How Smart Are Cats? How to Test Your Cat’s IQ

Cats may not do precisely what you tell them to do, but that doesn’t mean they are not intelligent. In fact, they’re smart in some very specific areas: independent problem-solving, spatial memory, and observational learning.

They have small brains, but they are equipped with the ability to process information efficiently. They have exceptional survival skills, memory, and adaptability. It’s easier to test a dog’s intelligence because they are, generally, very social creatures. However, cats’ brains are uniquely adapted to their environment and lifestyle.

How big is a cat’s brain?

A domestic cat’s brain makes up approximately 0.9 percent of their body mass. Weighing just about 25 to 30 grams, it’s small in size compared to that of dogs or humans. However, it's the structure of a cat’s brain, not its size, that reveals the animal’s intelligence.

Surprisingly, the cat brain shares about 90 percent similarity with the human brain. This holds true especially in the cerebral cortex, where complex thought processes, decision-making, and problem-solving take place. Cats also have around 300 million neurons in their cerebral cortex; in comparison, a dog only has 160 million, emphasizing a cat’s capacity for intricate information processing.

Q: Does brain size determine intelligence in cats?

A: No. It’s more important to have a large number of neurons and specialized brain structure than a large brain. 

Q: Is a cat’s brain more like a human’s or a dog’s?

A: Structurally, cats’ brains are more like human brains, particularly in cortical regions.

What is the IQ of a cat?

There isn’t a standardized IQ number for cats, unlike humans. Instead, there are behavioral tests that measure intelligence by assessing memory, learning, adaptability, and understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. Below are some of the most commonly used methods.

The T-maze Test

This test measures spatial memory and the ability to learn and recall pathways.

How it works: The cat is placed at the base of a T-shaped maze. One side always has food in it. Over time, cats learn to consistently choose the correct side every time. 

Q: Do all cats perform equally well in T-mazes?

A: No. Results depend on such things as age, breed, and motivation (hunger)

Q: What does success in this test show?

A: A cat who performs well on the T-Maze test has a good memory and a strong ability to learn.

Object permanence test

This interesting test reveals that a cat is aware of something existing even when it’s out of sight, something we often take for granted. But do cats possess this skill?

Example: If your cat hides a toy inside a box and then searches for it, they grasp object permanence. They can’t see the object, but they remember it exists enough to want to find it. This is a cognitive milestone seen in human babies and animals. 

Q: At what age do kittens learn object permanence?

A: Some kittens learn this at a very young age; others between eight and 12 weeks of age.. 

Q: Why is this test important?

A: It measures your cat’s ability to form representations, a sign of abstract thought.

Problem-solving tests

Problem-solving tests assess how well a cat can figure out mechanical or spatial challenges to receive a reward.

Examples include string-pulling puzzles, treat-dispensing toys, or levers.Some cats will quickly manipulate these devices; others may simply walk away — often due to low motivation rather than low intelligence. 

Q: Why do some cats not even try?

A: Cats are independent thinkers. If the reward isn't worth the effort, they’ll abandon the task.

Q: Are treat puzzles suitable for testing IQ?

A: Yes. This type of test measures a cat’s logical reasoning and persistence. 

Social referncing tests

This test checks if a cat can interpret and act on human social cues — like pointing or looking in a specific direction to find food. Cats tend to score lower than dogs in these tests. However, many kitties still show an ability to follow your gaze or gestures if motivated. 

Q: Do cats care about what their humans are pointing at?

A: Sometimes. If it leads to food or a reward, they’re more likely to engage.

Q: Can cats learn human body language?

A: Yes, especially vocal tones and gestures that are consistently paired with specific outcomes.

Reversal learning tests

These tests evaluate a cat’s cognitive flexibility, aka how well they adapt when a learned rule is suddenly reversed.

For example, a cat might learn that choosing a yellow bowl leads to a treat. Once this association is reversed (now the blue bowl has the reward), a quick learner will stop choosing yellow and adapt to the new rule.

Q: What does poor performance mean?

A: It could indicate low flexibility or a strong bias toward the original learned rule. In other words, the cat has never liked yellow. 

Q: Which cats perform better in these tests?

A: Younger cats and certain breeds (like Bengals or Abyssinians) tend to be more flexible.

What are the most intelligent breeds of cats?

While intelligence can vary widely among individuals, certain breeds consistently rank high in cognitive ability due to their inherent curiosity, high energy levels, and trainability. In other words, we do rank certain breeds as more intelligent than others. Here are a couple of examples.

1. Abyssinian

One of the oldest known breeds, Abyssinians are known for their curiosity, high energy, and love of exploration. They thrive on interactive play and can often be taught tricks or trained to walk on a leash.

Why are they considered smart?

Their love of puzzles, quick learning ability, and persistence in problem-solving make them a top pick for cat cognition.

2. Siamese

Siamese cats are known for being highly vocal, interactive, and social. They often seek out human interaction and enjoy learning games or puzzle feeders.

Why are they considered smart?

Their intelligence shows in their communication skills. If you don’t want a talking cat, don’t get a Siamese. They also have a desire for attention and a strong memory of routines and people. If you’re away, don’t worry that your Siamese will forget you. 

Many other cat breeds are considered highly intelligent. Every cat has its own type of smarts. They are all just different.

Are cats smarter than dogs?

This age-old question doesn’t have a simple answer. Dogs are typically more trainable and better at following social cues, which aligns with their evolutionary history as pack-based animals. Cats, on the other hand, evolved as solitary hunters, which shaped their intelligence to emphasize self-sufficiency, memory, and stealth. 

Comparison at a glance:

Q: Can cats be trained the way we train dogs?

A: To an extent, if they’re motivated (usually by food, curiosity, or play).

Q: Why do dogs score higher in obedience tasks?

A: Dogs were selectively bred to follow their humans’ instructions for this task, while cats retained more independent traits. 

Conclusion: Cats and dogs excel in different types of intelligence. Comparing dogs and cats is like comparing apples and oranges. They both have intelligence, but in different categories. 

Testing your cat’s IQ at home

If you want to explore your own cat’s intelligence, try simple at-home tests:

• Hide something and see if they find it.

• Use a puzzle feeder or a cardboard box challenge.

• Try simple training exercises, such as high-fives or coming when called.

• Teach them to play fetch. Some cats are really good at it. 

• Observe how they interact with their environment.

Remember, even if your cat doesn’t perform like a puzzle genius, they may be demonstrating intelligence in less obvious ways, such as emotional attunement, memory, or cautious problem-solving.

References

• Grand, S. “Curiosity Created the Cat [the Relationship between Curiosity and Intelligence].” IEEE Intelligent Systems, vol. 13, no. 3, May 1998, pp. 2–4, ‌

• Koval, Volodymyr, et al. “Improvement of the Optimization Method Based on the Cat Pack Algorithm.” Ssrn.com, 28 Feb. 2023, papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4376369.

• Sims, Valerie K., and Matthew G. Chin. “Responsiveness and Perceived Intelligence as Predictors of Speech Addressed to Cats.” Anthrozoös, vol. 15, no. 2, June 2002, pp. 166–177