Top 10 Smartest Cat Breeds

While all cats are clever creatures, some breeds do stand out for their exceptional intelligence and problem-solving skills. They will entertain you as much as they will amaze you with their quick wits, inquisitive natures, and fearless dispositions — most of these traits stemming from the remarkable instincts and fortitude they possess to (technically) survive in the wild. From the curious Abyssinian to the talkative Siamese, these felines make wonderful companions for pet parents seeking a smart, interactive, and engaging buddy. Read on to learn all about the brightest cat breeds, and if they’d be a good fit in your home.

Are cats smart?

Cats might not be as trainable or eager to please people as dogs — but don’t think for a moment that cats are not smart. Cats in the wild rely on their intelligence to help them survive. The predatory behavior required to catch their food takes a lot of smarts. Cats also need great memories and problem-solving abilities to keep them safe, warm, and fed. 

Domestic cats might not need to hunt for their food. But they do use their intelligence in other ways, such as exploring their environments, demonstrating mischievous behavior (otherwise known as problem-solving), engaging in play, and seeking out social connections with people. Smart cats can be quite interactive and many enjoy learning tricks.

All felines are smart to a certain extent, but some cat breeds are considered more intelligent than others. The smartest cat breeds have many intelligence-linked traits, including strong problem-solving abilities (figuring out how to open cabinets or doors), a curious and inquisitive nature, playfulness, responsiveness to training, and a desire to interact socially with people and other animals.

Top 10 smartest cat breeds, ranked 

All cats can be clever, but some cat breeds exhibit extra intelligence. What are the smartest cat breeds? Those who have traits such as curiosity, sociability, strong problem-solving abilities, playfulness, and a willingness to be trained. Check out the top 10 smartest cat breeds, below.

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Abyssinian

Many people consider the Abyssinian to be the smartest cat breed. The exotic-looking Abyssinian is extremely agile and overflowing with energy. This leads them to climb, run, jump, and explore every inch of their environment, looking for anything interesting or new. These cats are curious and have excellent problem-solving skills: They love puzzle feeders and other interactive cat toys. Although they are too busy to be lap cats, Abyssinians are very people-oriented, forming strong bonds with their human families.

Weight: 7 to 15 pounds Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

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Siamese

When it comes to smarts, the Siamese comes in second place after the Abyssinian. Siamese cats are extremely engaging pets, checking off the intelligence boxes of being highly active, social, and curious. They love to climb, explore, and use their strong and lean bodies to jump, run, and play — often initiating play sessions with their humans by bringing over toys to fetch. Siamese are known to open cabinets and cupboards, and even turn on water faucets. Siamese become very attached to their pet parents, following them around the house much like dogs, chatting away with loud meows and yowls. You’ll never feel lonely with a Siamese as part of the family.

Weight: 6 to 10 pounds Lifespan: 10 to 20 years

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Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair is essentially a Siamese that comes in different color patterns, so it’s not surprising to learn that they are as smart as their Siamese cousins. The cats are active and alert explorers who are quick to notice anything new in the house. They can manipulate objects to open or gain access to rooms, and enjoy puzzle toys made for cats. They also like to vocalize loudly to “talk” with their people and will greet you at the door when you come home.

Weight: 6 to 12 pounds Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

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Bengal

The Bengal is a hybrid breed that was created by crossing domestic cats with a small, wildcat species called the Asian Leopard cat. Because Bengal cats are still somewhat like their ancestors, they retain many of the intelligence-linked traits that fuel survival, including problem-solving abilities, curiosity, and an active drive to explore. They are very social cats that enjoy hanging out and playing with their people more than lap-lounging, although you might get some cuddles at the end of the day. Bengals are easily trained to walk on a harness and leash, and many enjoy learning tricks and other commands.

Weight: 9 to16 pounds Lifespan: 12 to 16 years

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Savannah

Another breed that’s close to the wild, the Savannah was developed by breeding domestic cats with African Servals. Their intelligence can be seen in their natural curiosity and motivation to explore, as well as in their extremely strong hunting instincts, which drive them to engage in intense stalking, pouncing, and chasing behaviors during play. Like many other smart cat breeds, Savannahs are known to open drawers and cabinets, but they might also shred your toilet paper rolls or strew laundry across the room. They are said to be very attuned to their pet parents’ feelings and are highly affectionate pets.

Weight: Up to 25 pounds Lifespan: 12 to 16 years

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Burmese

Like the Oriental Shorthair, Burmese are related to one of the smartest cat breeds — the Siamese — which means they inherited a lot of the Siamese’s smarts. Burmese are one of the most social and affectionate cat breeds, which makes them excellent pets. They love to cuddle and play, and are tolerant of gentle children. Nothing makes them happier than being with their people. They are great problem-solvers and highly trainable, eager to learn fun tricks. They are also very adaptable cats, which makes them a good fit for many types of families.

Weight: 6 to 12 pounds Lifespan: 10 to 18 years

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Cornish Rex

Active and curious, the Cornish Rex loves to climb and explore, looking for anything new or interesting to do. They are playful and kitten-like long into adulthood and love to be right in the middle of whatever is going on in the house. These intelligent cats are so people-oriented, they can be a bit demanding of attention, but it’s hard to resist these adorable cats. Cornish Rex are determined problem solvers — if there’s something they want, these cats will find a way to get it. This breed is observant, adaptable, and enjoys learning tricks.

Weight: 6 to 10 pounds Lifespan: 11 to 15 years

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 Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is another cat breed that displays kitten-like antics even as an adult. Because they are also quite curious and very active, Devon Rex can be rather mischievous, getting themselves into a bit of trouble as they look for interesting things to do. Playing is one of their favorite pastimes, and nothing makes them happier than being with their humans. Devon Rex love to cuddle and get close — you might even find these small cats perching right on your shoulder. These smart cats enjoy learning new things, including tricks.

Weight: 5 to 10 pounds Lifespan: 9 to 15 years

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Sphynx

Sphynx cats are very curious and enjoy exploring their environment, which provides a lot of physical and mental stimulation for these active, intelligent cats. They also love to play, especially with interactive toys and puzzle toys that challenge their brains. They are quick learners and are game for learning tricks and other commands. Highly social and affectionate, Sphynx cats love to cuddle, especially in cooler weather, as they take advantage of your body heat — smart cats.

Weight: 6 to 12 pounds Lifespan: 14 to 20 years

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Maine Coon

People often say Maine Coons are dog-like. Many enjoy walking on a harness and leash, and learning fun tricks that will impress all your friends. Mellow and adaptable, Maine Coons like to climb and explore, and love hanging out with the family. These gentle giants are said to be able to read their people’s emotions and know just the right time to come in for a snuggle.

Weight: 8 to 25 pounds Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

What makes these the smartest house cat breeds? 

Although these traits can be somewhat subjective, the biggest indicators of intelligence in cats include the following traits.

Problem-solving skills

Cats with great problem-solving abilities can easily learn how to navigate obstacles, open doors and cupboards, and figure out how to escape outdoors. Cats with good problem-solving skills will keep trying until they figure out a solution.

Trainability

Cats are not known for their trainability, so watching a trained cat perform tricks is both surprising and delightful. Any cat can be trained, but highly intelligent cats are more open to learning and cooperating with humans. 

Curiosity and inquisitiveness

Cats that demonstrate curiosity and are keen to explore their environment are constantly taking in new information and using it to their advantage, which is a sign of intelligence.

Playfulness

In domestic cats, prey drive and hunting skills translate into play. Very playful cats use intelligence and skill to make them highly successful predators. 

Social interaction

Now that we’ve met the smartest cat breeds in the world, you might be wondering how your own cat measures up. Although the cat breeds listed above are commonly accepted as intelligent, any cat of any breed can exhibit a high or low degree of intelligence. Regardless of how smart a cat is, the best way to ensure they remain happy and healthy is to provide a highly stimulating environment — which is especially important for indoor cats — and to spend a lot of time playing and interacting with them.

Commonly asked questions

What are the differences between male and female cats? 

Male and female cats are different in their appearance and behavior, especially if they are not spayed or neutered. Male cats tend to be larger and more muscular, with a pronounced head and jowls. Compared to females, males tend to wander more and might urine-mark their territory. But both male and female cats are equally smart.

Are black cats smart?  

Yes, black cats, whether mixed breed or purebred, can be quite smart. In fact, some of the top 10 smartest cat breeds come in black, including the Bengal, Oriental Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Sphynx, and Maine Coon.

Which breeds of cats are the smartest?

Although any cat of any breed or mix can be smart, some cat breeds are known for their above-average intelligence. The top 10 smartest cat breeds include the Abyssinian, Siamese, Oriental Shorthair, Bengal, Savannah, Burmese, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Sphynx, and Maine Coon.

References

Breed Differences of Heritable Behaviour Traits in Cats

Siamese

Temperament in Domestic Cats