The Smartest Cat Breeds

There’s a saying that ‘even the stupidest cat is smarter than a dog’, which seems a little harsh to those of us at Cat Diaries who also happen to be dog lovers. But what certainly is the case is that, unlike with dogs, there is no breed of cat that is widely regarded as being dumb. Which begs the question: what, then, is the smartest cat breed?

The experts agree that the Siamese is probably top of the heap, but they are quick to point out that all breeds of cat contain extremely clever (and some not-so-clever) animals. The following list isn’t presented in any particular order. It simply contains 10 breeds that are considered to be ‘clever’.

We’d be interested to know your thoughts on it. So if you’d like to agree or reckon there’s a breed we should have included on the list, use the Comment facility to let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

Clever cats

•    Siamese – Arguably the best-known and most-popular breed, the Siamese is acknowledged to be extremely intelligent. It’s also highly talkative and loves chatting to its owner in its distinctive deep, loud voice as it goes about its daily routine! Displays some dog-like characteristics, including a willingness to play fetch, and is incredibly affectionate towards its owners. This, combined with its striking looks, make it an ideal companion, although it shouldn’t be left alone for long periods. If that’s like to be the case, get another Siamese to keep it company! Other smart breeds closely related to the Siamese include the Tonkinese, Burmese and Balinese.

•    Chartreux – One of the newest recognised breeds, although with an ancient pedigree, the Chartreux often appears to be smiling because of its facial features. Intelligent and affectionate (like the Siamese, it will happily play fetch), it enjoys watching TV and even trying to join in telephone conversations! Loyal to its owner, it is happiest following them around. However, it hates having its coat brushed. Instead, simply run your fingers through the fur a couple of times a day.

•    Havana Brown – A ‘man-made’ chocolate-coloured cat with a charming, playful manner. Curious and ‘touchy-feely’, affectionate, intelligent and sociable, Havana Brown’s make ideal family pets. The name, incidentally, comes from the fact the cats are the same colour as fine Cuban cigars!

•    Abyssinian – One of the oldest known breeds, the Abyssinian is very people-oriented, although it isn’t fond of anyone who tries to turn it into a lap cat. Abyssinians have been described as ‘being very good at training people to do just what they want them to do’ – which pretty much says it all!

•    Singapura – Named after the Malaysian word for Singapore, the Singapura is mischievous, extroverted, curious and playful, and it will try to help you with everything! Always willing to interact with people, it’s regarded as one of the most captivating breeds and makes a loyal, loving pet.

•    Sphynx – They may not be beautiful (although beauty is, of course, in the eye of the beholder), but Sphynxes are undeniably bright. They love nothing more than being the centre of intelligent, and have even been known to deliberately act clumsily in order to keep all eyes focussed on them. Energetic and mischievous, they get on well with other animals (dogs included), but prefer human companionship. Maintenance is restricted to the occasional bath and ear cleaning – another big selling point!

•    Russian Blue – Affectionate and gentle, quiet and clean, playful and loving, yet also quite shy, the Russian Blue will happily play fetch and has even been known to be able to work out how to open doors. The breed is also incredibly sensitive to the moods of those around it, acting like a clown to cheer up a crying baby or patting the face of a sad adult. A lovely, unique cat.

•    American Bobtail – Captivating to look at and with a devoted disposition, American Bobtails are enormously popular cats. They can adapt easily to a busy or quiet environment and have even been used by psychotherapists in treatment programmes because they are so well-behave and, like the Russian Blue, sensitive to people in distress.

•    Manx – Famous for not having a tail, the Manx are the athletic champions of the cat world because of their incredible acceleration and even more amazing jumping abilities. So it’s probably not surprising to know these cats are highly playful. Manxes often form a bond with just one member of a household and once that happens they invariably find it very difficult to be happy in a different home, so only get a Manx if you intend keeping it for life.

•    Bombay – Noted for its sleek, panther-like black coat, the Bombay will play fetch, can be trained to walk on a lead and is always finding new ways to entertain itself and its owners. Intelligent, affectionate, congenial and outgoing, these are fantastic family felines!

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