In general, cats make great pets because they are smarter than many other animals. Smart cats are easy to spot because they are easy to train, get along well with other animals, and can adjust to new situations and environments.
If you want a smart cat, here are 10 of the best cat breeds.
Tip
Environmental enrichment, like food games, can help keep all cats from getting bored, but it is especially good for smart cats. Smart cats can get into bad habits if they don’t have something to keep their minds busy.
Features of a Breed
Intelligent cats generally have a lot of energy and a tendency to get into trouble. It’s more about how curious they are than how bad they are. Most smart cats like to take on new tasks, learn new tricks, and play games that they can interact with. These cats also know things like when you usually get home, when you eat, and when to expect certain things to happen.
1. Abyssian
This cat looks sleek, but it is athletic, quick, and loves people. Abyssinians are very smart and know a lot about what is going on in their homes. This type of dog likes to sit on top of things and watch everything. This type of cat learns tricks the fastest and will enjoy running an agility course for cats. They aren’t usually lapping cats, but they love being petted or brushed. They also like being around other animals and do well in most life situations.
Breed Overview
- 8 to 10 inches tall
- 8 to 12 pounds
- Physical traits: long, pointed ears, a wedge-shaped head, and a skinny, strong body.
2. Balinese Chocolate
The Siamese has short hair, but the Balinese have long hair. They are usually very busy cats who love to watch everything their people do. They are also talkative cats who often say what they think. Use puzzles or “teaser” toys and a big cat tree for climbing to keep this cat busy. This type of dog can quickly learn to fetch, walk on a leash, and do tricks. They usually get along well with their families, but if they are bored for too long, they can get into trouble by exploring their own homes.
Breed Overview
- SIZE: between 6 and 7 inches
- 8 to 12 pounds
- Physical traits: a wedge-shaped head, a thin body, and blue eyes
3. Bengal Cats
The Bengal may be best known for its unusual coat, which looks like a leopard or tiger. This breed came about when a house cat and an Asian leopard cat were bred together. The Bengals are smart, active, and still a little bit wild. They like to play, run, jump, and climb. They need a lot of room to move around (especially up and down) and puzzle games and other toys that test their minds. Its hands are almost as good as its paws. Some can turn on and off lights, pull fish out of tanks, and get small things out of drawers.
Breed Overview
- 8 to 10 inches tall
- 8 to 15 pounds
- The body is slim and strong, and the fur is striped and spotted.
4. Brown Burmese cat
The Burmese are a breed of dog that is lively and friendly, and it loves to play with people. These cats are smart, flexible, fun, and easy to train. This breed can do more than just sit, roll over, wave, and come. It can also bring back a small toy and walk on a leash. With early training, car rides and trips to the vet will be easy. They like to be around other animals and do better when they do. Having a friend at home keeps you from feeling lonely and bored, which can lead to getting into trouble.
Breed Overview
- 10 to 12 inches HIGH
- 6 to 10 pounds
- Physical traits: round, golden eyes and a small, strong body.
5. White Cornish Rex
Some people say that even when they are old, these cats still play like dogs. They are friendly and lively. A lot of people like to play fetch or do tricks like playing the piano. The long toes on this cat make it easy for it to open doors and cabinets, so kid safety locks might be a good idea. This quick-moving creature can somehow jump to the highest place in the room. The Cornish rex’s wavy hair is what makes it stand out the most.
Breed Overview
- 12 to 14 inches tall
- 6 to 10 pounds
- The body is curved, the cheeks are high, and the ears are big.
6. Havana Brown
The Havana Brown is a beautiful cat with a chocolate-colored body that is soft and silky. This is a rare breed of cat that came about when the Siamese was crossed with a few other kinds. They are usually smart, curious, and talkative cats who love to spend time with their families. They are moderately active and like toys that test them both mentally and physically, like teasers and puzzles.
Breed Overview
- DIMENSION: 11 inches
- 8 to 10 pounds
- Physical traits: dark brown fur, green eyes, and big ears.
7. Korat
The Korat, which gets its name from an area in Thailand, is another rare breed. In its home country, it is thought to bring good luck. They are smart and aware of what’s going on around them. Korats are fairly active and like to play games with other people, but they also love to take naps. This breed can learn to do things like walk on a leash and play fetch. This cat will learn the rules of the house quickly if you praise it or give it treats. This cat likes its toys, and it doesn’t always want to share with other cats. If you have a lot of toys, the problem should go away. They love being noticed and are usually very loving with their families.
Breed Overview
- 10 to 12 inches HIGH
- 5 to 11 pounds
- The head is shaped like a heart, and the body is a bit stocky.
8. Savannah
The Savannah is a rare and unusual breed of dog that is also very smart. This big hybrid was made by breeding wild African servals with domestic cats. It still looks and acts like a wild animal, though. They need a lot of room to play, run, and jump. And they get bored fast; they need enough interaction and stimulation from their environment. This type of dog will walk on a leash, look for water to play in, and dig around in corners, drawers, closets, and boxes. Even the tap can be turned on with it. If you have fine china or other fragile things on shelves, make sure to protect them from this jumping cat who loves to climb and explore.
Breed Overview
- 12 to 14 inches tall
- 20 to 30 pounds
- The body is tall and thin, the ears stand up, and the coat is golden with dark spots and bars.
9. Siamese
The Siamese is one of the most well-known and famous cat breeds in the world. It is known for its beautiful coat, curious nature, and tendency to talk a lot. These cats are smart, friendly, and full of energy. They love to play and want to be with people. Use puzzles and teaser toys to keep this cat’s mind busy. If you can, get it a big cat tree to climb; this cat would enjoy it. If a Siamese is bored, it will turn on taps, open cabinets, or dig around in places it shouldn’t.
Breed Overview
- 8 to 10 inches tall
- 8 to 10 pounds
- The body is slim, the eyes are almond-shaped, and the head is shaped like a wedge.
10. Singapore
The Singapura was made on the streets of Singapore, as its name suggests. The breed came to the United States in the 1970s, and it is still rare. Most of the time, these small cats are playful, open, and interested. And they love to be a part of what their people do. They are very energetic and love to climb, so make sure they have a lot of room to do so. This naughty cat will jump up on your shoulder as you walk by or climb the curtains to get a ride. Also, they can chase small balls down the hall and play the piano.
Breed Overview
- 7 to 8 inches tall
- 5 to 8 pounds
- The body is small and light brown, and the eyes can be yellow, hazel, or green.
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