These Cat Breeds Are So Smart, They'll Make You Question Your Own IQ
These Cat Breeds Are So Smart, They'll Make You Question Your Own IQ
You can almost see the wheels spinning behind the calculating eyes of a cat, always looking for nooks and crannies in the home and sizing up new houseguests. And it’s no wonder: Cats are intelligent creatures — even when they appear to be aloof — and have been found to recognize their names, according to recent research published in Scientific Reports.
The smartest breeds of cats tend to have the biggest, most playful personalities of the bunch. They’ll stay by your side, strike up conversations, and swat around new toys. They even take well to training, much like dogs! That said, they can also be the first into trouble. If you don’t exercise their body and brain regularly with activity and games, these curious cats might attempt to entertain themselves with play that’s more destructive. If you own any of these 10 smart breeds, strive to satisfy the ever-inquisitive mind with attention and interaction.
Abyssinian
With its large ears and its wide almond-shaped eyes, the Abyssinian’s astute looks match its incredibly curious nature. Don’t be surprised to find this lean feline snooping about every corner of the house, even those that you think you’ve made off-limits. “Thanks to the Aby’s excellent memory and learning capacity, he’ll know where toys are hidden and how to open doors,” Chewy’s PetCentral reports.
Siamese
This inquisitive animal loves company and is quick to follow you from room to room — right up to a shower door — and engage in conversations. “This ancient breed is able to communicate like no other,” says the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) of the chatty cat.
Burmese
This smart cat breed is a natural companion, as curious as it is cuddly. Expect the playful Burmese to be another who follows you around all day, ready to play fetch or learn a new trick. If you spend long days at the office, 9-to-5 workday, a Burmese cat would do better with another furry friend around.
Korat
Also from Thailand, the silvery blue Korat is an energetic and playful cat “whose favorite game is the one in which their esteemed human companions take an active part,” according to the adoption site Petfinder. Known to be keenly observant, this cat is cautious around new people and new environments until he has deemed his surroundings safe.
Bengal
Recognized for its marble-patterned coat and orange and brown coloring, this leopard lookalike loves an adventure indoors when there is room to climb or outdoors if you leash-train him for walks. Watch out for his skillful set of paws when he’s restless, though. “Bored Bengal cats can also adopt some unconventional (and slightly destructive) habits,” the pet experts at CatTime.com warn, “including turning light switches on and off, fishing seals out of drains and excitedly plucking CDs from your DVD player.”
Scottish Fold
Named for the unique shape of its ears, Scottish Folds are so smart that they’re practically human-like in facial expressions and mannerisms. When not solving a puzzle toy or engaging with their owner in play, this sweet, social pet will sit with the family to see what’s on the television screen that evening.
Cornish Rex Cat
Take the lean, athletic build of the Cornish Rex as a sign of its active demeanor. This curly-furred cat loves to leap, climb, and sprint after toys in a game of fetch. “If you want to hide something from the Cornish Rex, make sure you do it when they’re not looking, as they’ll easily be able to figure out a way to retrieve it,” CatTime.com recommends.
Turkish Angora
Energetic and adaptable, the silky Turkish Angora likes to be the life of the party no matter whether that’s just another night with its owners or an evening with new guests. “They readily accept dogs and other animals, but their assertive natures often make them the ‘alpha’ pet in the household,” the CFA writes. It’s this same strong-willed personality can get them into trouble, though, when playtime devolves into climbing counters and batting items to the floor.
Savannah
The exotic Savannah is another example of a (fur) ball of energy waiting to be channeled in a home with plenty of room to play. VetStreet.com calls the spotted breed of cat one of the best for training, suggesting that owners “keep the Savannah occupied with interactive toys and games, walks on a leash, and steps and bridges throughout your home that will challenge his gymnastic skills.” An outdoor-curious cat might love his very own catio.
American Bobtail
Considered the Golden Retriever of cats, the “American Bobtails are known for their love of games and can play fetch or hide and seek for hours on end,” CFA writes. You can also train this fluffy cat for walks with you around the block on a leash.
Meet these four-legged friends who walk the fine line between “intelligent” and “mischievous.”