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The best brush for a Devon Rex might be no brush at all. That sounds odd in a buying guide, but it is the honest answer for most Devons. The breed’s coat is short, soft, wavy and fragile, with few or no guard hairs, and ordinary brushes can break the curls, pull out hair and leave thin patches. Devon grooming is really about skin care: gentle wiping, occasional bathing, ear cleaning and paw care. The right tools reflect that.
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Quick answer: For most people in 2026, the best cat brush for devon rex 2026 is the Your hand, slightly damp — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
Understanding the Devon Rex coat
The Devon’s coat is a genetic mutation that produces short, curly or wavy hair, often with reduced guard hairs and fine, easily broken strands. Coat density varies a lot between individuals. Some Devons have a fairly full, rippled coat; others have thin areas on the chest, belly, inner legs or ears. Seasonal thinning is common, and the coat may look patchy at times without anything being wrong.
Kotomoda Probiotic Shampoo for Shorthair Cats 4.06 oz, 120 ml, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Oriental
Included for 'Best Cat Brush for Devon Rex 2026' because the listing specifies 120 ml and Cornish Rex, details this guide uses to compare options.
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DEBETOOL Soft Cat Brush and Comb Set for Short Haired Cats
Included for 'Best Cat Brush for Devon Rex 2026' as a relevant option in this category; details come from the product listing.
View on AmazonWhat Devons do produce plenty of is skin oil. Without a thick coat to spread and absorb it, oil builds up on the skin, particularly on the belly, between the toes, around the claws and in the ears. This oil can collect dirt and support yeast growth, which is why skin care matters more than coat care for this breed.
Tools that suit a Devon
See also: How to Pick a Heating Pad for an Arthritic Senior Dog • How to Transition a Picky Cat to a New Food
| Tool | Use for a Devon Rex | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Your hand, slightly damp | Gently lifts loose hair without breaking curls | Weekly or as needed |
| Chamois or soft microfiber cloth | Wipes away excess oil and loose hair | Weekly |
| Very soft brush (baby-hair type) | Light smoothing if the cat enjoys it | Occasional |
| Mild cat shampoo | Controls oil build-up | Every few weeks to months, as your vet advises |
| Cat ear cleaner and cotton pads | Removes waxy build-up in large ears | Weekly check, clean as needed |
| Pet-safe grooming wipes | Cleans oily paws and nail beds | Weekly |
| Slicker brush | Designed for dense coats | Avoid, breaks fragile curls |
| Deshedding tool or undercoat rake | Thick undercoats | Avoid, can damage coat and skin |
A weekly routine
Hand grooming
Run a slightly damp hand over your Devon from head to tail. Many owners describe it as the best way to remove loose hair without damaging the coat. A chamois cloth or soft microfiber cloth works the same way and absorbs a little oil too.
Paws and claws
Devons often collect a brown, waxy build-up around the nail beds and between the toes. Wipe gently with a pet-safe grooming wipe or a damp cloth. Trim nails every two to three weeks.
Ears
The Devon’s huge ears are prone to waxy build-up. Check weekly. Wipe the visible part of the ear with a cotton pad moistened with a vet-approved ear cleaner. Never push anything into the ear canal. Dark, smelly discharge, redness or head-shaking need a vet visit, since yeast infections are common in the breed.
Bathing
Unlike most cats, Devons often benefit from occasional baths to remove oil. How often depends on the cat, but many owners bathe every few weeks to every few months. Use a mild shampoo made for cats, lukewarm water, and rinse thoroughly. Dry your Devon quickly in a warm room with a soft towel, because this breed chills fast. Over-bathing can dry the skin, so ask your vet what frequency is right for your cat.
When skin needs a vet
Devons are prone to skin issues including yeast overgrowth, which can cause greasy, brown, smelly skin and itching. Some Devons also develop a skin condition called urticaria pigmentosa, with itchy, crusted spots. If you see persistent redness, crusts, excessive licking or bald patches that are spreading, see your vet rather than trying new shampoos.
Sun and cold
A thin coat offers less protection. Keep your Devon warm after bathing and ask your vet if you have concerns about sun exposure on sparsely haired, pale skin.
FAQ
Should I brush my Devon Rex?
Usually not with a regular brush. The fragile coat breaks easily. A damp hand, a chamois or a very soft brush used lightly is enough for most Devons.
Why does my Devon Rex feel greasy?
Devons produce skin oil that a thin coat cannot absorb. Wiping, occasional baths and cleaning paws and ears help. If greasiness comes with odor or itching, see your vet.
Bottom line
A Devon Rex does not need a conventional brush. Groom with a damp hand or chamois, wipe oily paws and nail beds, check and clean the large ears, and bathe occasionally with a mild cat shampoo, drying quickly in a warm room. Skip slickers and deshedding tools, and see your vet if skin looks red, crusted or smelly.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Your hand, slightly damp.
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