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You can almost see the wheels
spinning behind the calculating eyes of a cat, always looking for nooks
and crannies in the home and sizing up new houseguests. And it’s no
wonder: Cats are intelligent creatures — even when they appear to be aloof — and have been found to recognize their names, according to recent research published in Scientific Reports.
The smartest breeds
of cats tend to have the biggest, most playful personalities of the
bunch. They’ll stay by your side, strike up conversations, and swat around new toys. They even take well to training, much like dogs!
That said, they can also be the first into trouble. If you don’t
exercise their body and brain regularly with activity and games, these
curious cats might attempt to entertain themselves with play that’s more
destructive. If you own any of these 10 smart breeds, strive to satisfy
the ever-inquisitive mind with attention and interaction.
Abyssinian
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With its large ears and its wide
almond-shaped eyes, the Abyssinian’s astute looks match its incredibly
curious nature. Don’t be surprised to find this lean feline snooping
about every corner of the house, even those that you think you’ve made
off-limits. “Thanks to the Aby’s excellent memory and learning capacity,
he’ll know where toys are hidden and how to open doors,” Chewy’s PetCentral reports.
Siamese
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This inquisitive animal loves company and is quick to follow you from room to room — right up to a shower door — and engage in conversations. “This ancient breed is able to communicate like no other,” says the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) of the chatty cat.
This smart cat breed is a natural companion, as curious as it is cuddly. Expect the playful Burmese to be another who follows you around all day, ready to play fetch or learn a new trick. If you spend long days at the office, 9-to-5 workday, a Burmese cat would do better with another furry friend around.
Burmese
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Korat
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Also from Thailand, the silvery blue Korat is an energetic and playful cat “whose favorite game
is the one in which their esteemed human companions take an active
part,” according to the adoption site Petfinder. Known to be keenly
observant, this cat is cautious around new people and new environments
until he has deemed his surroundings safe.
Named for the unique shape of its ears, Scottish Folds are so smart that they’re practically human-like in facial expressions and mannerisms. When not solving a puzzle toy or engaging with their owner in play, this sweet, social pet will sit with the family to see what’s on the television screen that evening.
Bengal
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Recognized for its
marble-patterned coat and orange and brown coloring, this leopard
lookalike loves an adventure indoors when there is room to climb or
outdoors if you leash-train him for walks. Watch out for his skillful
set of paws when he’s restless, though. “Bored Bengal cats can also
adopt some unconventional (and slightly destructive) habits,”
the pet experts at CatTime.com warn, “including turning light switches
on and off, fishing seals out of drains and excitedly plucking CDs from
your DVD player.”
Scottish Fold
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Cornish Rex Cat
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Take the lean, athletic build of the Cornish Rex as a sign of its active
demeanor. This curly-furred cat loves to leap, climb, and sprint after
toys in a game of fetch. “If you want to hide something from the Cornish
Rex, make sure you do it when they’re not looking, as they’ll easily be able to figure out a way to retrieve it,” CatTime.com recommends.
Turkish Angora
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Energetic and adaptable, the
silky Turkish Angora likes to be the life of the party no matter whether
that’s just another night with its owners or an evening with new
guests. “They readily accept dogs and other animals, but their assertive natures often make them the ‘alpha’ pet in the household,”
the CFA writes. It’s this same strong-willed personality can get them
into trouble, though, when playtime devolves into climbing counters and
batting items to the floor.
Savannah
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The exotic Savannah is another example of a (fur) ball of energy waiting
to be channeled in a home with plenty of room to play. VetStreet.com
calls the spotted breed of cat one of the best for training,
suggesting that owners “keep the Savannah occupied with interactive
toys and games, walks on a leash, and steps and bridges throughout your
home that will challenge his gymnastic skills.”
American Bobtail
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Considered the Golden Retriever of cats, the “American Bobtails are known for their love of games
and can play fetch or hide and seek for hours on end,” CFA writes. You
can also train this fluffy cat for walks with you around the block on a
leash.
