It's well known that cats are clever, perhaps even devious creatures, but just how smart are cats?
According to scientists, it's not your imagination: Cats are far more intelligent than you may realize and far more stubborn.
What's Going on in Her Brain?
You only have to observe cats for a short time to recognize that they're highly intelligent beings. Cats have smaller brains compared to dogs, but Dr. Lorie Huston for PetMD explains, "relative brain size isn't always the best indicator of intelligence. And the cat brain shares some amazing similarities with our own brains." For example, Huston elaborates, each part of a cat's brain is compartmentalized, specialized and connected to the others, allowing cats to understand, respond to and even manipulate their surroundings.
And as noted in Psychology Today by Dr. Berit Brogaard, "cats have more nerve cells in the visual areas of their brain, a part of the cerebral cortex [the area of the brain responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, planning, memory, and language-processing], than humans and most other mammals." That's why, for instance, your cat races from one end of the house to the other chasing a speck of dust that you don't even see. She's on a mission.
In addition to having top-notch vision, a cat's memory, both long-term and short-term, is impeccable, which you know if your fur baby gives you the evil-eye when you pack your suitcase. She remembers the last time you left the house with that suitcase you were gone for ages and she isn't happy about it.
What Does Science Say?
Another sign of cat smarts: refusing to participate in research studies in the first place.
David Grimm writes in Slate that two leading animal researchers with whom he has spoken with about cat intelligence have had great difficulty working with their subjects because cats simply wouldn't participate in the experiments or didn't follow instructions. Leading animal researcher Dr. Ádám Miklósi even had to go to cats' homes to work because the kitties were so uncooperative in his lab. However, the more they learn about cats, the more scientists will be willing to give it a try. It's just a matter of getting the cats to follow commands, which clearly is very complicated.
Tasty Tips
Who's Smarter? Cats or Dogs?
So, the age-old question remains: Which animal is smarter, a cat or a dog?
It depends on who you ask. Dogs have been domesticated far longer than cats, are more "trainable" and are more social creatures, but this doesn't mean cats aren't as intelligent as dogs. It's impossible to know for sure because cats are so tricky to study in the first place.
Dr. Miklósi, who typically studies dogs, discovered that like their canine counterparts, cats have the ability to understand what other animals, including humans, are communicating to them. Dr. Miklósi also determined that cats don't ask their pet parents for help as much as dogs do, mainly because cats aren't as "tuned in" to humans as pups are. "They're surfing other channels on the dial," says Grimm, "and that's ultimately what makes them so hard to study. Cats, as any owner knows, are highly intelligent beings. But to science, their minds may forever be a black box." Isn't it exactly this mysterious nature of cats that makes the animals so compelling?
It may take some time before scientists can more specifically answer the question, how smart are cats? What is known is that cats are impatient, they have strong cognitive decision-making skills, and they will walk away from you if they find you boring. In fact, they're pretty good at taking your ego down a few notches.
But if a cat loves you, she loves you forever. With a good understanding of your cat's intelligence, the two of you can form a strong bond for many years to come.
Want to test your feline friend's smarts? Take Petcha's Cat Intelligence Quiz!
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition (USA Study)
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Vegetable & Chicken and Liver & Chicken
Feline Adult Perfect Weight Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Ocean Fish & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Chicken & Beef, Salmon & Tuna 2.8 oz. pouch, 12 pack
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Related articles
Meal Feeding vs. Free Feeding Cats: What's Best?
Curious if your cat can eat on her own schedule? Learn about free feeding, how it can impact your cat's diet, and if this method is a good fit for her.
Can Cats Have Pumpkin? (& Is It Healthy?)
Learn whether or not its healthy for cats to eat pumpkin, how much would be an appropriate amount, and types of pumpkin that you might want to avoid.
Five Common Cat Digestive Problems
Discover some vet-recommended advice about some common cat digestive problems, including how to deal with upset stomachs, worms, hairballs, and more.
Just How Smart Are Cats?
Know the importance of understanding a cat's intelligence, mysterious and compelling nature, and cognitive abilities for building a lasting bond with your pet.
Why Do Cats Stick Their Tongue Out?
They look super cute when doing it, but why do cats stick their tongue out? Read on to find out what it means!
What You Should Know About Cat Sneezing
Like human sneezing, cat sneezing is normal to a certain extent, but it can signal an underlying health concern that requires support or treatment.
Liver Disease in Cats: Background, Symptoms & Treatment
Learn about feline liver disease, one of the most common problems affecting a cat's internal organs, including symptoms & treatments for this condition.
Caring for a Sick Kitten
Learn about common illnesses and health concerns among kittens, how you can spot their symptoms and steps you can take to prevent them from happening.
Can Cats Have Schizophrenia?
Can cats have schizophrenia? Maybe, but it's more likely feline hyperesthesia syndrome.
4 Ways to Help Your Cat Maintain an Ideal Weight
Follow these 4 easy steps to help your cat attain its ideal weight and maintain a healthy weight for life.
Why Is My Cat Peeing Blood?
Learn causes & symptoms associated with blood in cat urine, including underlying urinary tract problems or issues like FLUTD, as well as treatment options.
Cat Life Stages: Providing the Best Care for Your Cat at Any Age
From the kitten stage to the geriatric cat stage, learn the six cat life stages and tips for providing the best care for your cat at any stage of her life.
Why Do Cats Hate Water?
Discover the common reasons why cats don't tend to like water or getting wet, and better learn about their curious fascination with running water.
Is Daycare Right for Your Cat?
Learn all you need to know about daycare for cats, from how to choose a facility to tips for helping your cat feel comfortable at their daytime home.
How Much Should I Feed My Adult Cat?
Learn about the importance of feeding your adult cat the right amount of food at proper times, and find out what feeding method is best for your cat.
What are the visible signs of aging in cats?
When is a cat considered a senior? Learn how to recognize signs of aging in cats and tips to support your cat's age through better nutrition and care.
What Temperature Do Cats Like?
Cats love to be snug and cozy, but what temperature do they really like best? Learn about the optimum cat climate and how you can accommodate it.
Training Your Kitten to Use the Litter Box
Cats are naturally very clean and chances are your kitten will already have learned how to use the litter box from her mother before she comes to live with you.
Toxoplasmosis in Cats: Facts, Symptoms, Transmission & More
Toxoplasmosis in Cats: Facts, Symptoms & Transmission
Tips for Giving Your Cat Pills & Medications
Learn effective tips for giving your cat various medications, including getting her to take pills and best ways to handle injections, eye & ear drops.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.