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Best food for a Devon Rex: feeding a greedy, high-energy cat

Devon Rex : The Devon Rex is known as a greedy food thief: measure its rations and secure the kitchen counter. Its active metabolism handles an energy-rich diet, but greediness can lead to excess weight in homebody individuals.

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A small cat with an athlete’s metabolism

At 2.5 to 4.5 kg, the Devon Rex does not eat much in absolute terms — but its fast metabolism and sparse coat, a poor insulator against the cold, make it burn more calories per kilo than a placid, densely furred cat. A recipe rich in named animal proteins (around 38 to 42%) with decent energy density suits it better than a default “light” formula. Its exposed skin and fragile coat benefit directly from good omega 3 and 6 and zinc levels.

The real challenge: greediness, not appetite

The Devon Rex is a legendary food thief: unattended plates, kitchen counters, a badly closed kibble bag — nothing is safe. The answer is not lowering food quality but controlling access: portions weighed to the gram, the bag stored in an airtight bin, and meals split into 3 or 4 small servings. An automatic feeder keeps the schedule honest; free feeding, on the other hand, is the classic trap with this profile, as our guide is free feeding a good idea? explains.

What portion for 2.5 to 4.5 kg?

Follow the manufacturer’s table for the target weight — not the current weight if your cat has already filled out — typically 40 to 65 g of kibble a day depending on recipe and activity. Use a kitchen scale: on such a small frame, a daily 10 g excess soon becomes a surplus kilo, hard on its fine joints. A share of wet food helps hydration and settles the appetite without piling on calories: see our wet vs dry food comparison.

Neutering and weight tracking

After neutering, activity often stays high in this tireless player, but appetite climbs: switch to a neutered cat recipe if the weight curve twitches, and check the waistline monthly — on such a short coat, weight gain shows quickly, which is an advantage. Realistic budget: 15 to 35 € per month for this small eater, broken down in our monthly cat food budget.

Frequently asked questions

Should a Devon Rex eat more than another cat of the same weight?

Slightly, yes: its sparse coat insulates poorly and its activity level is high, which raises its energy needs per kilo. But “more” is measured in grams: adjust to the actual weight curve, not to its begging — a Devon Rex always begs.

What food for a Devon Rex kitten?

A protein- and DHA-rich kitten recipe until 10 to 12 months, first in 4 meals a day, then 3. Its small jaw favours small-calibre kibble; the switch to adult food is made gradually over one to two weeks.

My Devon Rex steals food from the table — what should I do?

Secure rather than punish: no unattended leftovers, a lidded bin, and serve the cat’s meal at the same time as yours to keep it busy. A food puzzle or slow-feeder bowl channels the obsession into play.

The guides that apply to you

The rest of the Devon Rex’s gear

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