Can You Train a Devon Rex? Teaching Tricks and Positive Habits

Short answer: yes. Sources describe the Devon Rex as intelligent, mischievous and willing to learn tricks, and Your Cat adds that it enjoys games with people or other cats. The key is to channel its energy with short, reward-based sessions and enough play and company, because the GCCF warns that a bored or lonely Devon Rex can turn destructive.

Why training suits this breed

The GCCF describes the Devon Rex as intelligent, mischievous, very active and people-oriented, a strong jumper that chirps rather than talks. Purina calls it very social and says it is willing to learn tricks. This mix of brains, energy and sociability makes it a good candidate for training, and also a cat that can invent its own games if you do not provide any. For an overview of the breed, see our 10 Devon Rex facts.

Ground rules

1. Reward, never punish. A scolded cat learns to avoid you. If your cat walks away, the session is over.
2. Use tiny, tasty treats, taken from the daily food allowance. Your Cat describes the breed as greedy, so a treat is a strong motivator, and also a risk for weight gain.
3. Keep sessions to about three minutes. The Toronto Humane Society's trick-training guide suggests short sessions, and stopping while your cat still wants more.
4. Mark the right moment. The same guide recommends clicker training: click when your cat does the right thing, then give the treat straight away. A short word such as "yes" works too.
5. Train in a warm, quiet room. The GCCF says the thin coat gives little insulation, and a cold cat is less keen to learn.

Step 1: teach the click

Click and treat repeatedly until your cat looks up expectantly after each click. Do not ask for anything yet.

Step 2: teach "target"

Hold a pen or a chopstick near your cat's nose; click and treat when your cat touches it. Gradually move the target so your cat has to follow it. The Toronto Humane Society guide treats target training as the base for other tricks, because you can guide your cat without hands.

Step 3: easy tricks to try

• Sit up. Raise the target slightly above your cat's head so it lifts its front paws, and reward the balance.
• High five. Hold the target just above the floor so your cat lifts a paw to touch it.
• Come when called. Say your cat's name, click when it turns, and treat when it comes to you.
• Go to your place. Reward stepping on a mat or bed, then add the word "bed". It is handy for mealtimes and for keeping a food thief away from the table.
• Jump on cue. Because the breed jumps well, reward a jump onto a low stool, then a higher perch. Keep surfaces stable and heights reasonable, especially if your cat shows any skipping in a back leg; the GCCF notes luxating patella is more common in the breed.

Using play as training

Play is the best reward for an active cat. Use a wand toy for short bursts, let your cat catch it regularly, and end with a treat. The AAFP and ISFM environmental guidelines, summarised by VCA Animal Hospitals, list play and predatory behaviour as one of five pillars of a healthy cat environment. Our Devon Rex enrichment guide has more ideas.

Everyday habits to teach

• Scratching. Provide tall, stable posts and reward their use; see why cats scratch furniture.
• Gentle play. Redirect hands to toys, and stop the game if teeth touch skin; see play biting.
• Handling. Pair ear wipes, nail trims and grooming with treats, so care routines are calm; see our Devon Rex grooming guide.
• Food manners. Your Cat says the breed will steal food, even from plates. Teach "go to your place", feed your cat before you eat, and keep food off the counter.

When training does not go well

• Your cat loses interest. Shorten sessions, use a better treat or train when it is slightly hungry.
• Your cat is too wound up. Play for a few minutes first.
• Your cat is nervous. Return to the click step and make it easier.
• Destructive behaviour. The GCCF links this to boredom and being left alone, so add play, puzzle feeders and company rather than more rules.
• A sudden behaviour change. If your cat is hiding, eating less or in pain, check with your vet.

Quick checklist

• Three-minute sessions, tiny treats, clicker or marker word.
• Start with target; add one trick at a time.
• Combine training with daily play and company.
• Keep the room warm; keep jumps safe.
• This is general information, not veterinary advice.

Keep reading

• The ultimate guide to Devon Rex enrichment
• 10 unique Devon Rex facts
• Training your Peterbald
• Training your Oriental cat
• Cat play biting
• 7 enrichment activities

Sources

• GCCF: Devon Rex breed profile
• Purina: Devon Rex cat breed profile
• Your Cat: Devon Rex cat breed information
• Toronto Humane Society: Trick training your cat (PDF)
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Feline environmental needs guidelines (AAFP/ISFM)