Uncommon. Choose the Oriental for a chatty, athletic cat, and the Devon for a quieter clinger.
Choose the Devon Rex if
- You want a quieter cat than the Oriental.
- You live in a small home.
- You want an easier search, since the Devon is Common.
- You will ask about hereditary myopathy, atopic dermatitis and patellar luxation.
Choose the Oriental Shorthair if
- You enjoy a cat that talks to you all day.
- You want hundreds of colour and pattern combinations.
- You will play with it daily and be home much of the time.
- You will ask about amyloidosis, eye disease and flat-chested kitten syndrome.
Where they are alike
Both are small to medium cats with large ears and short coats that need little grooming and shed lightly. Both score top marks for affection and play, and both rate well with children.
Side by side
| Devon Rex | Oriental Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Shorthair |
| Origin | Devon, England | United States and Europe, from Siamese stock |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-9 lb (2.7-4.1 kg); males are somewhat larger | Males about 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg); females under about 8 lb (3.6 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | Often reported as 12-15 years; few studies |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Soft, short, wavy coat with sparse, curled guard hairs; fragile whiskers | Short, fine, close-lying coat on a long, tubular body |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1983 | Championship breed since 1977 |
| How common | Common | Uncommon |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 5 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 1 |
| Trainability | 4 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 5 | 3 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The Devon Rex sheds less hair than many cats, but allergens also come from saliva and skin. | — |
| Suits | A warm, busy home with someone around much of the day and a taste for a clinging, playful cat. | A person who is home much of the day and wants a talkative, athletic, affectionate cat and will play with it daily. |
| Less suited to | A cold house, a home left empty all day, or someone who wants a calm cat that keeps its distance. | A quiet home, or anyone who is away for long hours, since this cat dislikes being alone. |
| 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