These clever felines are bound to amaze you with their extraordinary curiosity and intellect. Whether they’re dashing to you at the crinkle of a treat bag or appearing distant when it’s time to go to the vet, cats have no issue demonstrating just how intelligent they really are.
But what does “intelligence” in cats look like? And how do we know which breeds are, indeed, the most intelligent cat breeds?
“Intelligence is both the ability of the cat to learn and also apply knowledge and skills in new situations,” says Janet Cutler, PhD, CAAB, CPDT-KA, at Cat World. “In humans, intelligence is believed to be influenced by many factors, including education, environment, health, nutrition, and more. It’s very likely that a cat’s experiences and environment, as well as their health and nutrition, also impact their intelligence.”
Cutler theorizes that some breeds of cat may have retained certain aptitudes that would’ve made them more successful in nature, and therefore, might have led to higher intelligence. While others, she says, could have been selectively bred for their ability to fit into human lives and discern how our households and societies function, potentially resulting in greater intelligence.
“It’s very possible that as we’ve been breeding cats, some have been bred to be able to learn more about how humans work, how to read and understand what we want, or how to interact with us, which we often take into account when examining intelligence,” Cutler says.
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How Is Cat Intelligence Measured?
Though cat cognition and intelligence are still in their early stages of study, Cutler says cats have been shown to grasp the concept of object permanence, quantity or amount, time, and look to people for information (e.g. observing how they’re reacting to something new and adjusting their behavior based on human moods).
Despite there not yet being a standardized or precise way to genuinely measure the intelligence of individual cats, there may be a distinction in personality traits that pet parents may favor or seek out when searching for a new lifelong companion.
“Certain cat breeds do seem more intelligent than others,” says Chryle Bonk, DVM at Senior Tail Waggers. “While there are definite differences in individuals, some breeds overall seem easier to train, can learn to perform tricks, and often get bored without mental stimulation during the day. These tend to be those more active breeds like Siamese, Abyssinians, and Bengals.”
While every cat is undoubtedly clever, below are some of the brilliant breeds:
12-SCOTTISH FOLD:
Scottish folds are not your average house cats. These adorable felines are playful and love to challenge themselves. They enjoy playing with toys that will put their intelligence to the test, such as teaser toys or puzzle toys. But their love for fun doesn’t stop there. Scottish folds are also very fond of interacting with their owners and will demand your attention when you come home from work or any other activity. They thrive on human interaction and will be delighted to engage in a game or two with you, especially if it’s going to help them overcome boredom. These cats are simply lovable, and their enthusiasm for playtime will never disappoint.
11-Siamese:
Siamese cats are the epitome of feline beauty and brains, which is why they are a top favorite among cat lovers in the U.S. These majestic creatures are not only stunning and elegant in appearance, but their personalities are equally as captivating. Their loyalty and social skills are often compared to those of a dog, making them perfect companions for those who seek an interactive and loving relationship with their pets. Siamese cats are known to be talkative and love to cuddle and be held. They possess an abundance of energy and love to play with interactive toys and scratching posts. While they cherish human interaction, they also appreciate companionship of a fellow cat friend. It’s no surprise that these charming felines continue to steal hearts and be a popular choice for pet parents who are looking for a wonderful addition to their family.
10-Abyssinian:
If you’re looking for a feline companion that is both athletic and affectionate, you’ll want to consider the Abyssinian. With its sleek and slender body, this breed is known for its impressive agility and athleticism. Abyssinians are highly intelligent and in tune with their families, making them some of the most loyal and loving cats around. And while they enjoy heights and perching above the room, they’re not just observers – Abyssinians like to get in on the action too. In fact, this breed is known for learning tricks quickly and enjoying runs on a feline agility course. And if you’re looking for some one-on-one time, Abyssinians also love to get petted and brushed. Plus, they’re great with other animals and can adapt to most living arrangements.