These Signs Indicate Your Cat is Smart: Here is How to Test Your Pet

Most cat owners firmly believe their feline is incredibly intelligent. But is this really the case, or are they just biased? Here’s the scientific perspective on the matter.

To reveal the truth right away: yes, our purring companions are intelligent animals. This isn’t surprising, as they have lived alongside humans for a long time and have needed all their wits to adapt. However, just how smart a cat is depends on several factors.

IQ is Not Applicable

Human intelligence is often expressed in terms of IQ (intelligence quotient). However, it’s important to note that this measurement applies only to humans—there are no standardized tests to determine an equivalent IQ for pets. So how can their intelligence be measured?

Researchers studying animal intelligence focus on cognition—the ability to gather information, make decisions, and behave accordingly. Studies have found the following about cats:

• They have object permanence. When they see an object that is then hidden, they understand that it still exists, such as under a box.
• They have working and well-developed long-term memory, allowing them to achieve their goals even when initially hindered.
• They can differentiate between short and long time intervals and recognize different quantities.
• They observe human signals and gestures and can respond to people’s emotions.
• They can recognize certain human voices and form attachments to people in their lives.

Are Cats Smarter Than Dogs?

The eternal debate: which pet is smarter, cats or dogs? Based on the above, the answer is clear—they excel in different areas.

Both animals are often compared to young children in terms of abilities. While this is true, they demonstrate intelligence in different ways.

For example, dogs are social animals, whereas cats can be content with a solitary lifestyle. Because of this, dogs frequently seek help from humans, while cats often prefer solving problems on their own. Both behaviors reflect intelligence, tailored to each animal’s way of life.

How Can You Tell If Your Cat is Smart?

Just like humans, cats have varying abilities. One might be a master at recognizing situations, while another excels at communicating with its owner.

Interestingly, some breeds are generally considered smarter than others. These include Abyssinians, Siamese cats, Scottish Folds, Cornish Rexes, Persians, and Turkish Angoras.

However, intelligence varies within breeds as well. Some individuals may be less sharp due to genetics or upbringing, while exceptionally intelligent cats can appear in any breed.

Testing Your Cat’s Intelligence

Here’s a simple test to gauge how smart your cat is:

1. Take your cat’s favorite toy, a treat, or its preferred food.
2. Use a small box or cup that the cat cannot see through.
3. Sit with your cat and show it that you are placing the item under the overturned box or cup.
4. Move away and observe its reaction.
5. If the cat immediately overturns the object to access the hidden item, it’s quite intelligent!
6. If it takes some time to assess the situation—walking around, touching, or analyzing the box—it has a strong understanding of the world.
7. If it just blinks at you in confusion, unsure of what’s happening, it may not be the sharpest mind in the feline world. (Or maybe it just doesn’t care!)

To take the test further, assess your cat’s memory by delaying access to the hidden item. Try waiting 5 seconds, then 15, 30, and finally 1 minute before letting the cat retrieve it. The longer it remembers where the item is, the more intelligent it is.

That said, don’t be disappointed if your cat isn’t the smartest—it can still have a wonderful bond with you!