The smartest cat breeds, listed

Cats are known for being intelligent creatures, but who is the smartest amongst them? Are some cat breeds more intelligent than others, and what do we mean when we say that?

Here, we discuss what makes a cat breed “smart”, how this is measured, and share some of the smartest cat breeds around.

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What makes a cat breed “smart”?

Intelligence is always a spectrum. Even for humans, it’s very difficult for us to define “smart”. Yes, we have IQ, but it’s a narrow way of looking at it; there are lots of types of intelligence, from maths and problem-solving to creativity and languages.

So, much like us, defining what makes a cat breed “smart” is hard. Typically, when someone says a cat is intelligent, they’re looking at qualities like:

• Ability to surprise

• Adaptability to new stimuli

• Capacity for learning new things, like games and tricks

• Curiosity

• High energy

• Interactivity with humans

• Mischievousness

• Problem-solving skills that get better with time

• Sociable nature (or social intelligence)

• Trainability

Sometimes, a breed's typical personality can hit these categories. But this list isn’t to say some cat breeds aren’t intelligent, nor is it saying these breeds are guaranteed to revolutionise the world of felines. It’s more of a list of breeds that are typically known for their adaptable nature and trainability.

How is animal intelligence tested?

Most animal intelligence testing happens with dogs. Cats are naturally less cooperative in clinical settings, so organising good studies is harder. Typically, researchers look for qualities like:

Object permanence

This is the understanding that an object continues to exist even when it’s not in sight. It’s something that happens to us humans at around one or two, so an animal that shows this is seen as intelligent.

Episodic memory

This is where they test an animal’s ability to remember past events, like where a toy is hidden.

Problem-solving

Involves research like puzzle boxes where animals get a reward for solving it, and tests an animal’s ability to persevere and solve problems. They can also test social intelligence by making one animal see another animal solving the puzzle, then observing if the cat can mimic it.

Emotional and social intelligence

Tests an animal’s ability to understand and respond to social cues from other animals and humans. A good test for this is seeing if an animal can distinguish and identify their owner’s voice when their pet parent is out of sight.

Quantity discrimination

A test that studies an animal’s ability to distinguish between different numbers or quantities. For example, researchers can put two lots of food down - one with lots of food, one with less - and they’ll see which food a cat goes for first.

The smartest cat breeds, listed

Abyssinian

Abyssinians have a reputation for being a suave, smooth operator who shows big affection to their pet parents. But they’re also one of the smartest cat breeds around. They’re incredibly inquisitive kitties who hunger for learning and stimulation.

These high-energy cats excel when learning and enjoy human interaction and interactive play. They’re the sort of cat that wants nothing more than enrichment and interactive play, and they adapt well to various lifestyles. They can also thrive with other pets.

While they learn quickly, they are prone to boredom and excessive vocalisation, so we’d only recommend an Abyssinian if you’re regularly at home and want a cat that you can train and have lots of face-to-face time with.

Siamese

Siamese cats are very popular kitties, and a key reason for that is their intelligence. Pet parents regularly comment on their Siamese’s curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and trainability. They’re happiest when they’re challenged regularly and have lots of face-to-face time with their pet parents.

Typically, Siamese cats are quick learners who are very trainable. They’re one of the most affectionate cat breeds due to their high emotional intelligence, but they do have a real need for structured, regular mental stimulation.

If you want an affectionate, smart cat breed, then a Siamese is a strong choice, but make sure you’re around to keep them engaged.

Bengal

Bengals have a real spirit for exploration and high energy, and much of this behaviour is motivated by their strong intelligence. They’re known for their strong trainability and social nature, and their inquisitive nature can often land them in a spot of trouble.

Bengals have strong problem-solving skills and excel at puzzle toys (and, unfortunately, opening things they shouldn’t, like your well-secured snack drawer). Their trainability is offset by a tendency to be pesky, but this is all a part of their endearing personalities.

But it isn’t too bad - while they can be mischievous cats, it’s generally expressed as playfulness, and positive reinforcement training can help. If you want a high-energy cat that’s vocal, social, and sharp, then a Bengal is a strong choice.

Burmese

Burmese cats are popular, affectionate kitties who typically have a high level of intelligence. They’re playful, trainable cats who crave human attention; it’s a common theme between the most intelligent cats that they love face-to-face time with their pet parents.

They have the usual mix of social skills, problem-solving and adaptability, but Burmese are particularly known for their playful nature. If you want an affectionate, smart cat that’ll love spending time with you, then a Burmese is a good choice.

Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex cats are often described as “like a dog” by their pet parents, and a part of that is due to their curious, playful, and trainable personalities. Central to these traits are a Cornish Rex’s intelligence - they love playing games like fetch, solving puzzles, and have a strong hunger for mental stimulation.

Play and problem-solving are key to any day for a Cornish Rex, and they do best with pet parents who give them lots of mental stimulation and training opportunities. In return, pet parents benefit from a cat that communicates readily, adapts quickly, and, most of all, is a joy to parent.

If you’re after a high-energy cat that thrives in engaging environments, we recommend a Cornish Rex.

Savannah

A Savannah is a hybrid between a domestic cat and a wild cat (African serval). The results is a highly intelligent cat that keeps their wild cat instincts and adaptability.

Due to their wildcat ancestry, they have an adventurous, curious nature, but they need serious mental stimulation to flex their problem-solving skills.

Do note: F1 Savannah cats (cats whose one parent is a Serval) are illegal to own in the UK without a Dangerous Wild Animal license. Subsequent generations (F2 onwards) are generally legal to own.

Due to their wild ancestry, it’s essential that you care for and train F2 and F3 Savannah cats carefully. They’re only really for experienced pet parents.

Tonkinese

Tonkinese cats are very similar to another cat on our list (Siamese) due to their personalities. Tonkinese pet parents love them for their energetic, playful nature, and they adapt well to training and interactive play. Good luck separating a Tonkinese and a good puzzle toy is all we’ll say.

Running alongside their penchant for problem-solving is a high level of social intelligence - they thrive when socialising with people and other pets, and their naturally curious nature means they can keep themselves entertained if needs be too.

Japanese Bobtail

Japanese Bobtails are known as very sociable, affectionate cats with high levels of social intelligence. They have a reputation for being active learners who have a playful, energetic vibe. They love games, mental challenges, and have a reputation for being agreeable, enthusiastic problem solvers.

They do best in active households where they can participate in day-to-day activities, and they enjoy feeling a part of a family. They vocalise quite a bit and thrive on human interaction. So, if that sounds like a good fit, a Japanese Bobtail could work for you.

Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds may be known for their ears, but it’s what’s between them that makes them a joy to parent. They have a high level of intelligence and playfulness, and gain a lot of energy from human interaction. Much like other cats in this list, they’re keen problem solvers and enjoy interactive play.

Typically, they’re quiet but social cats, and they love nothing more than snuggling up with their pet parents. But they love a good game or puzzle feeder, too.

They’re very affectionate cats, with an adaptable, easygoing nature. If you want a cat that mixes a mellow attitude with sharp wit and trainability, a Scottish Fold definitely works.

Singapura

Despite being the smallest cat breed around, Singapuras are very intelligent kitties with a curious, interactive attitude and an enjoyment for challenging mental stimulation.

The breed has a reputation for learning tricks and responds very well to positive reinforcement training. They’re a good pick if you like to challenge and train the cats you parent.

Outside of that, they’re enthusiastic, naturally curious cats that’ll keep you on your toes. They enjoy face-to-face time with their pet parents, too.

So, who is the smartest cat?

It’s difficult to answer. As we said earlier, intelligence is a spectrum, and there are different types of intelligence in the animal kingdom.

The most commonly cited cat for being the “smartest” is the Abyssinian. But the criteria for this is loose, and to be honest, your cat’s personality is much more important than their breed when assessing how intelligent they are.

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Frequently asked questions

What’s a smart cat's personality like?

“Smart” cats are usually curious, playful, mischievous, and at times challenging. While they learn quickly and settle into routines smoothly, there are potential negatives.

Smart cat traits can include being social and affectionate, adaptable to training, and having an adventurous, inquisitive nature. But conversely, they can be prone to boredom, destructive behaviours, and excessive vocalisation. It’s why it’s really important to keep a smart cat physically and mentally engaged and enriched.

How smart are cats generally?

On the scale, cats are one of the smartest animals in the world, and it’s why they’ve been partners to humans for thousands of years. They excel in hunting, socialising and training, and their personalities are unique enough for them to be lifelong family members.

They perform well in animal intelligence tests, and their role in popular culture as the true masters of their house is well-earned.

How can I tell if my cat is smart?

Typical signs your cat is smart include:

• Adaptation to training and problem-solving

• Desire for difficult games, like hiding their treats in hard-to-find places

• Effective communication, like vocalising to say when they need something specific

• Getting along with other people or animals

• High emotional intelligence, like knowing when you feel happy or sad

• Learning new tricks quickly

• Opening drawers and doors

• Responding to our cues or words

But cats have their own personalities. Even if yours is one of the smart breeds above, they may not express typical “intelligent” traits due to their personality.

Are male or female cats smarter?

There’s no conclusive scientific evidence on this. While breed can influence a cat’s traits, intelligence is typically individual, so a cat’s sex won’t impact it.

Can you make a cat smarter?

Not exactly. You can train them and enhance their life through positive reinforcement principles and enrichment (which you should do anyway). Keeping your cat mentally stimulated won’t make them “smarter” in a linear sense, but it will keep them engaged and happy, which is much more important.