Top 20
Most intelligent cat breeds
A quick-witted breed learns fast and enjoys mental stimulation. These cats have the highest intelligence scores: plan games and activities to prevent boredom, and open a profile to learn about their temperament and needs.
- 1
Bengal
An athletic, very intelligent and affectionate cat with the look of a small wild feline.
Intelligence: 5/5Large United States
- 2
- 3
Siamese
A talkative, elegant Oriental cat that is very attached to its human.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium Thailand
- 4
Savannah
A large athletic, intelligent and affectionate cat with the look of a small cheetah.
Intelligence: 5/5Large United States
- 5
Abyssinian
An elegant cat, very active and deeply attached to its human.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium Ethiopia
- 6
Turkish Angora
An elegant, lively cat that is very attached to its family.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium Turkey
- 7
Devon Rex
A curly-haired, mischievous cat that is extremely close to its family.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium United Kingdom
- 8
Somali
The Somali is an elegant cat, very lively and deeply attached to its family.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium United States
- 9
Thai
An affectionate and talkative cat, heir to the traditional Siamese.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium Thailand
- 10
Cornish Rex
A curly-haired, athletic cat that is very close to its human.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium United Kingdom
- 11
Oriental Shorthair
An elegant cat, very talkative and intensely attached to its human.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium United Kingdom
- 12
Burmese
A lively, intelligent and very affectionate cat, available in English and American varieties.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium Thailand
- 13
Tonkinese
A lively, affectionate and very sociable cat, born from the Siamese and the Burmese.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium Canada
- 14
Turkish Van
A large white cat, playful and close to its human, famous for its natural attraction to water.
Intelligence: 5/5Large Turkey
- 15
Bombay
An affectionate, calm miniature panther perfectly suited to indoor living.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium United States
- 16
Manx
A tailless cat, affectionate and playful, very attached to its family.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium Isle of Man
- 17
Chausie
An athletic and demonstrative cat, with a wild look and a great need for attention.
Intelligence: 5/5Large United States
- 18
Japanese Bobtail
Also called the Japanese Bobtail, this cheerful, affectionate and playful cat stands out for its short pompom tail.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium Japan
- 19
Mandarin
The Mandarin is an Oriental semi-longhaired cat, lively, talkative and very attached to its human.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium United States
- 20
Ocicat
A spotted and athletic cat, sociable and very close to its family.
Intelligence: 5/5Medium United States
This ranking is based on scores from 1 to 5 assigned to each cat breed in our listings. In a tie, breeds with more breeders in France rank higher.
Other cat breed rankings
- Cat breeds suited to apartment living
- Cat breeds for families with children
- Cat breeds for first-time owners
- Most affectionate cat breeds
- Cat breeds that get along with other pets
- Easy-to-train cat breeds
- Calm, low-energy cat breeds
- Cat breeds that shed less
- Low-maintenance cat breeds
- Hardiest cat breeds
- Cat breeds that need little exercise
- So-called hypoallergenic cat breeds
- Small cat breeds
- More affordable cat breeds