Can a Devon Rex learn tricks faster than a Persian because it actually wants the audience?

That's an insightful observation. In my experience, yes, a Devon Rex will often pick up tricks more quickly than a Persian, but it's less about wanting an audience and more about their core temperament. Devon Rexes are naturally more energetic, curious, and highly food-motivated-they're the eager beavers of the cat world. A trick session is a game to them, and they thrive on the interaction and the treat that follows. Persians, on the other hand, are bred for a much more placid, laid-back disposition. They can certainly learn tricks, but they're often less interested in the repetitive, high-energy play that training requires. It's not that a Persian doesn't enjoy your company, it's just that a Devon Rex sees training as a fun, rewarding challenge, while a Persian might view it as a bit of a bother.

In short, yes-but the "audience" part is a bit off. A Devon Rex isn’t a show-off; it’s a people-cat that craves interaction like a dog. Persians are bred for stillness, not tricks-they’ll sit on your lap, not fetch a toy. I’ve trained both: a Devon will figure out a high-five in two sessions; a Persian might give you a bored blink. It’s not about ego-it’s about the Rex’s drive to engage with you.

I’d separate the breed difference from the “audience” idea. A Devon Rex learns tricks faster because it’s wired for high activity and problem-solving, not for performing. I’ve seen Devons pick up “sit” or “spin” in a day because they’re naturally curious and treat-driven-the interaction itself is the reward. Persians, by contrast, are more sedentary and independent; they may learn a simple trick over weeks, but only if it involves minimal effort. The motivation isn’t applause-it’s engagement with you, the handler.

Skip the “audience” framing-it anthropomorphizes. The difference is neurological and breed-specific. Devon Rexes have higher reactivity to environmental stimuli, including your hand signals and voice cues; Persians are selectively bred for calmness, not stimulus-seeking. I’ve seen a Devon Rex learn to jump through a hoop in three short sessions-not to perform, but because the rapid movement and reward pattern satisfied its need for novelty. A Persian might master the same trick after weeks of slow, low-pressure repetition, and even then it’ll often quit mid-session to nap.

Forget “wants the audience.” The Devon Rex wants the game. The Persian wants the couch. Train accordingly.

A cat doesn't care about an audience. The difference is energy drive and prey response. Devon Rexes are bred from a high-activity mutation; they're built for movement and problem-solving, like a feline border collie. I've had a Devon Rex learn to ring a bell for treats in ten minutes flat-it wasn't performing, it was working out the reward pattern. Persians are bred for lap-sitting and low metabolism. A Persian will learn a trick if there's a high-value reward, but it'll take days of patience because its default state is "what's the point?" The Rex sees a trick as a puzzle to crack for a prize; the Persian sees it as an interruption to napping.