The Fascinating Intelligence Of Cats: Discover The Top 11 Smartest Breeds

Cats are among some of the most intelligent animals on the planet, despite what some people may think about felines. How else could you explain this cat, who plays a tiny piano to notify his owners that it’s feeding time? Or this cat who, somehow, actually called 911 when his disabled owner was in need of emergency services?

They may be deemed untrainable, but the level of intelligence and capability of some cats rings high on the IQ meter. Cats in general have a brain structure that resembles that of the most intelligent animals in the ecosystem, including human beings. In fact, a cat's cerebral cortex—the part of the brain that manages rational decision-making and complex problem-solving—boasts some 300 million neurons, according to Psychology Today. Dogs, one of the most intelligent animals with the highest number of neurons, have about 429 million neurons in the cerebral cortex, according to the science journal Frontiers in Neuroanatomy.

Just like any animal species, there are some cat breeds that are smarter than others. We’ve rounded up a list of the 11 smartest cats of them all.

1. Abyssinian

The Abyssinian cat is a small to medium-sized breed, with females typically weighing between six and eight pounds and males between seven and ten pounds. Their coat is medium in length and features shades of ruddy, red, fawn, and blue, with a lifespan of 9 to 15 years.

The history behind their origin is a bit muddled. Some believe the Abyssinian cats were the "sacred cat of Egyptian Pharaohs," while others think the breed was created in Britain when silver and brown tabbies with "ticked" coats mated. Regardless of their origins, Abyssinians are known for their inquisitive nature and top-notch detective skills.

2. Siamese

The Siamese cat is a medium-sized breed, with females typically weighing eight to twelve pounds and males weighing eleven to fifteen pounds. Their coat is short and comes in shades of seal point, chocolate point, blue point, and lilac point, with a lifespan of 11 to 15 years.

Believed to have originated in Siam, now known as Thailand, the Siamese cat is known for being particularly talkative and social. They have a penchant for getting into mischief, which is in part due to their inquisitive nature and need for mental stimulation.

3. Burmese

Burmese cats are medium-sized, with females typically weighing six to ten pounds and males weighing eight to twelve pounds. Their coat is shorthair and comes in shades of sable, champagne, platinum, and blue, with a lifespan of 10 to 16 years.

Believed to be a hybrid of a Siamese cat and Burma's Copper cat, Burmese cats are known for their energetic and playful demeanor. They enjoy games that keep their compact bodies moving, and they have a reputation for being affectionate and snuggly.

4. Singapura

Singapura cats are small, typically weighing five to six pounds for females and six to eight pounds for males. Their coat is short-haired and sepia in color, and they have a lifespan of 11 to 15 years.

As its name suggests, the Singapura hails from Singapore. They are known as "little lions of love" due to their playful temperament and keen observational skills. They thrive on attention and social interaction, making them a great companion for families.

5. Bengal

Bengal cats are medium to large-sized, with females typically weighing six to twelve pounds and males weighing ten to eighteen pounds. They have medium-length coats that feature bright orange, light brown, and often dark spots or marbling patterns, with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years.

Bengals emerged in 1963 after a California breeder crossed a domestic cat with a wild Asian Leopard Cat. These natural athletes enjoy climbing and jumping, and they are known to be social and alert, making them a fun and engaging pet.

6. Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex cats are small to medium-sized, with females typically weighing five to seven pounds and males weighing six to nine pounds. Their coat is short-haired with fine curls and comes in a variety of shades, including white, cream, chocolate, black, lavender, and tabby, with a lifespan of 10 to 16 years.

This breed originated in the Cornwall region of the U.K. in the 1950s. Cornish Rexes are known for their friendly and playful personalities, making them suitable for families and households with children.

7. Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds are medium-sized cats, with females typically weighing six to nine pounds and males weighing nine to thirteen pounds. Their coats are long-haired and come in a variety of shades, including white, black, blue, red, cream, and silver, with a lifespan of 11 to 15 years.

These friendly and outgoing cats enjoy puzzle toys and games that require them to think. Scottish Folds are particularly attention-seeking and thrive on interaction with their owners.

8. Korat

Korat cats are medium-sized, with females typically weighing six to eight pounds and males weighing eight to ten pounds. Their coats are short-haired and come in shades of white and silver, with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

Native to Thailand, Korats are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. They can be cautious around new people and settings but are known for their keen senses and observant behavior.

9. Turkish Van

Turkish Van cats are medium to large-sized, with females typically weighing seven to twelve pounds and males weighing nine to twenty pounds. They have semi-longhair coats in shades of red, cream, black, blue, tabby, tortoiseshell, and brown patched.

This rare breed is known for its playful and curious nature, often knocking things over just to see what happens. Turkish Vans are friendly but prefer their independence and enjoy playing on their own.