Which toys satisfy a Devon that wants both chase and social attention?

A wand toy with a feather or small plush attachment at the end of a string works best. You control the movement to mimic prey like a bird or mouse, so the cat gets the chase instinct satisfied, but because you’re actively moving it and engaging with them, they also get that social interaction. Devon Rex cats are especially responsive to this because they’re highly people-oriented and need that direct human involvement.

Avoid laser pointers-they trigger chase but lack a tangible reward, and they don’t provide social bonding. Stick with toys where you’re both interacting, like a flirt pole or a feather wand, and let them catch it periodically to keep the game satisfying.

A flirt pole is your best bet-think of it as a fishing rod for cats, but with way less chance of getting hooked yourself. You control the erratic movements of the toy at the end, so the Devon gets the thrill of the chase while you're actively engaged in the game together. They’re notorious for wanting to be in on the action with you, not just batting at something solo.

For a twist that mixes hunting with bonding, try a treat-dispensing puzzle ball that you roll back and forth between you. It triggers their prey drive to chase the rolling object, but they'll keep glancing back to you for the next toss, turning it into a shared game of fetch-and-pounce. Just don't be surprised if they “help” by stealing the ball mid-roll-Devons love to be the star of the show.

A laser pointer redirected onto a treat-dispensing puzzle is one practical setup. You point the beam for the chase, then let the cat find and work for a reward when it catches the dot. This turns the game into a shared problem-solving session-you’re both involved, and the social element comes from you calling out cues or tapping the puzzle to guide them. I’ve found Devons particularly enjoy this because it blends the high-speed pursuit with a direct, cooperative interaction.

A simple crumpled paper ball tossed back and forth works better than you’d think. You throw it, the Devon chases, then brings it back or bats it near your feet-turning it into a shared game of fetch. The key is you’re the one throwing, so they get both the run-and-pounce chase and the back-and-forth with you. Devons are social enough that even a cheap ball keeps them engaged if you’re part of the action.