What's going on in her brain?
Even after watching cats for a short time, you will understand that they are very smart creatures. Cats have smaller brains compared to dogs, but Dr. Laurie Houston explained in an interview with PetMD that “relative brain size is not always the best predictor of intelligence. The cat brain has some surprising similarities to our own brains." For example, Dr. Houston explains that each part of a cat's brain is separate, specialized, and connected to the others, allowing cats to understand, respond to, and even manipulate their environment.
And, as Dr. Berit Brogaard notes in Psychology Today, “Cats have more nerve cells in the visual areas of the brain, part of the cerebral cortex (the area of the brain involved in decision making, problem solving, planning, memory and language processing) than in humans and most other mammals." That's why, for example, your cat rushes from one end of the house to the other, chasing a speck of dust that you can't even see. She is “on a mission.”
In addition to their first-class eyesight, cats also have an impeccable memory - both long-term and short-term, as you can see when your cat angrily watches you pack your suitcase. He remembers very well that the last time you left home with that suitcase, you were gone for ages, and he doesn’t like it.
Cat's internal clock
Another study tried to understand whether cats have an internal clock.
According to scientists, cats have them because they lead an active lifestyle at dusk and dawn. It is important for them to know when to hunt and when to rest.
It is noteworthy that when cats live next to us
, they are smart enough to change their natural behavior. The man got out of bed, which means this is a signal. It's getting lighter outside, which means it's time to eat. Cats make different connections and this is called associative learning.
What does science say?
Another sign of cat intelligence is a refusal to participate in research.
David Grimm writes in the online publication Slate that two leading animal researchers with whom he discussed feline intelligence had great difficulty working with their subjects because the cats simply did not participate in the experiments and did not follow directions. Leading animal scientist Dr. Adam Miklosi even had to go to the cats' home because in his laboratory they categorically did not make contact. However, the more scientists learn about cats, the more they want to try to subdue them. You just need to get them to follow commands, but it is obvious that this is very difficult.
Follows the finger
Early training can help cats
tune in to human signals such as finger pointing.
One study found that cats can find food when a person points it out.
More recent research shows that cats can even distinguish between human voices.
People view cats as independent, aloof, and selfish.
But when they see how social these animals can be, the debate stops. It is very important to understand their behavior and how they see and understand the world around them.
Who is smarter - cats or dogs?
So, the age-old question still remains open: which animal is smarter, a cat or a dog?
The answer depends on who you ask. Dogs were domesticated much earlier than cats, they are more trainable and are more social creatures, but this does not mean that cats are less intelligent than dogs. It's impossible to know for sure because cats are inherently difficult to study.
Dr. Miklosi, who typically studies dogs, has discovered that, like dogs, cats have the ability to understand what other animals, including humans, are trying to communicate to them. Dr. Miklósi also determined that cats do not ask their owners for help the way dogs do, mainly because they are not as “tuned” to people as dogs are. “They're on a different wavelength,” says Grimm, “and that ultimately makes them very difficult to study. Cats, as any owner knows, are very intelligent creatures. But to science, their minds may forever remain a black box.” Isn't it the mysterious nature of cats that makes them so irresistible?
It may take some time before scientists can answer more concretely the question of how smart cats are. What is known is that cats are impatient, have highly developed cognitive decision-making skills, and will leave you if they find you boring. Moreover, they are great at knocking your arrogance down.
But if a cat loves you, she will always love you. By properly understanding how smart your cat is, you can establish a strong bond between you for many years to come.
Do you want to test the intelligence of your mustachioed and striped friend? Take the intellectual quiz for cats on the Petcha website!
What is cat intelligence?
Dog lovers will say: dogs are smarter than cats. But you can’t judge an animal’s mental abilities by its ability to fetch a newspaper. Murka simply doesn’t need this. Perhaps this is precisely the trait that whiskers are superior to dogs? Since, if necessary, cats still know how to demonstrate their intelligence. The fact is that this need arises extremely rarely.
How can we judge the mental development of a cat? Here are some criteria for “education”:
- The cat quickly remembers and executes the simplest commands;
- The pet willingly makes contact with humans and their own kind;
- Purposeful animal. If a smart cat has her mind set on something, she will achieve it at any cost;
- Curiosity. Smart animals show interest in everything in the world. Starting from a speck of dust and ending with passersby walking past the cat's viewing point - the window;
- The cat's reaction to a change in the owner's mood. This also includes the ability to stop playing at a person’s request, as well as the ability to obey when shouted harshly.
People create many tests to determine the level of intelligence of cats, however, these tests do not demonstrate the real mental abilities of the pet, but its mood at a particular moment in time.
You can only determine how smart your pet is by comparison. Moreover, even within a breed, the level of development of animals will differ.
TOP 30 smartest and most savvy cat breeds in the world
- Abyssinian
The Abyssinian cat breed appeared as a result of natural formation in Ethiopia. No one can say for sure what their ancestors were, but today the breed attracts not only its external beauty, but also its level of intelligence.
The combination of an unusual coat and intelligence made the Abyssinian the second most popular breed in the United States among shorthaired cats in 2012.
- American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a symbiosis of old world cats and American wild cats. As new lands were explored, a new, smart breed of New World cats was formed. A quick mind and the ability to adapt to new conditions on an empty continent made the breed smart and loyal. The popularity of the American Shorthair cat is based precisely on its unpretentiousness, affection for the family and inquisitive mind.
- Balinese (Balinese)
Miniature semi-long-haired beauties are relatives of the Siamese breed. With all its appearance, the breed demonstrates its independence, while being very sensitive to its home and family.
An interesting variation of Siamese cats, by the way, was bred in the USA, where they drew attention to the so-called “rejected” Siamese with long hair. There is only one difficulty in training - a cat is very sensitive to harsh attitudes. Training will bear fruit only if the cat does not notice the pressure on your part.
- Bengal
The Bengal breed is the fruit of Jane Mill's persistent selective labors. The goal of breeding a wild-colored cat, like many others, haunted the breeder. As a result, there is now a beautiful and intelligent breed of Bengal cats.
The breed has great potential in terms of mastering basic commands, learning to walk on a harness, and training in tricks. The young breed is so good that in 2015 there were as many as 4 representatives of the breed in the overall cat show ranking.
- Burmese
The level of intelligence of this fluffy Siamese cat is evidenced by her talent to get along with any family. In general, the cat is very discreet, does not get underfoot, and meows moderately to attract attention. At the same time, the breed gets along very well with any other pets and is able to establish contact with everyone.
In a private home, the Burmese is the smartest and calmest cat, but will not tolerate mice. All rodents will become its victim, as if you have not a purebred long-haired individual living with you, but an ordinary mousetrap cat.
- British
The British breed, regardless of the length of its fur, is a very smart cat. Her phlegmatic nature should not mislead you. A kitten learns the rules of the house easily, but it easily bypasses all prohibitions and strictures being a very persistent and delicate pet.
The breed is so self-sufficient that it is not even bored at home alone. The British cat will patiently wait for you to get home from work, and if necessary, will tolerate your absence on the weekend. The main thing is to leave food and drink, the breed will take care of its leisure time itself.
- Havana brown
A very rare breed with an unusual appearance has taken after its basic ancestor – the Siamese cat. The breed's unusual appearance is complemented by a sharp mind. This finely built chocolate beauty will captivate you with her quick wit.
The breed's inquisitive mind is combined with courage. Guests in the house will not exactly be treated kindly, but walking around, getting into a bag, seeing what the guest is doing - all this is interesting in Havana. It is this trait that also helps the breed tolerate moving well. Taking a chocolate cat on vacation by car is no problem.
- Egyptian Mau
The mental abilities of the Mau were noted in ancient Egypt. Since ancient times, the breed has been revered as a messenger of the gods, and it was not only about grace and beauty. The Egyptian Mau is a smart cat with a well-developed hunting instinct.
The breed is very affectionate in the family; the chosen owner will be given special attention. He gets along quite well with dogs, especially if there was already a dog in the family.
- Cymric
Fluffy but tailless, the Cymric appeared in England thanks to sailors who always kept cats on board. Due to a gene mutation, the breed lacks a tail, but this feature only affects the difficulty of purebred crossing; otherwise, the breed behaves like an ordinary cat.
Cymriks are good mousecatchers, so keeping them in the same apartment with rodents is more than a bad idea. Birds in cages are also at risk. The Cymrik will get any canary out of its hanging cage, because the breed jumps very high.
- Korat
The Korat is very similar in appearance to the Russian Blue breed, although their origins are completely different and date back to distant eras. The gray beautiful and intelligent cat is mentioned in the legendary “Book of Poems about Cats,” written in ancient Siam.
And in its homeland the breed is revered as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is also not customary to sell this breed. In Thailand, gray kittens are given as a sign of good intentions and gratitude.
- Cornish Rex
Curly-haired lifelong babies, Cornish Rex cats show their intelligence in an exorbitant thirst for knowledge. There is no place in the house where a cat won't want to go. At the same time, any owner can train a breed from the top of the smartest cats with a little effort.
Basic cohabitation commands are, of course, best learned from an early age. You can learn tricks with a Cornish Rex all your life; the cat will be interested in everything new that is presented in a playful way.
- Munchkin
Munchkins are adorable short-legged cats, jokingly called dachshund cats. The breed was bred in the USA, and as a result of a gene mutation it received short legs with other normal cat proportions.
The breed is very active in the family, loves to play with children and always tries to be the center of attention. A characteristic feature of these cute cats is their desire to hide small things. Playing with lipstick, a ball, or a Lego piece is a daily occurrence for the breed.
- Maine Coon
Maine Coons are considered the smartest domestic cats for a reason. Numerous owners of this native American breed note a high level of empathy and the ability to find a common language with any other pet.
The Maine Coon is very attached to his family, he will follow you around the house with great pleasure, and in the evening he will sit on your lap.
- Norwegian forest
The Norwegian Forest cat breed displays all its intelligence in adulthood.
Up to a year, the cat is playful, affectionate and not picky in behavior. After puberty, temperament changes completely. The Norwegian Long-tailed Beauty becomes reserved, observes more than participates, and prefers to express her feelings only towards her chosen owner. The breed does not like to be around children, but does not behave aggressively. The breed will never put out its claws, preferring to hide from the baby in its hanging house or on a shelf where no one will touch it.
- Oriental cat
Orientals captivate with their unusual appearance. Having a cat in your house with big ears and the appearance of an alien is very impressive. But this breed from Thailand is loved not only for its exterior. Having recognized the owner among the household members, the Oriental will follow him like a tail.
The breed also gets along well with dogs, although it is better not to choose very small breeds, because otherwise jealousy and the desire to completely capture the owner’s attention will become a bone of contention.
- Persian cat
Phlegmatic Persians are breaking records in popularity, although hygienic care of the breed is a real daily feat. But the breed pays for care with devotion and warmth. Yes, the Persian cat will not play active games or sit in your arms with great pleasure. But lying down next to you on the sofa cushion, burying yourself in the owner’s things and watching with moderate curiosity all the processes in the house - this is all characteristic of Persian cats.
But a side effect of their intelligence was resentment. The Persians remember human misdeeds for a long time and will not miss the opportunity to take revenge.
- Russian blue
The Russian Blue cat breed captivates with its exterior. Her silver coat and green eyes are combined with a graceful body and easy movements.
In everyday life the breed is self-sufficient and independent. Due to his developed hunting instinct, he will prefer to live in a private house and catch mice than to hole up in a city apartment. The Russian Blue cat has a high desire for jumping and conquering. For a normal psychological state, she simply needs a system of hanging shelves and houses.
- Ragdoll
Ragdolls can rightfully be considered the smartest and most affectionate cats. If the breed were asked to choose between moving independently and living on the owner’s lap, the majority would answer in favor of the second option.
The breed is sociable with everyone; children and other pets can count on spending time together on an ongoing basis. At the same time, the breed perceives the absence of the main owner as extremely vulnerable. A Ragdoll cat will perceive long business trips or constant departures as a personal insult and may even become depressed.
- Siamese cat
The Siamese cat has been known to the world since the 1960s, but it appeared in Thailand long before it was exported to the mainland. The breed was formed due to a stable color mutation, which is so strong that it is still used by many breeders to transfer the characteristic color to the population of another breed.
In addition to their characteristic appearance, the Siamese has gained the reputation of being the most popular short-haired cat breed in the world. And this is not surprising, because by purchasing a Siamese kitten you make a smart friend for the whole family.
- Siberian cat
The Siberian cat, or rather the male cat, is known throughout the country as the fluffiest catcher of mice, rats and the threat of anyone who encroaches on the chicken coop. An unsurpassed hunter is indispensable in a private home. It will protect the integrity of the barns on a par with a watchdog.
By nature, Siberian cats are friendly, value and love their home and family. They get used to walking on a harness easily and even in the city they don’t mind walking in the park. By the way, the breed can do this even in moderate frosts - thick tufts of hair grow on its paws between the toes.
- Singaporean
The Singapura cat has two distinguishing features - excessively large eyeballs and a very small body. The breed has been developing independently for a long time on the streets of Singapore. American felinologists, who brought the breed to their country as fluffy souvenirs from Asia, were able to discern the exhibition potential in sepia-agouti cats.
This intelligent breed has established itself in families as nanny cats. They do not leave babies for up to a year, constantly being nearby, monitoring sleep and calming the baby if he cries.
- Somalia
The Somali cat is a very beautiful animal. Her brilliant mind is combined with a wild expression on her face and a beautiful, rich orange-brick color of her coat.
Somalia needs constant contact and activity. The breed is ideal for a large family, where the pet always has someone to run and jump with. If you don’t take care of the cat, don’t pay attention to constant training, then she will find something to do with herself. All small objects in the house will immediately become a toy for the cat and he will either hide them or chew them.
- Canadian Sphynx
If you rank the smartest cats without following the alphabet, then the Canadian Sphynx should top it. This mutant of the cat world captivates tactilely, and when living side by side with a velor cat, you begin to wonder whether a real person is locked in the body of a cat.
Sphynxes need company. If you cannot provide it for your pet, then get either a pair of sphinxes or a fluffier, non-conflict cat or dog. A pair of animals will play together and bask against each other.
- Thai cat
The Thai cat is very similar in color to its Siamese relative. However, they have differences in behavior. The Thai cat has no concept of personal boundaries. No matter what you do, the cat will not just follow you, but literally crawl under your arm.
This pet is ideal for homebodies and lonely people. Your pet will be your faithful friend, who will sell his soul and receive your attention and care.
- Tonkinese
The Slimline cat is a Canadian cross between a Siamese and a Burmese cat. The result was a miniature breed with a cream-colored coat and aquamarine eyes. Character and mental abilities are inherited from the founding breeds.
- Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora is a rare and beautiful breed of cat. Unfortunately, during the war the population was practically lost. Although until the 20th century it was very popular among the European nobility and was actively crossed with other breeds to make changes to the exterior.
Now the breed of snow-white cats is a national treasure of Turkey and is prohibited from being exported from the country. The rest of the world can only hope for a quick restoration of the breed population and re-distribution throughout the world.
- Chartreuse
The Chartreux was bred in France and turned out to be an unusually calm cat breed.
Neither territorial claims, nor jealousy, nor aggression are characteristic of the breed. Purebred Chartreux are friendly with all pets. They are not demanding of attention and calmly tolerate the fact of having children. The breed can be fully called decorative.
- Scottish lop-eared
The Scottish breed is charming in its mutation. Three types of ear cartilage folds make it possible to choose a kitten with special appearance.
In terms of behavior and character, Scottish Folds are exactly the same as other British breeds. They easily get used to the rules of the house, get used to the tray and behave very carefully. At the same time, the breed is not annoying; adult cats and cats will prefer to observe rather than participate.
- Javanese cat
The Javanese cat is essentially a variation of the Oriental breed, but with long, soft hair.
The breed is also smart, graceful and has an unusual alien face.
- Japanese Bobtail
A native breed from Japan. A distinctive feature is a short pompom-shaped ponytail. In its homeland, the breed is considered a mascot cat. The famous inviting cat is nothing more than a symbolic representation of the Japanese Bobtail.
Like all independently formed breeds, the Japanese Bobtail is a very smart cat. When starting a breed, you need to be prepared for constant games and activities with an energetic pet.
