The smartest cat breeds are usually said to include the Abyssinian, Siamese, Bengal, Balinese and Burmese. These cats are known for being curious, active and quick to learn. There is no IQ test for cats, however, so this isn’t a scientific ranking, and any individual cat can surprise you.
Cats are very smart animals. Dog lovers may not agree with this statement, but their ability to solve problems, their independence and their social intelligence are all very well developed. If you’d like to know more, take a look at these interesting cat brain facts.
Some cat breeds also have a reputation for being more intelligent than others. They seem easy to train, communicate well and easily adapt to their environment. So which cat breeds are the most intelligent of all? Read below to find out.
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What is the smartest cat breed?
No breed has been scientifically proven to be the smartest. The Abyssinian and Siamese are the names you’ll see most often, and many people consider them to be the top picks. Keep in mind that these lists are based on a breed’s reputation, and how curious or trainable these cats tend to be, rather than on any formal test. Individual cats can vary widely.
The smartest cat breeds at a glance
| Breed | Known for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Abyssinian | Learning tricks quickly | Active and adapts fast to your routine |
| Balinese | Fetching and walking on a leash | Very vocal |
| Bengal | Solving puzzles | Needs a lot of space and activity |
| Burmese | Sitting, rolling over and carrying objects | Very sociable |
| Cornish Rex | Opening cupboards | Sometimes acts like a dog |
| Javanese | Enjoying mental challenges | Playful and meows a lot |
| Korat | Learning games and tricks | Doesn’t like sharing toys |
| Savannah | Opening cupboards | Needs plenty of room to run and jump |
| Siamese | Curiosity and social skills | Craves attention |
| Singapura | Finding ways to amuse themselves | Needs vertical space |
Here are the 10 most intelligent cat breeds
1. Abyssinian cat
This slender beauty is often placed at the very top of the smartest cat breeds in the world. It has an athletic build, a muscular body and characteristic erect ears, and it can grow up to 25 centimeters tall.
It’s special in that it adapts very quickly to the atmosphere in your home and the activities you do every day. She quickly learns new tricks, loves to be petted and brushed, and your lap is often her favorite place in the home.
2. Balinese cat
The so-called Balinese are long-haired versions of the famous Siamese cat. They’re one of the most active breeds and love to explore everything humans do.
They’re very vocal and constantly voice their opinion, so you’ll clearly see when they’re happy and when they’re not. They can quickly learn to fetch something, walk on a leash and perform various tricks, and they’re special because of their beautiful blue eyes. They’re also popular with allergy sufferers, and you can find them on our list of hypoallergenic cat breeds.
3. Bengal cat
This beauty is known for its exotic fur that resembles a leopard or a jaguar. It was created by cross breeding a domestic cat with an Asian leopard cat. They’re highly intelligent, have an athletic build and always act a little wild.
They like mental puzzles and similar games, and for complete happiness they need a lot of space to exercise. They can learn to turn lights on and off, take fish out of aquariums and take things out of drawers, so this isn’t a cat to leave bored!
4. Burmese cat
This energetic and sociable breed likes to spend time with people and other animals. These cats are smart, adaptable, playful and trainable. They can learn to sit, roll over, carry small objects and walk on a leash.
5. Cornish Rex
A wavy coat, a thin and slender frame, a small head and erect ears are the physical characteristics that make this breed easy to recognize.
They’re active and sociable, and owners will say that they sometimes act more like a dog than a cat. If that sounds appealing, you’ll also like our list of cat breeds that act like dogs. They have long toes with which they can easily open cupboards, and an amazing ability to jump to the highest point in the room.
6. Javanese cat
The Javanese is a close relative of the Siamese and Balinese, and it’s known for its beautiful, silky coat. They’re intelligent and playful, and they meow a lot. They like puzzles that challenge them mentally and physically, so it’s a good idea to keep a few on hand.
7. Korat
The Korat breed originates from the province of the same name in Thailand, and is considered to bring good luck in its home culture. They’re moderately energetic and constantly seek the balance between active play and resting on their owner’s lap. A Korat can learn games and tricks very easily, but she’s a bit stingy and doesn’t like to share toys with other animals.
8. Savannah
This rare and exotic breed was created by crossing a domestic cat with a wild African cat called a serval. At first glance, you can see that the wild gene has influenced her physical appearance, and these characteristics can also be seen in her personality.
They need lots of space to play, jump and run, so a home with plenty of room suits them best. They can also learn to open cupboards. Because of their wild ancestry, it’s a good idea to check your local rules before you get one, as ownership can be restricted in some places.
9. Siamese cat
One of the most popular breeds in the world, the Siamese is also often called one of the smartest. They’re known for their curious nature, and they’re affectionate and energetic. They love to play with people and crave attention and lots of cuddles. Siamese cats are also famously talkative, so you may enjoy reading about why cats meow back at you.
10. Singapura
Small but dynamite is the right description for this beautiful big-eyed cat, which became known in the 1970s and is linked to the streets of Singapore. They’re very active and intelligent and will always find something to amuse themselves. They need a lot of vertical space to play, so don’t be surprised if you see this kitten hanging from the curtain!
How do you measure cat intelligence?
That’s the tricky part. There is no IQ test for cats, and cats can be hard to study because they don’t always feel like cooperating! When people call a cat breed smart, they usually mean some of the following:
- Problem solving: Working out how to open a cupboard or get a treat out of a puzzle toy.
- Trainability: Learning tricks or routines quickly.
- Social skills: Reading people and reacting to their moods.
- Memory: Remembering people, places and routines.
Cats are smart in other ways too. They understand that a hidden object still exists, they can remember information for the long term, and they recognize their owners and specific voices. As veterinarian Jennifer Coates puts it in PetMD, “Cats are the smartest at being cats.”
Signs that your cat is smart
Your cat doesn’t have to be purebred to be clever. Here are a few signs that you may have a smart cat on your hands:
- They learn their name or routines quickly.
- They figure out how to open doors, drawers or cupboards.
- They solve puzzle toys with ease.
- They get bored easily and look for ways to entertain themselves.
- They’ve worked out exactly how to get your attention.
How to keep a smart cat happy
Intelligent cats can be a lot of fun, but they usually need more stimulation than a laid-back couch potato. A bored smart cat will find their own entertainment, and you might not like it! Here’s what can help:
- Puzzle toys: Hide treats or kibble so your cat has to work for them.
- Enrichment: Try some of our cat enrichment ideas or ways to entertain your cat.
- Homemade toys: You don’t need to spend much, so try these simple homemade cat toys.
- Training: Short sessions with treats can teach tricks and good habits, and you can start with litter box training if you have a kitten.
- Climbing space: Cat trees and shelves give active breeds somewhere to go.
Frequently asked questions
Which cat breed is the smartest?
No breed has been proven to be the smartest. The Abyssinian and Siamese are the two breeds most often named, but intelligence varies from cat to cat.
What is the smartest house cat breed?
For a typical home, the Abyssinian, Siamese and Burmese are all great choices, because they’re clever and sociable. Hybrid breeds like the Savannah can be much more demanding.
Are cats smarter than dogs?
They’re smart in different ways. Dogs tend to rely more on people for social cues, while cats more often solve problems on their own.
Are mixed-breed cats smart?
Absolutely! A cat doesn’t need a pedigree to be clever, and many mixed-breed cats are every bit as curious and quick to learn.
Whichever cat you choose, there are plenty of reasons why cats make good pets. And if you’ve got a clever cat who always seems to land on their feet, find out whether cats really have 9 lives.
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