The Rex is a case of spontaneous mutation discovered for the first time in 1950 in Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, England in a litter born to a tortie and white domestic Shorthair mother and a ginger-colored male, both normally coated. The sire and dam were farm cats owned by Mrs. Nina Ennismore who also had bred rabbits and was familiar with the first recorded Rex rabbit, the Castorrex. To get such a mutation both parents must carry the Rex gene or it must be an original mutation, practically an act of God. This first Rex was called Kallibunker and was known as the English Rex or the Cornish Rex since there was later to be second strain of English Rex. Mrs. Ennismore, on the advice of geneticist Jude and Stirling-Webb mated this cat to his mother and produced a male Rex named Poldhu.
As a pet the Rex is individualistic, playful, affectionate and has a high degree of curiosity and intelligence. It is a spirited cat and will not tolerate being treated badly. It is gentle and seldom uses its small voice. It makes a loving companion and is a real lap cat but is also active and agile. It learns quickly, loves to please and is people oriented.
DEVON REX
