Does your cat bring you your slippers and the morning paper? No? Maybe it knows “Sit” and “Stay”? No again? Congratulations: you have a remarkably smart animal. Because the smartest cats don’t waste their IQ on trifles like that.
A cat’s intelligence shows in other ways. Its job is to communicate and to make your home more beautiful. But even among the most affectionate and clever cats, there are record holders: not just smart cats, but the brainiest of all!
For decades, cat experts assured us that the older the breed, the smarter its cats. That’s why Oriental breeds were long considered the smartest. But in the 21st century, the Oriental breeds have had to make room in the Top 10 smartest cat breeds.
So Which Cat Breed Is the Smartest?
No. 10: Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is so smart it easily keeps itself entertained, even when its owner is away! This fluffy native of the North is used to living in a group, so it sees its human family as its own clan and gets along beautifully with everyone in it. Never too familiar, the Wegie knows how to show exactly what it thinks of you and all that mushy stuff. Owners all agree these cats are amazingly curious.
No. 9: Maine Coon
These are philosopher cats, observer cats, devoted dad cats and dog-like cats. You’d expect a big cat to take a watchful approach to life, but we mention the fatherly side on purpose: some breeders say Maine Coon toms can stay near the kittens from the start, because these gentle giants seem to understand right away who’s been born and that it’s time to help provide for the family. They’re also quick to learn commands. You can walk a Maine Coon on a leash and quietly enjoy the surprised looks from passersby.
No. 8: Abyssinian
She won’t bring you your slippers. Not because she doesn’t understand the command, but because it’s beneath her dignity. A tossed toy, though? No problem! In general, the Abyssinian is too smart to just sit around looking pretty. That’s the beauty of smart breeds: you’re never bored. The Abyssinian prefers to take part in every household chore. By the way, Abyssinians get along great with dogs, and sometimes it seems they even boss them around!
No. 7: Siberian
Who learns their name the very first time? The Siberian! Who has a great memory? The Siberian! Who never makes mistakes? Her again. Sometimes it seems a Siberian thinks through every step before she takes it. Who knows, maybe she does: generations of hunters taught the modern Siberian to act carefully and make well-considered decisions. Yet despite her natural caution, the Siberian gets along wonderfully with small children and sometimes even acts as their nanny.
Read also: the fluffiest cat breeds.
No. 6: Balinese
They’re often described as “Siamese in an ermine robe.” The breed is more than half a century old, and besides their looks, Balinese cats are known for their sharp minds and good manners. Opening a closed door, pulling out the toy drawer, finding a hidden object: no problem for a Balinese. Don’t believe it? Ask any owner. Better yet, get yourself a kitten in an ermine robe.
No. 5: Munchkin
This may be the only breed whose cats experts sort into different personality types! The little shorty isn’t as simple as it seems. And while the cats in sixth place can find things, Munchkins love to hide them! Munchkin owners say their pets very rarely meow. Isn’t that smart? Why make noise when everything’s fine? And if something’s wrong, would one meow change anything? Very, very wise cats!
Read also:
No. 4: Oriental
It may not be the smartest cat in the world, but it’s definitely the most sensitive and well-mannered. Orientals are often called the mind readers of the cat world: Orientals pick up on the slightest change in your mood and respond to it. Owners even joke that an Oriental is a feline therapist: when you’re feeling unwell, it curls up right where it hurts. When they’re not busy “practicing medicine,” Orientals are playful and spirited.
No. 3: British Shorthair
British Shorthairs are big individualists. They remember their belongings perfectly and don’t like anyone except their beloved owner touching their toys, their bed or, heaven forbid, eating from their bowl! Their owner, though, is forgiven anything, as long as they’re around. When the owner is away, a British Shorthair gets lonely and sometimes even, oh no, loses weight. Their British heritage has left its mark: these cats have banned overfamiliarity and backslapping.
No. 2: Turkish Angora
Long observation of this breed shows it’s perfect for people who live alone: there’s always someone to talk about life with and, most importantly, to understand each other. The Turkish Angora has a strong will that not every person can bend. She won’t give in until she gets her way, whether it’s about a change of food, a toy you put away or something she’s decided is her toy. You’ll be surprised, but the Angora loves to swim. She’s simply smart enough to figure out how pleasant it can be.
Read also: cat breeds with no tail.
No. 1
Over the years, all sorts of breeds have topped rankings like this one: the Siamese, the Persian, the Birman and others. But today, the smartest cat by popular agreement is…
The Sphynx
Thoughtful friendliness toward guests, a wise approach to everyday life and just a touch of vanity: that’s what these charming hairless cats are all about. The Sphynx loves to pose and soak up admiration, adores hide-and-seek and tag, isn’t afraid of dogs or other animals at all, and is easy to train.
Of course, other breeds also deserve a spot in this ranking of the smartest cat breeds. But only places 2 through 10, because first place always belongs to the kitten who shares your home and your heart.
