The Devon Rex cat is a generally healthy breed that typically lives for about 10 to 15 years. With constant attention and care, he can even live longer than that! As he matures, he retains his kitten-ish energy even if he reaches senior age. With that said, you will not have much concern when it comes to physical exercise and this will also keep him from many health problems.
On another hand, his activity level can also mean another thing. If he constantly lays on the couch, unmotivated to do anything, it can be a sign that something’s wrong with his health. If no intervention is done, this may affect the length of his cat years.
We know you have other more questions in mind regarding the Devon Rex’s lifespan. So, what’s a better way to improve your cat’s well-being than to unravel more information about him and learn how to keep him in excellent condition? This article will give all that to you.
2 Factors Affecting a Devon Rex’s Life Expectancy
If you are a prospective owner, deciding to own a cat is not as simple as bringing one home and just feeding him. The decision should involve thorough research regarding what the best place is in getting this precious Devon Rex feline as well as what you should do to maintain a lifestyle for him from which he can benefit the most.
Two major factors that cover these are history and care. Below will explain what these are:
History
Where the Devon Rex kitten comes from is vital information that you should know about. It is always recommended that you go for reputable breeders who can provide you with health certificates indicating that the kitty you’re eyeing is free from serious complications.
Trusted sources must also allow you to meet the parents of the Devon Rex. A family tree must be readily available in case you ask one from them. Be aware of the genetic diseases that may be carried off by the offspring as well. This will give you an insight into how long your kitten may potentially live.
If you prefer adopting, there is a chance that your Devon Rex won’t have enough background details. Generally, though, cats from animal shelters are healthy and are well-taken care of.
Care
Whether the Devon Rex comes from a good breeder or an adoption center, proper care remains to be a requirement. How you treat your pet will either add up more years or shorten his lifespan.
Give him lots of love and attention to fill up his psychological and emotional needs. A happy cat will be able to dodge most problems that can impact his overall health.
His physical needs must also be met. As mentioned, this cat has a fondness for playtime. Cat toys will stimulate him both physically and mentally.
Common Health Problems That Shorten His Lifespan
No cat breed is exempted from having health issues and that includes the Devon Rex. No matter how healthy he was when he was still a kitten or how much you care for him, there is still a likelihood that his body will develop certain diseases or subject him to various types of illnesses.
The common ones are:
Digestive Issues
Digestive issues can be subtle. In some cases, they develop over time. Unsurprisingly, If your Devon Rex has this, certain symptoms may show, and if these are left untreated, likely he won’t be able to have a normal life expectancy. Watch out for these signs and bring him to the vet if any of them are constantly exhibited by your kitty:
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Anorexia
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a systemic disease. You may better understand this as the cancer of the lymphocytes. This can strike your Devon Rex if he has not been vaccinated for feline leukemia. Although most cats no longer suffer from this condition, lymphoma remains to be commonly-seen cancer. Its usual lymphoma sites include:
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Lymph nodes or thymus
- Kidney
Of all cats who are diagnosed with lymphoma, around 75% are successfully treated, although some tend to relapse. They have a median survival time of 6 months, but those who are untreated typically last for 6 weeks only.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a commonly diagnosed heart disease in cats including the Devon Rex breed. What happens is that the muscular walls of the feline’s heart thickens and hinder it from functioning properly. Sometimes, Cardiomyopathy can also cause more symptoms in various parts of the body such as stunted growth or lethargy.
If a Devon Rex suffers from moderate heart disease, he can live for years. Unfortunately, its unpredictability may also mean dying without warning. Others may live for about 2 to 18 months.
7 Habits for a Longer Lifespan
We only want the best for our cats hence why we should aim that our pets live a healthy lifestyle. Although we cannot control everything, especially that some factors that can shorten his lifespan are persisting, the least we can do is to be responsible and committed to aiding him to become a robust cat that can withstand life’s challenges.
So, what can you do to lengthen his lifespan? Here are 7 habits you should know:
Keep Him Indoors
Cat-proof your house! Moreover, keep your Devon Rex indoors at all times. If he’s outside, unattended, this feline can end up getting hit by a dashing car.
Exercise
Regular exercise drills improve your Devon Rex’s health. Let him practice his natural hunting skills with the right toys. You may also train him so he’s also mentally stimulated. If these aspects of him are boosted, his overall health gets even better!
Good Food
Never skimp on your Devon Rex’s cat food. Only go for high-quality ones that will provide him sufficient nutrients. If your pet is still a kitten, a kitten-appropriate meal should be provided. Regularly feed him as well to avoid digestive problems.
Regular Vet Check-up
Veterinarians are the most qualified in determining the health status of your beloved Devon Rex. Bring him to the clinic religiously so if ever something’s wrong, it can be diagnosed and treated at an early stage.
Spay or Neuter
Aside from reducing medical complications, spaying or neutering your Devon Rex will keep him disinterested from roaming outside to mate. Other stray animals carry infectious diseases. If it isn’t the health risk you should be concerned about, it would be catfights that may happen during his escapade.
Although cats that fight each other do not end up killing the other, physical injuries like wounds and bites can cause untimely death.
Keeping Yourself Informed
If you are aware of the common complications that may strike a Devon Rex breed, any behavioral change can give you a clue of what’s going on. Mostly, not knowing how to interpret his decreased activity level or oversleeping can lead to a more serious health risk.
If concerning signs show, getting them addressed by your vet immediately can save him from life-threatening diseases.
