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The Ultimate Guide to Devon Rex Enrichment: 5 Ways to Prevent Boredom

Devon Rex cat leaping toward a feather wand toy beside a cat tree

Short answer: a Devon Rex stays out of trouble when it gets company, daily play, high places to climb, puzzles that use its brain and a warm, comfortable home. The GCCF and Your Cat describe a highly active, intelligent, people-oriented cat that can become destructive or mischievous if it is bored or left alone for long periods. These five ideas keep it busy.

Why boredom is the main risk

The GCCF lists the Devon Rex as intelligent, mischievous and very active, and says it can become destructive if bored or left alone for long periods. Your Cat says it can reach the tops of kitchen cupboards and gets into mischief if bored. The AAFP and ISFM environmental guidelines, summarised by VCA Animal Hospitals, list five pillars of a healthy cat environment: a safe place, multiple separated resources, play and predatory behaviour, positive and predictable social contact, and respect for the cat's sense of smell. The five ideas below cover them in a way that suits this breed.

1. Give it company

Purina calls the Devon Rex very social and affectionate with its family, and says it gets along with other cats and cat-friendly dogs. Your Cat says it is very people-oriented, enjoys laps and cuddles, and also enjoys games with other cats.

  • Plan daily one-to-one time, not just being in the same room.
  • If you are out for long hours, consider a second cat, introduced slowly following our introduction guide.
  • Leave a window view and safe toys when you leave.

2. Play in short bursts, twice a day or more

Use a wand toy and move it like prey, away from your cat, letting it catch the toy regularly. End with a small meal or treat, and put the toy away afterwards so it stays exciting. Always aim play at toys and not hands; see play biting.

3. Build up: climbing and perches

A strong jumper needs places to jump to. Without them it will use your shelves and cupboards. Provide:

  • A tall, sturdy cat tree with a stable base.
  • Wall shelves or a clear path across furniture.
  • A window perch, shaded from strong midday sun if your cat is pale-coated, since Your Cat says pale-coated cats may need sun protection on their ears.

The GCCF and Purina note that luxating patella is more common in the breed, so choose stable perches and sensible heights, and mention any skipping or reluctance to jump to your vet.

4. Make food a puzzle

Your Cat describes the breed as greedy and quick to steal food, so use that drive to your advantage. Puzzle feeders, treat balls and scatter feeding slow meals, give the brain a job and help with weight. Count the food in the daily allowance. See our Devon Rex nutrition guide for feeding advice. Keep human food out of reach, and give your cat its own meals so there is no reason to steal.

5. Train for fun

Your Cat says the breed can learn tricks and enjoys games, and Purina agrees. Three-minute sessions with a clicker or marker word and tiny treats keep a clever cat engaged; our Devon Rex training guide shows how, from target to high five and "go to your place". Rotate toys every few days so they stay new.

Bonus: keep it warm and comfortable

The GCCF says the thin coat gives little insulation and the cat seeks out warm spots. Soft, enclosed beds away from draughts, a blanket on the perch and a heated pet bed (made for cats and used safely) make rest time more enjoyable. A comfortable cat is a calmer one.

Safety check for a clever climber

  • Secure cupboards with products that could harm a cat.
  • Keep windows and balcony doors secured or screened.
  • Remove string, hair ties and small objects.
  • Keep toxic plants out of reach.

Signs of boredom or loneliness

  • Destructive behaviour, such as shredding or knocking things down.
  • Constant calling or following you around.
  • Overeating or overgrooming.
  • Night-time activity; see why cats meow at night.

Some of these signs can also point to a medical problem, so mention persistent changes to your vet.

Quick checklist

  • Daily one-to-one time, and a plan for when you are out.
  • Short play sessions, twice a day or more.
  • Tall, stable perches and warm beds.
  • Puzzle feeders and short training sessions.
  • This is general information, not veterinary advice.

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Reminder: Kittyslovers (The Best Kitty Corner) is an independent blog. Our authors are not veterinarians and this article has not been reviewed by a veterinary professional. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your cat's health, diet, supplements and medication. Found an error? Let us know.