10 of the smartest cat breeds, ranked

Ever wondered how clever our feline friends can be? The smartest cat breeds are here to show you! These brainy breeds are quick learners, social butterflies, and curious about the world around them, even if it sometimes gets them into trouble!

So what is the smartest cat breed, exactly? Before we introduce you to the Einsteins of the cat world, let’s explore what cat intelligence really means.

Are cats smart?

Yes, cats are considered to be some of the most intelligent animals in the world. The smartest cats are not only sociable and love hanging out with both pets and people, but they can also be taught to learn tricks and play interactive games. Their curious, inquisitive nature keeps them exploring, which is great unless they don’t have enough mental stimulation.

Just how intelligent are cats? While there’s no official cat IQ test, it’s believed that the average cat’s intelligence is on par with a two-year-old child.

The smartest cat breeds

Abyssinian cat

The origins of the Abyssinian cat are a bit of a mystery – some say the breed came from Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), while others believe it originated somewhere along the Indian Ocean coast. Either way, this ancient breed is as wise as it is old.

Sometimes said to be the smartest cat breed, the Abyssinian is incredibly intelligent and picks up new tricks in a flash. These kitties might prefer an agility course over cuddling on someone’s lap, but that doesn’t mean they don’t form strong bonds with their humans – quite the opposite. They’re social with other pets and people, but are often just as happy entertaining themselves, so long as they have enough to do.

Siamese cat

A breed that’s hundreds of years old, Siamese cats can be traced back to the furry felines found in Siam (now Thailand). With their graceful demeanor and an air of mystery, one look into their big blue eyes is enough to see the wisdom of centuries past…

But today, the Siamese cat is perhaps best known for its love of people, and will happily chat away with their pet parents or cat sitter all day long. They’re highly adaptable, making them one of the most intelligent breeds of cats, but they can get bored easily if they’re not given enough puzzle toys and games to keep their curiosity satisfied.

Balinese cat

First bred in 1950s New York, the Balinese is essentially a longhaired version of the Siamese. But don’t be deceived by its beauty – this cat has brains to match!

Known for being quite the chatterbox and a socialite at heart, the Balinese can be a bit high-maintenance. With their inquisitive nature and sharp intellect, spending time teaching them tricks and engaging them in playtime will be well worth it. They thrive on lots of playtime and interaction with their favorite humans to keep their minds stimulated.

Bengal cat

With its wild, leopard-like appearance, it’s no surprise that the Bengal is as smart as it is stunning. These little leopards are ranked by how close they are to their wild ancestor, the Asian Leopard Cat – F1 being the closest and even requiring a special license to own.

Bengals are highly intelligent, athletic, and have a dog-like nature. Since they’re amongst the smartest cats in the world, they need plenty of toys, games, and challenges to keep their sharp minds busy. Far from being a wallflower, Bengal cats love to be in the middle of the action, whether that means socializing with visitors or figuring out how to turn the lights on and off.

Burmese cat

As the name suggests, Burmese cats trace their lineage back to Burma (now Myanmar). They may look like the quintessential furry friend – adorable paws, sleek coats, and all – but there’s a lot more to these kitties than what meets the eye.

This sociable breed craves lots of attention, ideally from pet parents who can be around most of the day. Burmese cats are also very clever, responding well to positive reinforcement and clicker training. With a little practice, they can learn to sit, roll over, and even fetch!

Cornish Rex

Hailing from Cornwall, England, the Cornish Rex is a cat with big ears and a unique coat – short and silky with curly waves running through it.

Often described as dog-like (sometimes called the Greyhound of the cat world), the Cornish Rex loves to learn tricks and can be trained to enjoy games of fetch. They need plenty of mental stimulation to stay out of trouble – games that mimic hunting behavior can be particularly popular.

Savannah cat

With their spotted coats and big ears, it’s easy to see that the Savannah has wild roots – being a cross between a Serval and a domestic cat. Their striking appearance matches their sharp intelligence, they’re just as clever as they look!

As one of the smartest cats, the Savannah needs plenty of stimulation in the form of hunting games and loves having space to roam and explore. They can even be taught to walk on a leash and, unlike many other breeds, they’re big fans of playing in water.

Singapura cat

Originally from the streets of Singapore, the Singapura is a relatively rare cat breed with big, expressive eyes and a curious streak.

These clever cats love to be involved in everything you do, whether that means inspecting your laptop, following you from room to room, or “rearranging” your ornaments (aka knocking them over). Singapuras are both smart and energetic, and they need plenty of opportunities to climb and explore to stay out of mischief.

Scottish Fold 

The Scottish Fold, known for its adorable folded ears, came about due to a genetic mutation discovered in a litter of Scottish cats in the 1960s. This sweet-natured smarty-pants enjoys a mix of love and playtime.

While they’re not overly demanding when it comes to attention, they do need more than just your average plush mouse toy to keep their brains busy. With a little positive reinforcement, these clever kitties can learn all sorts of commands and tricks.

Turkish Angora 

Originating from Turkey in the 15th century, the Turkish Angora is often compared to a ballerina – graceful, elegant, and always ready to steal the spotlight.

Not just a pretty face, the Turkish Angora is full of energy and intelligence, with a sharp mind that’s always ticking away. To keep them from coming up with their own (sometimes mischievous) entertainment, they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation in the form of puzzle games and interactive toys.

With great intelligence comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to our feline friends. The smartest cat breeds need the right kind of care to keep those precious purr cells (I mean, brain cells) firing on all cylinders. That’s where our loving cat sitters come in, staying in your home to keep your furry genius entertained and well-cared for while you’re away. Whether it’s engaging in playtime, teaching new tricks, or simply keeping them company, we’ve got your clever kitty covered.