When you have deep knowledge about your pet, caring for the animal becomes simple. It then becomes easy to notice when the pet is experiencing health challenges. So, many people wonder, do Devon Rex cats shed?

Instead of relying on misconceptions; read on for the facts.

Therefore, do Devon Rex cats shed?

Like all other cat species, Devon Rex shed, but a minimal amount of hair. The only exception with the breed is that it has short, thin, and somewhat curly hair.

Therefore, compared to the longer-haired cat breeds, it’s not easy to note the shedding. Also, most pet owners agree that the Devon Rex cat attracts less intensive grooming maintenance.

But sometimes, you may notice that the cat breed suffers more than the usual shedding. That may lead to thin, patchy fur and bald spots (alopecia) on the skin.

How Frequently Do Devon Rex Cats shed?

The frequency in which Devon Rex cats shed falls under the following categories;

Outgrowing the Kitten Coat

The kind of coat Devon Rex kittens have from birth isn’t the same as the final coat they maintain into adulthood. On the eve of adulthood, the Devon Rex cat has to molt the birth coat to give way to the new adult’s charming coat.

Everyday Shedding

Also, during the daily self-grooming, the pet registers moderate shedding. But, the everyday loss of fur is hardly noticeable. That’s because the cat breed possesses short and fine hair.

So, if you are looking for a cat breed that requires easy maintenance, the Devon Rex cat makes a viable option.

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During Spring and Fall

Somewhere in the spring, your feline friend will register a change in her coat. As the winter closes and gives way to the hot summer, the pet’s coat similarly must adjust to reflect the change in weather.

Similarly, during fall, the summer coat must give way to a thicker cover that can withstand the chilly winter.

Why Do Some Devon Rex Cats Experience Excessive Shedding or Alopecia?

On the ordinary, the shedding of fur by Devon Rex is hardly noticeable. However, when the same pet registers an excessive loss of fur then it’s a cause of worry.

Often, it’s due to one or a combination of the following factors;

Poor Diet

The Devon Rex cat requires a good blend of meat protein, vitamins, and minerals. When her diet lacks any of the vital nutrients, the effect becomes noticeable and may lead to loss of hair.

The best solution, therefore, is to take note of the composition of the ingredients in commercial cat foods. On the other hand,  if you make your own cat food, make sure to include all the necessary nutrients. And do not underfeed or overfeed the cat.

Parasite Infestation

A heavy parasite infestation for example fleas irritates the skin. As a result, it forces the cat to scratch continually.

Some cats also resort to chewing the fur to get relief from the parasites. When that happens excessive loss of fur is inevitable.

Therefore, check out for the signs of the parasite’s infestation and seek the vet’s advice on how to manage them.

Stress

When stressed, the Devon Rex cat registers various signs and symptoms including pulling away its fur. Though it’s not always easy to determine the root cause of stress, the most common causes include the following;

• Introduction of another pet in the house
• Relocating to a new place
• Birth of a new baby in the house

Some pet owners find the Cat Calming Pheromone Diffuser helpful in calming down their stressed cats.

Allergy

When your cat is allergic to something in her surroundings or food, it may ignite scratching. When that becomes intense it produces sores on the skin and loss of fur.

How to Maintain Devon Rex’s Coat

Gentle Brushing of the Coat

The cat breed has fine, short hair that doesn’t require rough handling. And so, you need to brush the coat gently. For that reason, it’s advisable to make use of the glove brush. That way it becomes easy to execute gentle stroking of the coat.

However, unlike other long-haired cat breeds that require daily brushing, Devon Rex only requires brushing once a week.

Proper Diet

As outlined before, diet also affects the cat’s coat. So, ensure the pet gets all the fundamental nutrients. Your vet can help you out with the cat’s diet.

Bathing

Most cats, including the Devon Rex breed, don’t enjoy taking baths unless you introduce the cat to bathing at a tender age. So, if you wish to clean her coat, you can make use of grooming wipes.

But in most circumstances, cats don’t require frequent bathing. During their self-grooming, the cat licks the coat and so maintains her cleanliness. Nevertheless, if your cat allows you, then use a warm water bath and a cat-friendly shampoo.

Furthermore, frequent bathing can remove the beneficial oil on her skin and fur. That’s why wiping her coat with grooming wipes or a damp cloth is advisable.

Seek Professional Help

Not every pet owner has the expertise and time to groom their Devon Rex cats at home. In such circumstances, a better alternative is to make an appointment with a professional cat groomer.

Conclusion

So, do Devon Rex cats shed? Yes, they shed their coats. However, it’s on a minimal amount. And added to their short and thin hair, it’s not easy to notice the shedding.

Also, as the season changes, pets shed their coats to adjust to the temperature changes. However, there are cases when the Devon Rex Cat may experience Alopecia and general excessive loss of hair.

Such unusual loss of hair by the pet may be a result of parasite infestation, poor diet, stress, or allergy. When in doubt about your cat’s health condition it’s wise to consult your vet.