Should a Devon Rex have owner-led play before bedtime?

Absolutely, and I’d compare it to serving a small, perfectly seasoned amuse-bouche before the main course of sleep. Owner-led play, especially with a wand toy or a game of fetch that ends with a satisfying pounce, acts like a rich chocolate truffle to cap off the evening. It burns off that leftover energy so your Devon Rex can curl up for a deep, dream-filled nap instead of treating your toes like midnight appetizers.

Owner-led play before bed can be a good idea, but I'd be cautious about the timing. If you do it too close to lights out, you might actually rev up your Devon Rex instead of winding them down, leading to a restless night. I’d suggest wrapping up any active play at least 30-45 minutes before you plan to sleep, then switching to calm activities like a slow grooming session or a quiet treat puzzle. Every cat is different, though, so I’d advise monitoring their reaction and maybe consulting with a specialist if you notice any sleep issues.

Having playtime before bed with your Devon Rex can work really well, but I’d focus on a gentle, winding-down session rather than intense chasing. A few minutes of soft wand play or a slow fetch game lets them use up that last bit of energy without getting them too hyped up. I’ve found it helps my cat settle into a calm mood, especially if I end with a quiet snuggle or a small treat to signal it’s time for sleep.