Some cats are perfectly content to spend the day lazily perched atop a bookshelf or snoozing on the windowsill. But what about the felines that take curiosity to a whole new level, showing intelligence that rivals a Mensa scholar?
Do you have one of those cats that has somehow figured out the latch on the treat jar and managed to train you to do their bidding? Any cat has the potential for intelligence, but some kitties have a reputation for being the smartest cat breeds in town.
1. Abyssinian
Often called the “Einstein of the cat world,” the Abyssinian is all about curiosity and exploration. Many cat lovers believe this inquisitive breed resembles the cats people worshipped in ancient Egypt.
Abyssinians love to climb, investigate every nook and cranny, and follow their humans everywhere. They’re also highly trainable, learning tricks with ease, inventing creative games, and they’re even up for walking on a leash.
Thanks to their super intelligence, Abyssinians can get bored easily, so make sure to give them plenty of opportunities to exercise their mind and bodies. Interactive toys, puzzle mats, and agility training courses are all viable options to keep this precocious feline happy.
2. Siamese
If you have a Siamese, then the odds are good you’ve experienced what could be described as interesting conversations with your cat. These vocal felines always seem to have something to say and love to express themselves using a variety of tones.
Siamese cats thrive when they have plenty of mental stimulation and also have a strong yen for companionship. They pick up on routines quickly and can often anticipate their human’s next move.
You can teach your Siamese to play hide-and-seek, walk on a leash, and perform fun tricks. But stay vigilant, because these cunning cats can learn to open and close doors and get into mischief if you’re not paying attention (think about Si and Am in Disney’s Lady and the Tramp).
3. Bengal
Bengals are a mix between domestic cats and Asian leopard cats, making them strikingly beautiful. However, behind those pretty spots is a sharp, clever mind that can often lead to mischief.
Bengals love playing with complex toys, figuring out problems, and opening doors, drawers, and containers. These cats are also athletic and enjoy water play (yes, some cats do actually love water), so don’t be surprised if your Bengal tries to join you in the shower.
To avoid clawed-up curtains and shredded sofa cushions, make sure your Bengal has lots of ways to occupy their mind and body. A puzzle feeder, sufficient play times, and other interactive toys will keep your cat from redecorating with their claws.
4. Burmese
The gentle and inquisitive Burmese has a velvety-soft coat that goes nicely with their sweet nature. These cats love people as much as playtime, and they show high levels of emotional intelligence.
Burmese cats bond deeply with their humans, and they sense how you’re feeling, often seeming to know exactly when you need extra loving. Some people even dub Burmese as “dog-like” because of their deep devotion.
But these curious kitties simply love to keep tabs on their people, so you can expect them to follow at your heels. They also crave companionship, so you’ll often see them in teams of two. To keep your Burmese happy, teach them tricks, play with them, and give them lots of ways to stay mentally engaged.
5. Scottish Fold
The clever Scottish Fold, with its signature folded ears, likes to show off its intelligence in subtle ways. For example, they’ll spy on you, watching you open and close doors, so they can come back later and do it themselves.
Scottish Folds like to sit back and observe before they act. They’re figuring things out, taking it all in, and picking up on things that you may not even notice. With their quiet intelligence, they also prove to be efficient, calm problem-solvers and are highly sensitive to emotions.
6. Sphynx
The hairless Sphynx packs a lot of playfulness and intelligence into one package. The affectionate breed loves to perform tricks, explore everywhere they can, and do anything that gets them attention.
They like to snuggle, thriving on interaction, and they also adapt quickly to household routines. A Sphynx knows who will get them a treat, which visitors will give extra loving, and what time you wake up each day.
Since the Sphynx loves to be with others, this social cat can get lonely easily. Therefore, make sure to give them lots of love and maybe a companion, too.
7. Cornish Rex
You could call the Cornish Rex the Peter Pan of cats, because they never really grow up. These cats are curious, outgoing, and athletic, mastering games and tricks with impressive speed. They also love to show off and perform.
Cornish Rex kitties adapt well to new environments, which is another sign of their high intelligence. They also need a lot of stimulation and love having plenty of chances to climb, explore, and chase, no matter where they are.
8. Maine Coon
Maine Coons are gentle giants and have a very thoughtful temperament. They’re also highly intelligent and are sometimes called the dogs of the cat world.
Maine Coons are excellent problem-solvers, often figuring out how to open latches or turn on faucets. Impressively, they’re also patient and even-tempered, which makes them a great family pet.
9. Turkish Van
Turkish Vans are agile and highly trainable and also love to swim and play with water. They can learn to fetch, respond readily to their names, and, are you ready for this, even enjoy car rides.
But these adventurous kitties need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Otherwise, you’ll come home to mayhem.
10. Tonkinese
The Tonkinese is a cross between the Siamese and Burmese. This breed inherits the best of both worlds, showing high intelligence and affectionate companionship.
The Tonkinese loves to be with their humans, is eager to learn, and is very social. They also excel at problem-solving and have a reputation for learning basic words and phrases and adapting quickly to new environments.
To keep your Tonkinese happy and content, teach them tricks, spend time with them, and play games like fetch or hunt-and-find with toys. This breed typically prefers to play over lounging around the house.
Do You Have a Smart Cat?
Your cat doesn’t have to be one of these smart cat breeds to be intelligent. Consider your feline friend’s behavior and habits. Typically, feline intelligence shows up in three main ways: problem-solving ability, social intuitiveness, and trainability.
Does your cat tend to figure things out on their own? For example, they want to get a treat out of a jar, so they figure out a way to open the container. Can your cat read your emotions and communicate their needs to you effectively? Does your kitty learn tricks and rules relatively quickly?
If you’re answering yes to most of these questions, then it sounds like you have one smart cat. Why does this matter? Well, a smart cat tends to get into trouble if they don’t have enough stimulation.
Therefore, provide your cat with ample ways to engage their brain and body so they don’t exercise their intelligence in less desirable ways. You can find tips on taking the best care of your furry friend in the Neater Pets blog.