8 Smartest Cat Breeds

| October 20, 2024

It’s clear that all cats are intelligent, but some a little bit more than others. We’d all like to think we have the smartest felines around, but there is a general consensus that some breeds are smarter than others. Of course, this doesn’t include our good rescue cats, so don’t forget to consider them when making your own decision.

Meet the Feline Einsteins: The Smartest Cat Breeds You’ll Ever Own

#1 – Abyssinian

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This beautiful ticked tabby cat is one of the most popular purebred cats in the United States. They are very intelligent, playful, extroverted cats that enjoy being active with their human families. In fact, it’s said by owners that Abyssinians will become depressed if they don’t get enough mental and physical stimulation.

#2 – Siamese

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Siamese cats are known for their affection and intelligence, making them a very popular choice for cat owners. They are very vocal cats that will cry out for attention if they feel neglected. Very playful and social, they do bond closely with a single person in the family.

#3 – Turkish Van

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Turkish Van cats are very social, very friendly cats that are known for their intelligence. It’s not uncommon for Turkish Vans to learn to play fetch just like a dog would. These cats are uncanny hunters and are even said to enjoy playing in water.

#4 – Scottish Fold

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Image source: Miriam via Flickr

The Scottish Fold is known for its folded ears, though not ever cat in the breed displays this trait. They are good-natured cats that become very attached to their human families. Because of their intelligence and playfulness, the breed can easily become lonely and depressed if left alone for too long.

#5 – Cornish Rex

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The Cornish Rex is a very intelligent breed of cat regarded for its unique curiosity. This breed will go anywhere to explore anything; jumping on top of refrigerators, climbing into washing machines, cabinets and the like. The breed even enjoys the company of other animals.

#6 – Persian

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The Persian is one of the most popular breeds of purebred cat in the United States, ranking 2nd place in 2015. Although relatively lazy as far as cats go, they are intelligent animals that bond very closely with their owners. They are very social cats, even friendly towards strangers.

#7 – Japanese Bobtail

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The Japanese Bobtail is a very old breed, existing in Japan and Japanese folklore for many ages. They are very active, intelligent and human-oriented cats. They are known for being easy to train and enjoy learning tricks and playing games like fetch.

#8 – Burmese

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Burmese are very intelligent cats known for keeping their extremely playful energy well into adulthood. They form very strong bonds with their human families and often solicit play from people like a dog would. They are not very independent cats and strive on human attention.

Feline Geniuses That Will Keep You on Your Toes!

Whether it’s figuring out how to open doors or mastering puzzle toys in record time, these clever kitties are always full of surprises! If you’re looking for a feline friend who can match wits with you, consider one of these brainy breeds. Just be prepared for a lifetime of mental gymnastics—and don’t be surprised if they outsmart you!