Top 6 Most Intelligent Cat Breeds in The World

Mixi March 29, 2021 | 11:44

Just like dogs, the intelligence of cats is reflected in their reactions to humans and the outside environment. The smartest breeds of cats tend to have the biggest, most playful personalities of the bunch, and here the list of six ones.

Abyssinian. Photo: ASPCA Pet Insurance

Abyssinian

This beautiful, sleek and elegant feline hails from ancient Egypt and surely draws upon her long and noble lineage. It is likely that this cat breed descended from the Ancient Egyptian sacred cats.

In other words, they managed to persuade humans to worship them as Gods, so they must have some smarts behind the beautiful face!

This sleek-looking cat is athletic, agile, and affectionate toward humans. Abyssinians are very intelligent and highly in tune with the activities of their families. They're generally not lapping cats, but they thrive on human attention, especially in the form of petting or grooming. They also tend to enjoy the company of other animals.

Balinese

Photo: ExcitedCats

The Siamese cat achieved worldwide popular recognition via its memorable cameo in the 1955 film “Lady and the Tramp.” Arguably one of the most recognizable cats in the world, the Siamese Cat is a master escapologist and one of the best breeds for getting itself into trouble!

The Balinese is basically the longhaired version of the Siamese cat breed. They tend to be active cats that love to investigate everything their humans are doing. They're also chatty cats that like to vocalize their opinions. They're typically affectionate with their families but can get into mischief exploring their home, especially if they aren't challenged mentally.

Turkish Angora

Photo: The Antlered Crown - blogger

The Turkish Angora has never relinquished its predatory instincts or skills, which makes this feline fiercely independent and strong-willed. They are great problem solvers, and you can be sure that life is never dull with one of these cats.

Out of all the cats here, they have one of the largest personalities!

Most Intelligent Cat Breeds - From Cat IQ to Knowing Your Clever Cats

A Turkish Angora who wants something, whether a treat, a toy, attention or something totally off-limits, will rarely stop until she gets it. Even if that means working out a daring plan to break into the food cupboard in the middle of the night.

Most Turkish Angora owners are sleep-deprived due to loud noises waking them up late at night!

The Turkish Angora is a quick learner with fast, accurate instincts and a penchant for pranks. Knocking things off counters just to watch them fall, opening drawers or doors to nab prime treats you thought you had hidden far out of reach….this is the spice of life for a Turkish Angora.

Korat

Photo: PETACY

Looking into the eyes of a lovely grey-blue Korat is like gazing into the eyes of feline history. This ancient breed is able to find its way home when it is left in a strange place. It can be remarkably social by cat standards, and able to live in groups.

The Korat is one of the earliest/oldest known domesticated cat breeds, hailing from the same neck of the woods as the Siamese.

Korat intelligence initially manifests in the form of caution and reserve that could seem like timidity. But, these clever cats are far from timid. Rather, they are shrewd survivors who listen more than speak and select the activities they wish to participate in only after assessing any potential risks.

They are careful and calculating cats, and less prone to getting into trouble than some of the other breeds. If you ask Korat lovers why they adore their cats, they will all say it's because they can understand them.

Of all the cat breeds here, perhaps they are the ones closest to human emotions and intelligence, and will rarely leave your side. They seem to know what you are thinking and can respond in a way you understand.

Now, from a very human-orientated cat to one that has retained much of its wildness. Our tip as the smartest cat breed – We Know! Most of you will disagree.

Sphynx

Photo: Petmaster

Everyone can instantly recognize the Sphynx for it’s one of the few cat breeds that appears to have no hair. It turns out, however, that the Sphynx’s skin is like a peach and is covered by a fine down.

One of the reasons this cat is considered to be one of the most intelligent is its social skills. A Parisian veterinary school conducted a study which indicated that the Sphynx was the friendliest cat, beating out 129 other contestants.

These cats are recommended as excellent therapy cats and family companions due to their social nature.

Also, the Sphynx displays excellent problem-solving abilities. A quick search on YouTube or Instagram will find videos like the one below showing a Sphynx figuring out how to open doors and more.

Japanese bobtail

Photo: PawCulture

In addition to their short tail, the Japanese bobtail is characterized as one of the most intelligent cat breeds in the world. These cats are very lively, playful and smart. They enjoy being outdoors, climbing, playing and solving puzzles. This is why they're so easy to train. In fact, they make great participants in feline sports.

Japenese bobtail cats are also very observant and tend to come when called. They are great companion pets for families as they are very sociable and enjoy company.

Cat Intelligence

Cat intelligence has been a subject of intense scientific interest and scrutiny since the late 1800’s. People have long known that cats seem to solve problems and gradually learn the best way to do things.

The first modern day researcher to seriously study cat intelligence was the psychologist Edward Thorndike.

He developed puzzle boxes and placed hungry cats inside them. He then placed a tasty piece of fish outside each box and timed how long it took each cat to escape from the box to nab the fish.

Not surprisingly, Thorndike’s cats became very good at this task very quickly. There’s nothing like an empty stomach and a fishy treat to stimulate feline creativity!

Others gradually built upon the lessons of Thorndike and studied cat intelligence even more intently.

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