Our feline companions are generally smart and wise and they express their intelligence differently when compared to other animals most especially domesticated pets.
They are impressively good at problem-solving, learning and memory retention, communicating with body language, vocalization, training and tricks, etc.
Their display of intelligence despite their small nature has made them man’s best friend alongside dogs.
Unlike dogs and other domesticated cats, they can be trained to use litter for body waste elimination ( faces and urine).
This is a testament to their intelligence which is made manifest in learning and memory retention.
Cats are fast learners and they also learn from experience.
However, their intelligence varies based on their breeds, with individual breeds having unique characteristics and traits.
These breeds which are some of the most intelligent cat breeds you never knew are;
1. Siamese:
Most cat pet owners probably fell in love and adopted a cat as a pet because of the Siamese breed of cat.
They are commonly found in most households that have a cat as a pet and they are generally regarded as one the most populous and owned breed of cat in the world..
The Siamese cat breed is super curious and explorative.
They are the best bet to know all the corners of a house, where valuable toys are hidden, etc.
Siamese breed of cats are very energetic, and they can play for long hours with their owners and favorite toys without getting tired.
They are fast and intelligent learners, that can be trained to keep their space clean.
Their origin traces back to Thailand where they were regarded as royalty before they were exported to Europe, the USA, and the rest of the world in the 20th century.
Appearance:
Almond-shaped blue eyes, with a slender body and expressive ears.
Height: 8- 10 inches ( 23-25cm) tall.
Weight: The females weigh 5 – 8 pounds (2.3 – 3.6kg), while the males weigh 8- 12 pounds ( 3.6kg- 5.5kg).
2. Maine Coon:
Maine coon is one of the cats to own as a cat lover.
They are arguably one of the biggest breeds of domesticated cats known as “Gentle Giants”.
They are called gentle giants because of their large size and gentle behavior.
Main coons are native to North America and are one of the oldest breeds of cats.
They are a joy to have in a family with children because of their playful and friendly personality.
Like other breeds of cats, they are intelligent and can be trained to use litter.
Appearance:
Their eyes are large and round. It varies in color unlike Siamese who have almond-shaped blue eyes,
Height: 12- 16 inches ( 25cm- 40cm ) tall.
Weight: The females weigh 10 – 15 pounds ( 4.5- 6.8kg ), while the males weigh 15- 25 pounds ( 6.8-11.3kg).
3. Abyssinian:
If you don’t have a high energy level and you cannot provide enough mental stimulation, you should not adopt an Abyssinian.
They are known for their high energy and enthusiasm level and are very suitable for kids.
They are small-sized when compared to Maine coon and their small size nature makes them suitable for climbing and jumping.
Abyssinians are intelligent, excellent companions, and are highly recommended for households.
Appearance:
They have large, almond-shaped eyes that come in different colors.
Height: 9-12 inches ( 23cm- 30cm ) tall.
Weight: The females weigh 6 – 10 pounds ( 2.7- 4.5kg ), while the males weigh 8- 12 pounds ( 3.8 – 5.4kg ).
4. Sphynx:
If you ever wanted to have a pet cat that can make a statement, sphynx breeds are exactly what you ever needed.
They are distinctive from other cat breeds and are easily recognizable because of their lack of traditional fur which appears as wrinkled skin.
Due to their lack of traditional fur, they are not best suited for outdoors, especially during winter or hot summers.
They cannot easily regulate their body temperature and they require regular bathing to remove excessive oils that should have been absorbed by traditional furs.
They are intelligent and they enjoy walking and playing with humans and other pets.
Appearance:
They have hairless bodies covered with wrinkles that appear alien-like.
They also have large and rounded eyes with different colors. Their eyes are regarded as soulful.
Height: 8-10 inches ( 20cm- 25cm ) tall.
Weight: The females weigh 6 – 10 pounds ( 2.7- 4.5kg ), while the males weigh 8- 12 pounds ( 3.6 – 5.4kg ).
5. Bengal:
There is a high chance that among the images that might be shown when you use the keyword “Bengal” is that of a leopard.
The Bengal breed has a close physical resemblance with leopards because they are cross-breed between domesticated cats and Asian leopards.
They are a beauty to behold and are also known for their intelligence, speed, playful antics, and unusual wild instincts.
The Bengal breeds unlike other domesticated pets most especially dogs are water lovers.
Fascinatingly, they love to play with water and can be taught how to fetch water
As a cat lover, if you want a feline friend who is physically stunning, and intelligent, with some unusual wild instincts and strength, the Bengal species might be the best bet.
Appearance:
They have hairless bodies covered with wrinkles that appear alien-like.
They also have large and rounded eyes with different colors. Their eyes are regarded as soulful.
Height: The females are 9-12 inches ( 23cm- 30cm ) tall, while the males are 10-14 inches (25 cm- 36 cm) tall.
Weight: The females weigh 8 – 12 pounds ( 3.6 – 5.4kg ), while the males weigh 10- 15 pounds ( 4.5 – 6.8kg ).
6. Cornish Rex:
They are one of the low-maintenance cats originating from England.
Their unique quality from other breeds of cats is their unusual undercoat which only requires minimal grooming.
The Cornish breed is your best bet if you want to adopt a cat that requires minimal grooming.
They are intelligent, playful and agile. They are also suitable for in-house living.
Appearance:
Their undercoat is short, soft, and fluffy, resulting from a mutation in their hair follicles.
They have large oval eyes with varying colors based on the individual
Height: The females are 9-11 inches ( 23cm- 28cm ) tall, while the males are 10-12 inches (25 cm- 30 cm) tall.
Weight: The females weigh 6 – 8 pounds ( 2.4- 6kg ), while the males weigh 8- 10 pounds ( 3.6 – 4.5kg ).
7. Norwegian Forest Cat:
They are originally from Norway and were exported to the Middle East by the Vikings.
They are social animals that enjoy human companionship and they can also thrive when left alone.
Norwegian forest cats enjoy problem-solving puzzles and are fast learners.
They are good at climbing and they can go up to the roof.
Appearance:
They have large almond-shaped eyes in either gold or green.
They also have double coats.
Height: The females are 9-12 inches ( 23cm – 30cm ) tall, while the males are 10-14 inches (25 cm – 36 cm) tall.
Weight: The females weigh 8 – 12 pounds ( 3.6 – 5.4kg ), while the males weigh 12- 16 pounds ( 5.4 – 7.3kg ).
8. Savannah:
The Savannah cats bears a similarity with the Bengal cat breed. They are a cross-breed of domestic cats with a serval, a native to Africa.
They are exotic pets with an intriguing look similar to a serval.
The Savannah breeds of cats require mental and physical stimulation and are suitable for household living,
They are intelligent and can be trained on how to use a litter with ease.
Appearance:
They have large almond-shaped eyes in either gold or green.
They also have a double coat.
Height: The females are 10-16 inches ( 25cm – 41cm ) tall, while the males are 12-17 inches (30 cm – 43 cm) tall.
Weight: The females weigh 8 – 10 pounds ( 3.6 – 9kg ), while the males weigh 12- 25 pounds ( 5.4 – 11.3kg ).