Cats are actually quite intelligent—they just might not feel like paying attention to you. Have you ever noticed that when it comes to “working,” dogs seem to have all the jobs? Guarding homes, detecting drugs, guiding the visually impaired… meanwhile, cats are happily eating, drinking, napping away, and sometimes acting completely clueless.Yet, at other moments, cats can be surprisingly clever little rascals—sneaking around, plotting mischief, and showing off unexpected cunning. So, are our cats really “dumb,” or is there more to their intelligence? And, importantly, how can we actually measure a cat’s IQ?
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The Viral Test Method
Many cat owners have probably tried this viral trick: hold your cat and slowly move it toward a wall. If it stretches out its paws to push against the wall, that’s considered a “smart kitty.” If it just bumps its face against the wall, well… that’s a “silly dumb cat.” Many people discover, unsurprisingly, that their own cat is indeed a goofball.But hear me out—thank your cat! This behavior is actually a sign of trust. Cats pushing with their paws is an instinctive reflex. Some kittens are more alert and react quickly, extending their paws faster. Others don’t push at all, which might also indicate trust—they feel safe enough not to react.
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Understanding the Cat Brain
A cat’s brain is roughly 5 cm in size, and its physical structure is similar to humans, with multiple distinct regions and surface folds. Cats have about 250 million neurons—roughly half that of a dog—but their neuron density is higher. From this perspective, cats might not be as smart as large dogs, but they could rival small dogs of similar size (though this is just an estimate; definitive research is lacking).On average, an adult cat’s intelligence is comparable to that of a 2-3-year-old child, and they have permanent recognition abilities. This means they can remember familiar objects or places even after some time has passed. Cats can also retain traumatic memories, like negative experiences with hospitals or injections.Research shows that cats can follow instructions like dogs and even solve simple puzzles independently. Interestingly, cats rely less on human cues than dogs when problem-solving. Many cat owners practicing training have been surprised at how clever their “silly” cats can be.Studies indicate that when facing challenges, dogs tend to seek human help, whereas cats prefer to figure things out on their own. Many people assume cats are less cooperative and less responsive than dogs, making them unsuitable for “work.” Other research suggests cats don’t care much about human commands or whether they are participating in an experiment—they simply don’t feel like showing their “full potential,” so precise measurement of cat intelligence is tricky.Currently, no cat has a known innate intellectual disability. However, factors like poor brain development, disease (e.g., feline dementia or feline panleukopenia), or parasite infections can impair a cat’s neural function, sometimes mimicking cognitive deficits. Similarly, complications during birth, viral infections, or exposure to certain medications can affect both mother and kittens’ brain development, causing neurological aftereffects and abnormal behavior.
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Tests That Might Actually Work
Some researchers suggest that feline intelligence encompasses learning ability, adaptability, memory, social skills, and training responsiveness. Some cats greet their owners at regular times, come running when they hear their name, or even learn to open doors—these are signs of clever kitties. Of course, if your cat doesn’t show these behaviors, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re dumb—they might just not be interested in you.Here are some practical ways to assess cat intelligence:Memory tests: Does your cat quickly appear when it hears the sound of a can opening? Do they try to wake you at feeding time, even on weekends? If you move the litter box or food dish, can they adapt quickly? Do they explore toy boxes or treat cabinets independently? Do they hint at what they want you to do? If yes, congratulations—you’ve got a little Einstein.Foraging games: Hide food under cups, small blankets, or on a cat tree and see if your cat can find it. You can also introduce puzzle toys—start simple and avoid overwhelming them with “PhD-level” challenges.Predicting prey movement: When playing with a cat, you might notice that if you run around a table, the cat takes a shortcut to intercept. This demonstrates predictive reasoning and the ability to integrate and apply information. You can play “hide-and-seek” with toys, not yourself!Learning behavior: Cats often watch your movements closely. Through observation and imitation, some cats learn unexpected tricks. You can train simple behaviors like sit, shake, or “nose touch.” Reward the cat immediately after performing the desired action, and they’ll gradually learn.Some scientists even joke that from a cat’s perspective, they’re not being trained—they’re training humans, self-proclaimed “PUA masters.”
At the end of the day, most people don’t keep cats just to see how smart they are. Playing little games, doing random activities, and enriching your cat’s daily life—that’s what it’s really about. The goal is simple: have fun and enjoy the joy that comes with sharing life with your feline friend.
