The Devon Rex Leaned In for a Careful Sniff of the Sleepy Puppy

The two noses are barely an inch apart. A black Devon Rex with a tightly curled coat and huge, pointed ears leans in toward a golden puppy, eyes narrowed with careful curiosity, while the puppy lifts his muzzle with his eyes closed, trusting and sleepy. Behind them, a sunny living room blurs into soft light, with a woven cushion on the couch and a small wooden table in the distance. It is the sort of greeting that only takes a second but says a great deal, a slow and gentle hello between a wary cat and a very relaxed new friend.

A nose-to-nose sniff is one of the polite ways cats say hello. Cats are very scent-driven, and this quiet check helps them learn who someone is. Devon Rex cats are famed for their wavy, soft coats, their pixie faces and their love of company; they are often playful and people-oriented. Their short curls need little brushing, but they can feel the cold, so a warm spot helps. When introducing a dog and cat, go slowly, let them meet through a door first, trade blankets to share scents, and keep sessions short and calm. A relaxed puppy like this one makes the first meeting much easier.

One sniff, one sleepy sigh, and a friendship has begun. It is hard to imagine a nicer way to say hello.