Keen to add one of the smartest cat breeds to your family? You've come to the right place! While all cats are unique and have their own individual personality, some breeds are known for being particularly intelligent and easy to train.
Expert vet Dr Lisa Coder says that cat intelligence can be tricky to measure because not all cats are smart in the same way. However, in general, she says that cats possess several abilities that indicate intelligence.
"Cats understand object permanence," she explains. This means they know that just because an object, such as a treat or a toy, is hidden it does not mean it is gone. Some cats can find the treats, toys, or other objects no matter how hard the owners try to hide them. Often, very smart cats can even learn to open doors, cupboards, drawers, or bags to search for the things their owner would rather they not have."
It's worth noting that brainy breeds need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to thrive, so you'll want to invest in some of the best interactive cat toys and puzzle toys to keep them occupied. Once you've done that, read on to discover the smartest cat breeds and find the one that's the best fit for you and your family...
Smartest cat breeds
1. Abyssinian
One of the smartest cat breeds on the block, the Abyssinian was a no brainer for making this list thanks to their highly intelligent and playful nature. Curious and energetic, there's no room in your house that will be left unexamined and because this is one kitty that loves to climb, you'll want to make sure you have plenty of feline-friendly shelving for them to clamber up!
"Abyssinian cats are very curious, and seem to enjoy learning tricks with their owners," says Dr Coder. "They are relatively easy to train when it comes to simple tricks and are natural explorers."
If you want to teach a cat a trick, keep sessions engaging, brief and frequent. Most cats have a short attention span and do best with the little and often approach to training.
Perhaps one of the least known facts about Abyssinian cats is how well they take to leash training. Their inquisitive personality means most will really enjoy a daily stroll around their neighborhood and they're masters at brain games and puzzles, too.
2. Bengal
With their striking leopard print spots and dog-like nature, it's no wonder that the Bengal is such a highly sought after breed. The Bengal had to be included in this list because this is one super smart kitty, and that, coupled with their athletic and energetic nature, means they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation each day to keep them happy and healthy.
"Bengal cats are very smart, love to learn tricks, and seem to want to please their owners," explains Dr Coder, adding that "this may be the easiest breed to teach how to walk on a leash."
If you want to try leash training, get your Bengal used to the harness by leaving it lying around the house for them to investigate. When you put the harness on them, use treats and let your kitty take the lead in terms of which direction they'd like to go in.
This breed is known for their love of adventure—in fact, one of the most fascinating facts about Bengal cats is how much they love accompanying their owners into the great outdoors. Most love hiking and camping, and they won't think twice about jumping into a kayak with their favorite human and hitting the water. Bengals are a great choice for anyone looking for an outgoing and social companion.
3. Burmese
Burmese cats are true Velcro kitties and love nothing more than to be wherever their owners are. Cuddly and devoted, they're one of the smartest cat breeds around thanks to their razor sharp minds and insatiable curiosity—so if you don't want your sweet-natured Burmese rummaging through your closets or drawers and investigating your personal belongings, be sure to keep the doors closed!
"Burmese cats crave interaction with their humans, and seem to want to be involved in all tasks their owners do," says Dr Coder. "They will often easily learn interactive games such as fetch as they love to gain the approval of their owners."
Most people prefer to keep their Burmese cats indoors rather than let them roam about outside because their inquisitive nature coupled with their trusting personality can lead them astray at times. If you do plan to keep them inside, be sure to offer them lots of mental and physical stimulation as this is a kitty that likes to be kept busy.
4. Siamese
We couldn't overlook the Siamese when putting this list together, after all, they may just be the smartest cat breed of them all! With a highly curious and explorative nature, this little kitty is forever getting into mischief, so if you're after a low-maintenance feline friend, the Siamese is a breed you'll want to steer clear of.
But while they can be very talkative and demanding, they're also incredibly loving and devoted. According to Coder, Siamese cats are "quick to bond with their owners, and need a lot of attention. They seem to know how to communicate in order to ask for all the kitty snuggles they can handle." If you're after a cat that will be your second shadow, the Siamese could well be the kitty for you.
Puzzle toys and interactive play sessions are a must if you plan on welcoming a Siamese into your home. They can get into a lot of mischief when they're bored, so keeping them occupied is essential. This breed are brilliant problem solvers and respond well to training, so teaching them a trick or two will go down a treat.
5. Korat
With their striking silver-tipped coat and heart-shaped faces, it's hard not to fall in love with the beauty of the korat. Originally from Thailand where they're nicknamed the 'good luck cat', the korat is a thoughtful and smart breed with a people-orientated nature.
"Korats are playful and generally laid back cats," explains Coder. "They love attention from their owners, both for play and cuddles, and often seek to include their family members in playing with their toys."
We included the korat in this list because they have a reputation for being quick learners who can be easily trained to perform tricks. They enjoy learning new things and are always up for a challenge, so they tend to make fast work of puzzle toys.
Just be mindful that korats are deeply sensitive cats who don't like change, so try to keep their routine as predictable and stable as possible.
6. Savannah
It's impossible to forget about the Savannah when putting together a list of the smartest cat breeds because they're widely recognized as being one of the most highly intelligent kitties around. This exotic breed is super energetic, athletic and is always up for an adventure—translation? They'll definitely keep you on your toes!
"Savannah cats are very smart and, if socialized well, can get along with most other pets," says Dr Coder. "They are curious and inventive, and can be very good at getting into places they should not be. They are extremely active and need a lot of attention and stimulation, as they are easily bored."
If you decide to adopt a cat like the Savannah, you'll want to ensure your home is well set up for them. They need lots of things they can climb and plenty of games to play as otherwise they'll make their own fun—which many involve scratching your furniture or knocking things off your shelves.
7. Cornish Rex
We've included the curly-coated cutie that is the Cornish Rex in this list because of their playful, curious and agile nature. Not only will you find them peering down at you from all sorts of high places, but their mental smarts make them a true joy to train. Teach them to perform tricks or play fetch—either will go down a treat with this breed.
However, Dr Coder says it's important to note that the Cornish Rex is a very high-energy cat and they need a lot of mental stimulation. "They love to play and will often play for several hours a day. They are also very curious and will find their way into every part of the owner’s house—kitty-proofing the home is a must with this breed."
A lively and social feline, the Cornish Rex does well in bustling environments, so they're a good fit for family homes. They also tend to enjoy meeting new people and are very attached to their humans, so much so that they can often be found perched on their shoulders or curled up on their lap.
8. Balinese
Because they're so similar to the Siamese in intelligence, temperament and curiosity, we had to include the Balinese in our list of the smartest cat breeds. Active and playful, they are always observing what their owners are getting up to and can be very demanding of their attention.
"They love to observe their family and will often follow owners around to investigate what they are doing all day," confirms Dr Coder. A hugely affectionate cat breed, they form strong bonds with their humans and prefer not to be left alone.
While they're by no means low-maintenance, they are highly trainable and care capable of learning a wide range of tricks, playing fetch and being taught to walk on a leash. Mental stimulation is the key to keeping this breed happy and out of mischief, so keeping their minds engaged is the key to preventing them from getting into mischief.
9. Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold cats might not be the first breed that springs to mind when you think about the smartest kitties on the block, but you may just be surprised at how intelligent these felines with the folded ears are. Although they're very calm and laid back, they're also incredibly bright and love to give their brains a good workout with puzzles and other toys.
"Scottish Fold cats are very relaxed and laid back cats," Dr Coder confirms. "They are happy to have attention, but do not demand it of their owners, although they do love to learn tricks and have interactive play."
This breed is very affectionate and adores their family, but they're also independent enough to be left home alone and enjoy doing their own thing from time to time. Undemanding yet sociable, they like the company of people and tend to get on very well with children and other pets.
10. Turkish Angora
Highly intelligent with a strong independent streak, many owners of the Turkish Angora refer to them as the “Einstein of the cat world” because of their fantastic problem-solving skills. Outgoing and social, they expect to be involved in all aspects of family life and have a huge love of water.
"Turkish Angora cats love to play and easily learn to solve treat-puzzles and other thinking challenges," says Coder. "They seem to be smart without having to have the approval of their owners,"—which is exactly why we include them in this list.
Active and agile, they love zooming around the house and are forever chasing toys and fetching objects. The Turkish Angora is a graceful and enthusiastic climber, so if you can't find them, be sure to look up as you'll no doubt find them peering down at your from atop a bookshelf or door.
Read next: Are cats smarter than dogs?
Dr. Lisa Coder graduated from the University of Missouri in 2013. Since then, she has worked in many different types of clinics, from equine, to mixed animal, to ER. She even served a few years with the United States Department of Agriculture as a public health veterinarian. She loves all animals and strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and compassionate place for the people and pets who make up our community family. Dr. Lisa and her practice Vital Animal Veterinary Clinic serves the greater Sioux Falls, South Dakota area, with compassionate care for cats, dogs, small exotic mammals, and reptiles. She is currently pursuing board certification in both types of exotic medicine. She has an absolutely brilliant staff, who supports her love of learning, teaching, and endeavoring to continually improve.
