Compare
Devon Rex vs Siberian
A small, clinging, thin-coated clown against a large, sturdy longhair with a thick triple coat that needs regular combing.
Verdict
Size, coat and attachment differ. The Devon Rex is small at 6 to 9 lb, with a soft, thin coat, and it scores lowest for independence. The Siberian is Large at 8 to 18 lb, with a dense triple coat that sheds heavily and needs combing. It rates top marks with children and other pets, and it copes better with time alone. The Devon rates top marks for small homes and the Siberian does not. Choose the Devon for a small, clinging companion, and the Siberian for a sturdy, sociable family cat.
Choose the Devon Rex if
- You want a small cat that fits any home.
- You prefer a thin coat and light shedding.
- You are home most of the day.
- You will ask your vet about hereditary myopathy, atopic dermatitis and patellar luxation.
Choose the Siberian if
- You want a large, playful family cat.
- You have children or other pets.
- You will comb a thick coat and accept heavy shedding.
- You will ask about heart disease and polycystic kidney disease.
Where they are alike
Both are Common and both are CFA championship breeds. Both are playful, intelligent and affectionate cats that enjoy company.
Side by side
| Devon Rex | Siberian | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | Devon, England | Russia |
| Size | Small | Large |
| Typical weight | 6-9 lb (2.7-4.1 kg); males are somewhat larger | 8-18 lb (3.6-8.2 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 11-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Long |
| Coat | Soft, short, wavy coat with sparse, curled guard hairs; fragile whiskers | Dense, water-resistant triple coat, thicker in cold months |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1983 | Championship breed since 2007 |
| How common | Common | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 4 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 4 |
| Shedding | 2 | 4 |
| Good with children | 4 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| 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. | No breed is hypoallergenic. Some owners report fewer symptoms with Siberians, but there is no good evidence for it and individual cats vary. |
| Suits | A warm, busy home with someone around much of the day and a taste for a clinging, playful cat. | A family or a household with other pets that wants a sturdy, playful, sociable cat and will comb a thick coat. |
| Less suited to | A cold house, a home left empty all day, or someone who wants a calm cat that keeps its distance. | A small flat with little room to climb, or anyone who cannot spend time grooming and playing. |
| 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