12 of the Smartest Cat Breeds

These ingenious cats are bound to impress you with their over-the-top curiosity and intellect .

Whether they ’re operate up to you at the seam of a dainty bag or appearing aloof when it ’s time to go to the vet , big cat have no problem showing us just how levelheaded they really are .

But what does " intelligence " in Caterpillar look like ? And how do we know which breeds are , in fact , the smartest cat breeds ?

siamese cat sitting on woman’s shoulders

Photo: Daily Paws / Jason Donnelly

" Intelligence is both the power of the big cat to memorise and also apply knowledge and skills in fresh situation , " pronounce Janet Cutler , PhD , CAAB , CPDT - KA , atCat World . " In world , intelligence is believed to be influenced by many broker , including instruction , surroundings , health , nutrition , and more . It ’s very potential that a cat ’s experiences and environment , as well as their health and nutrition , also impact their intelligence operation . "

Cutler theorizes that some breeds of cat may have kept some of their skills that would ’ve made them more successful in nature , and therefore , might have led to higher intelligence . While others , she say , could have been selected for their power to fit into human life and figure out how our family and lodge serve , possibly leading to higher intelligence .

" It ’s very potential that as we ’ve been engender cats , some have been bred to be able to get wind more about how humans bring , how to read and understand what we want , or how to interact with us , which we often take into report when look at tidings , " Cutler says .

abyssinian lying on cement

ilietus / Adobe Stock

How Is Cat Intelligence Measured?

Although cat knowledge and word are still in their other stage , Cutler say cats have been shown to understand the construct ofobject permanency , amount or amount , meter , and look to people for selective information ( for example view how they ’re react to something raw and changing their behavior free-base on human humor ) .

Despite there not yet being a standardized or accurate way to truly evaluate the intelligence of individual cats , there may be a difference in personality trait that pet parent may favor or seek out when looking for a new forever friend .

" Certain quat breed do seem fresh than others , " says Chryle Bonk , DVM atSenior Tail Waggers . " While there are definite dispute in individuals , some strain overall seem promiscuous to groom , can hear to do tricks , and often get bored without genial stimulation during the daytime . These tend to be those more active breeds like Siamese , Abyssinians , and Bengals . "

balinese lying on womans lap

New Africa / Adobe Stock

While every quat is doubtless smart as a whip , below are some of the smartest cat breed .

Abyssinian

Recognized as one of the old and most popular breed , theAbyssinianis a playful , smart , and acrobatic computerized tomography who loves his sept . The Abyssinian , or " Aby , " is a natural Internet Explorer with a taste for risky venture — and attention . He ’s always on the go and loves to socialize with others , make him an excellent companion . An Aby is at his dear when he has a plethora oftoysto choose from and can put his innate senses to work .

Balinese

The epicurean , recollective - hairedBalineseis the epitome of stunner and brains . A truly curious cat , the Balinese be intimate playtime — but most of all , she cherishes any time spent with you ! screw to be a " Velcro cat , " a Balinese will be sure to keep you company at any and all times , no matter if she ’s in a paws - ontrainingsession , playing games , or keeping a close eye on you from herhammock .

Bengal

Highly intelligent , active , and rummy , a single look at the attractively spottedBengal , and you might just mistake her for a wild qat — and truly so ! Bengal are the only domesticated cat breed to have these heart - catching little potato marker due to their wild Asian Panthera pardus ancestry . However , the Bengal is a cuddly and chatty quat who tends to get along with everyone with proper enculturation . These natural athlete revel in any variety of playtime or risky venture , whether they ’re climbing cat trees , play with miniature , orwalking on a leash . Bengal are societal felines who opt to have a pal to keep them think about and revel in fun activity together , like play in a shallow tub or fauna - observation from awindow perch . Prepare for fun , littlechirps !

Burmese

If you ’re looking for a computerized tomography who ’s more like a dog , look no further than theBurmese . The Burmese is an incredibly well-disposed , clever , and energetic cat who enjoys being around anyone and everyone . hump to be a " Velcro computerized tomography , " the Burmese fuck his masses and getting shower with attention and affection . This fast felid revelry in putting on a show for you and playinggamesof hide and seek , ticket , and even fetch .

Cornish Rex

TheCornish rexis a unique beauty with a taste for dangerous undertaking and gobs ofmental enrichment . ( So much so that you may have tocat - proofyour rest home ! ) Fueled by her high news and inquisitive nature , the Cornish male monarch is constantly on the move , searching for a person or playmate to harbor . She ’s a social butterfly who has a good deal of love — and energy!—to go around . you may always depend on a Cornish king to be up for playday in the cast of interactive toys ( for instance puzzle toys or shelling - run mice ) orclicker breeding .

Havana Brown

hushed . brilliant . uncommon . Havana Brown cats are a loyal , adaptable stock who make wonderful familiar . These striking felines enjoy spend meter with their family , no matter if it ’s playing with their favoritetoysor napping somewhere nearby ( aka your lap ! ) . The Havana Brown loves to investigate , often examining object by holding them with both paw , according to Veterinary Centers of America ( VCA ) Animal Hospitals . This makes interactive toys a must - have for the A-one - overbold Havana Brown . These big cat are expert with tiddler , and if you have other pets , you’re able to look them to lead around your home to play a secret plan of ticket .

Japanese Bobtail

characterise by their bobbed empennage and dog - like behaviors , Japanese bobtailcats are exceptionally unique . ( And not to mention , rarefied . ) The oh - so silly yet deeply intelligent Japanese bobtail is forever young with her dateless energy and desire to be the center of attention . She loves to be around her someone , preferably fetching and playing with her most precious toy .

Korat

TheKoratis an ancient breed with a lay - back and loyal personality . roll in the hay in Thailand as a " good luck cat , " the Korat is a devoted family member who jazz playing as much as he does snoozing . His favorite pastimes include playing games , training , and catch his daily genial enrichment with food puzzles . He also lovesscratching posts , window hammocks , and of course , toys !

Savannah

Savannahcats are smart as a whip , acrobatic , and fast . These big , spotted cats are a uncommon breed who love to go out for walks on a trio , play in the pee , and spend clip with their mob . Do n’t rent their wild front deceive you — they are loving comrade who are expectant with child and dog . Savannah cats answer well to clicker training and are at their good when they have plenty of bozo trees , synergistic toys , and scratcher toy .

Scottish Fold

Quiet and wise , theScottish foldis a rare breed who ’s only happy to be around you . These tranquil , easygoing felines love attending from their citizenry . At the same sentence , they ’re not overly demanding and are content with doing their own thing if need be . These affectionate big cat are n’t the most active compared to others on this lean , but they do love play with interactive toy , exploring , and being trained to do tricks .

Siamese

Siamesecats are invariably ranked as one of the most popular cat breed in the U.S.—and for good reasonableness . These gorgeous felines are just as loving as they are superb ! Siamese cat are described as being dog - like because of their patriotic , social , and charming personality . They also love to tattle and interact with their masses — and by " interact , " we intend " constantly being cuddled and held . " Tai cat delight in fetching , scratching posts , and interactive toy to combat boredom . While these doting felines prefer human fundamental interaction , they also project the company of a playfellow as well .

Singapura

Known as the low domesticated cat breed in the world , theSingapurais a pint - sized kitty fill with massive amount of money of love , energy , and smarts . These teeny lilliputian extravert thrive on attention from their family , meowing for all the positron emission tomography and cuddles . Along with being sweet companions , they ’re also extremely playful and have an affinity for climbing tall computerized tomography trees and genial enrichment in the form ofpuzzle toysor clicker training .

Bengal cat walks on wood