While cats typically aren’t thought of as intelligent in the same sense as dogs, many breeds out there are quite bright. Most can be trained to walk on a leash, perform tricks, and even play fetch. That said, some of them are also experts at getting into their owners’ things!
Here are 13 of the most intelligent cat breeds around.
Top 13 Most Intelligent Cat Breeds
1. Abyssinian
| Medium size |
| Weighs 6–10 pounds |
| Comes in red, fawn, and blue |
| Lives 9–15 years |
The Abyssinian is athletic and affectionate with their families. They like to be involved in what their people are doing. They are intelligent and like to climb, so they tend to get into things that should be out of reach. They can be trained and learn tricks with some ease. Many are quite good at running cat agility courses, which helps them stay busy and entertained.
They are quite active and not typically lap cats. When introduced at a young age, they can get along well with other pets.
2. Balinese
| Medium size |
| Weighs 5–10 pounds |
| Comes in chocolate, blue, lilac, and seal |
| Live 12–20 years |
This fluffy cat is basically a longhaired Siamese and is just as brilliant. Curious and active, these cats will end up in places they aren’t supposed to be. They need plenty of toys to keep them entertained and climbing trees to keep them active.
This breed is quite dog-like and can be trained to walk on a leash, fetch, and do tricks. They’re affectionate with their families, but they aren’t exactly lap cats. They need a lot of mental stimulation.
3. Burmese
| Medium size |
| Weighs 6–12 pounds |
| Comes in sable, champagne, platinum, and blue |
| Lives 10–16 years |
The Burmese is one of the more intelligent breeds. They are energetic and friendly. They like to play with their people, though they aren’t the typical housecat. They usually don’t like to be held and don’t seem to sit still for long. They need lots of stimulation, which usually translates into lots of activity. Toys and climbing structures are necessary.
They need plenty of socialization and prefer to be around people most of the time. They can get lonely, so they aren’t suitable for families that are gone often.
4. Bengal
| Medium to large size |
| Weighs 6–18 pounds |
| Comes in orange or brown, with marbling patterns |
| Lives 12–16 years |
The Bengal is most well-known for their exotic coat, which looks like a leopard’s. However, they are also brilliant and energetic. They are highly active and need a lot of space to run around and climb. Catios are highly recommended. You’ll also need to provide puzzle games and plenty of toys. These will need to be switched out often to provide plenty of variety.
These cats are exquisite and good with their paws. They often learn how to turn light switches off and on, pull food out of bags, and open drawers.
5. Havana Brown
| Medium size |
| Weighs 8–10 pounds |
| Comes in brown |
| Lives 15–20 years |
The Havana Brown is best known for their chocolate-colored coat. They have silky fur and are incredibly soft. They are a bit rare, as they are a relatively new breed. Siamese cats were crossbred with other breeds to create this unique breed.
They are social and enjoy being around their family. Interactive toys are required, and you should switch them out often to ensure that your cat doesn’t get bored. Tricks and other mental challenges are also necessary.
6. Cornish Rex
| Small to medium size |
| Weighs 5–9 pounds |
| Comes in many different colors |
| Lives 10–16 years |
This sleek and athletic feline has enormous ears. They’re also often described as dog-like because they engage in many different canine behaviors, including following their people around and enjoying lots of playing, even into their twilight years. Many parents enjoy playing games like fetch and learning tricks. They have unusually long toes, which enables them to be quite agile.
They are incredibly athletic and excellent jumpers. They can get into just about anything, so climbing structures are highly recommended.
7. Korat
| Medium size |
| Weighs 6–10 pounds |
| Comes in white and silver |
| Lives 10–15 years |
The Korat is a rare breed from Thailand. They are curious and attentive, which also makes them quite smart. They aren’t as energetic as some other intelligent cats. However, they do still love toys and playing. They can learn tricks and often enjoy walking on a leash.
These cats are affectionate with their families and love attention. They are more lap cats than most other intelligent felines.
8. Siamese
| Medium size |
| Weighs 8–15 pounds |
| Comes in seal point, chocolate point, lilac point, and blue point |
| Lives 11–15 years |
One of the most well-known breeds around, the Siamese is incredibly intelligent. They are chatty and curious, their coats are unique, and they love hanging out with their people. These cats crave attention and don’t do well being left alone for extended periods.
They like to stay busy. We recommend puzzle toys and similar opportunities for enrichment. Climbing structures are great options, as are tricks and training. A bored Siamese can quickly get into all sorts of things they shouldn’t.
9. Savannah
| Medium to large size |
| Weighs 12–25 pounds |
| Comes in brown, silver, smoke, and black |
| Lives 12–20 years |
Savannah cats aren’t full-bred domestic felines. Instead, they’re a mix between a domestic cat and a wild African serval. For this reason, they act quite differently from your average housecat. They are incredibly active and require regular exercise, similar to a dog. Luckily, they can walk on leashes without much difficulty.
They like to play in the water and learn how to do all sorts of things, like turn on faucets and open cabinets. Nothing is safe from these felines, and child-proof locks are required. They will climb and explore anything they can get into.
10. Singapura
| Small size |
| Weighs 5–8 pounds |
| Comes in sepia |
| Lives 11–15 years |
This cat originated in Singapore, hence the name. They didn’t travel to the U.S. until the 1970s. Never becoming super popular, they are still considered rare today. They are known for being playful and curious. Toys and room to explore are necessities. They are also attached to their people and love to be involved in the household.
Climbing structures are highly recommended. Otherwise, these cats will end up on top of cabinets and refrigerators. They are also known for climbing curtains and leaping onto shoulders.
11. Scottish Fold
| Medium size |
| Weighs 6–13 pounds |
| Comes in white, blue, black, red, cream, and silver |
| Lives 11–15 years |
The Scottish Fold is recognizable thanks to their “folded” ears. This breed has existed since at least the 1960s, though they first appeared in the U.S. in the 1970s. They are friendly and quite outgoing. They require attention and plenty of interaction. Like most intelligent cats, they love puzzle toys and challenging tricks.
They prefer to spend time with people instead of other pets, so they aren’t great for owners who aren’t home often.
12. Turkish Van
| Medium to large size |
| Weighs 7–20 pounds |
| Comes in many colors |
| Lives 12–15 years |
The Turkish Van is native to Southeast Asia and quite rare outside of their native area. They are considered competent but also somewhat clumsy. They will often get into things. Mental stimulation is a must and should include puzzle toys and plenty of games. They can learn new tricks and will often learn how to work faucets and light switches.
They aren’t highly active, but they usually aren’t fans of being held either. They will play alone and aren’t as dependent on their people as some other cats out there.
13. Japanese Bobtail
| Small to medium size |
| Weighs 5–10 pounds |
| Comes in many different colors |
| Lives 9–15 years |
The Japanese Bobtail is considered one of the oldest breeds, likely thousands of years old. They aren’t the most intelligent cat on this list. However, they are popular housecats due to their outgoing nature and friendliness. They are known for running to the door to greet whoever enters. They can be taught to play fetch and are relatively easy to train in general.
They are active and like to run around and play. They can jump and leap extensively, so they are good at climbing and getting into things.
Conclusion
Owning a smart cat means there’s never a dull moment with your pet! That said, they may require a bit more work than other felines due to their higher intelligence. They will need regular mental stimulation, which usually translates to plenty of toys and playtime.
Featured image credit: Grigorita Ko, Shutterstock
