Experts Say These Are the Smartest Cat Breeds

As any pet owner will tell you—Martha included—that if you're looking for a clever companion, a cat will certainly do the trick. While all furry felines enjoy a certain sharp-witted reputation, there are a few breeds that lead the pack when it comes to intelligence.

Compared to dogs, which tend to be more obedient, cats display their heightened intelligence in other ways: "Unlike dogs, many cats are not likely to 'live to please' their owners. Cats generally only cooperate when they want to—more intelligent cats do tend to display more problem solving characteristics such as finding things," says Dr. Gary Richter, DVM, founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition. Recent research confirms this: Cats can recognize their own name, but choose to respond only if they wish to do so. Intelligent felines are often recognized by their owners as those who are willing to learn about the environment and by how social they are with those around them.

As it turns out, some of the most clever breeds are often found up for adoption in shelters across the country. According to Dr. Travis Arndt, director of the Animal Medical Center of Mid-America, you can use resources like PetFinder.com to search nearby areas for cats you may be interested in. "Visit with as many cats or kittens you'd like before deciding which cat to adopt," Arndt says. "This will allow you to find the cat that will best fit in with your family and household."

We spoke with veterinarians and leading cat behaviorists about the traits that smart cats exude on a regular basis. These breeds are known for their attuned behavior around their owners. "Some of these breeds are better problem solvers, some are better athletes, and others just like to 'hang out,'" Richter says. "People looking for a smarter cat should also consider that smarter animals tend to be the most mischievous as well." Are you up for the challenge? Follow along as we share more on the smartest cat breeds.