When it comes to animal intelligence, some species immediately come to mind. But did you know that your cat might be on the list of the smartest breeds?
The animal world never ceases to amaze us, especially in terms of intelligence. Over the centuries, scientists have thus discovered the astonishing intellectual abilities of many species that inhabit our planet. This is especially the case for the chimpanzee, but also for the gifted animals of the animal kingdom such as the crow or the dolphin. However, our pets can also prove to be very intelligent. In this area, the cat hides its prey well. With a brain of more than 300 million neurons, the cat has many abilities that it uses in its daily life, whether playing or hunting and retrieving corpses. Although intelligence is essential to survive on the streets, some indoor cat breeds also have this quality.
Thinking, observation and communication skills: the strengths of the most intelligent cat breeds
In cats, intelligence can take many forms. For example, the Siamese cat makes his master understand what he wants by using his meows and gestures. Coincidentally, it even answers the questions asked by its master, earning it the nickname “human cat”. While bobtails (whether American or Japanese) are known for their keen sense of observation and quick wit. They are cats who love puzzles and enjoy toys that challenge their thinking skills. Finally, there are even cat breeds so intelligent that they can be trained like dogs, such as the Maine Coon, this giant cat breed recognizable by its pointed ears.
Empathy, a quality found in many intelligent cats
Among the assets of intelligent races, empathy is a character trait that is often brought up. Intelligent cats sense when their masters are not feeling well and seek out their touch. This is the case, for example, of the European Burmese, a short-haired cat with a very playful nature and sometimes reminiscent of the dog in its behavior and its contact with people. This is also the case with the Maine Coon, which is very cuddly and therefore praised by many masters with or without children. Finally, the Turkish Angora cat, with its docile character and great adaptability, is also on the list of the most intelligent breeds.
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