Cats are generally considered to be highly intelligent compared to many other animals. You can often spot smart cats by their ability to be trained, their interaction with other animals, and their adaptability to new situations and environments.

If you’re seeking a particularly clever cat, here are 10 of the smartest cat breeds to consider.

Abyssinian:

This sleek and athletic cat breed is known for its agility and affection towards people. Abyssinians are highly intelligent and closely observe their family’s activities. They love climbing to high places to survey their surroundings. Among cat breeds, they are quick learners and enjoy participating in feline agility courses. Although they aren’t typically lap cats, they appreciate being petted or brushed. They also get along well with other animals and adapt easily to various living situations.

Balinese:

The Balinese is the longhaired variant of the Siamese cat breed. Known for their curiosity, these cats love to observe and get involved in their owners’ activities. They are also quite vocal, frequently expressing their thoughts. To keep them engaged, provide puzzle toys, teaser toys, and a large cat tree for climbing. This breed is quick to learn tricks, including fetching and walking on a leash. While they are generally affectionate with their families, they can become mischievous if left without enough stimulation.

Bengal:

The Bengal is renowned for its striking coat that resembles that of a jaguar or leopard. This breed was created by crossing a domestic cat with an Asian leopard cat. Bengals are extremely intelligent, athletic, and retain a touch of their wild ancestry. They enjoy running, jumping, climbing, and playing. They need plenty of space for physical activity, especially vertical areas, as well as mental stimulation through puzzle games and toys. Their agile paws are almost as dexterous as hands; some Bengals can turn light switches on and off, retrieve fish from aquariums, and pull small objects from drawers.

Burmese:

The Burmese is a lively and affectionate breed that enjoys interacting with its owners. These cats are smart, adaptable, playful, and easy to train. In addition to performing commands like sit, roll over, wave, and come, they can also fetch small toys and walk on a leash. With proper early training, they can handle car rides and vet visits smoothly. They thrive on social interaction and prefer being around others, including other animals. Having a companion at home helps prevent loneliness and boredom, which can lead to mischief.

Cornish Rex:

These cats are energetic and sociable, and they are often compared to dogs in their playful nature, even as they grow older. Many of them enjoy playing fetch or doing tricks, such as “playing” the piano. Their long toes make it easy for them to open doors and cabinets, so using child safety locks might be a good idea. They are also remarkably agile, capable of jumping to the highest spots in a room. The Cornish Rex is particularly distinguished by its wavy coat.

Havana Brown:

The Havana Brown is a stunning cat known for its silky, chocolate-colored fur. This relatively rare breed was developed by crossing Siamese cats with several other breeds. Havana Browns are usually intelligent, curious, and vocal, and they enjoy interacting with their families. They are moderately energetic and prefer engaging toys such as teasers and puzzles that provide both mental and physical stimulation.

Korat:

The Korat, named after a region in Thailand, is a rare breed that is considered a symbol of good fortune in its native country. These cats are highly intelligent and observant. They are moderately energetic, enjoying interactive play, but also love their downtime. Korats can learn tricks such as fetching and walking on a leash, and respond well to training when rewarded with praise or treats. They are fond of their toys and may be a bit possessive, but having plenty of toys can help manage this. They thrive on attention and are generally very affectionate with their families.

Savannah:

The Savannah is a rare and exotic breed known for its high intelligence. Created by crossing wild African servals with domestic cats, this large hybrid retains some of its wild characteristics in both appearance and behavior. Savannahs need ample space to run, jump, and play and can become bored quickly, requiring plenty of interaction and environmental enrichment. They can be walked on a leash, enjoy playing in water, and love exploring various nooks, drawers, cabinets, and boxes. They might even turn on faucets! Be sure to protect delicate items and breakables, as this adventurous cat loves to climb and explore.

Siamese:

The Siamese is one of the most well-known and recognizable cat breeds, admired for its striking coat, inquisitive personality, and vocal nature. These cats are smart, affectionate, and full of energy. They enjoy playing and seek out attention and companionship. To keep them mentally stimulated, provide puzzles and teaser toys, and consider getting a large cat tree for climbing, which they will likely enjoy. If they become bored, Siamese cats may amuse themselves by turning on faucets, opening cabinets, or exploring places they shouldn’t.

Singapura:

True to its name, the Singapura originated from the streets of Singapore and made its way to the U.S. in the 1970s, where it remains a rare breed. These small cats are typically playful, sociable, and inquisitive, and they enjoy participating in their owners’ activities. They are quite active and love climbing, so it’s important to provide ample vertical space for them. This playful cat might climb curtains or leap onto your shoulder for a ride as you walk by. They also enjoy chasing small balls down the hallway and even “playing” the piano.