Cats are known for being intelligent and curious animals. Their ability to solve problems, learn new tasks, and adapt to their environment is quite impressive. But how does a cat’s intelligence compare to other animals? And can cat intelligence be quantified by an IQ score?
What is IQ?
IQ stands for “intelligence quotient” and is a score derived from standardized tests designed to measure human intelligence. The most well-known IQ tests include:
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)
These tests assess a variety of mental abilities like reasoning, vocabulary, spatial skills, and processing speed. The average human IQ score is around 100. Genius-level IQ is considered to be 140 or higher.
IQ tests are specifically designed to measure human intelligence, so they cannot directly be applied to animals like cats. However, researchers have devised animal intelligence tests to get a sense of their cognitive abilities.
Assessing intelligence and IQ in animals
Animal intelligence is difficult to quantify. There is no equivalent “feline IQ test” with standardized scores. But psychologists have studied cat behavior and cognitive skills to get insight into their mental abilities. Some key findings include:
- Cats have excellent spatial memory and can recall the location of objects and navigate complex spaces.
- They can learn to solve problems through observation and trial-and-error.
- Cats can learn words, commands, and routines and retain that information.
- Their curiosity and ability to adapt to new situations demonstrate flexible intelligence.
One informal metric used with pets is the “encephalization quotient” or EQ. This compares an animal’s actual brain size to the predicted brain size for their mass. The domestic cat has a high EQ of 1, far above most mammals. This suggests they are intelligent relative to their size.
Researchers have also studied cat intelligence by having them perform cognitive tests. For example, some tasks assess their ability to understand cause-and-effect relationships, learn from observation, or recall object locations from memory. Their performance can be compared to other species like dogs, primates, and even young children.
Cat IQ estimates
While cat IQ scores do not exist, experts have ballpark estimates of where cats may rank compared to human intelligence:
- Cat IQ is estimated to be between 90 and 100. This is around the same level as domestic dogs.
- The smartest cats may have IQs up to 150. This approaches the genius level of humans.
- The average cat IQ of 100 would be on par with a young child aged 5-7 years old.
- Kittens score lower, around 70-80. Their intelligence rapidly develops during their first year.
These ranges are based on cat behavior, training aptitude, and ability to solve problems compared to other species and human cognitive development. However, without a true standardized intelligence assessment for cats, these estimates remain speculative.
Factors that influence cat intelligence
Genetics and breed play a role in cat IQ:
- Some breeds like the Siamese and Abyssinian are considered highly intelligent.
- Mixed breed domestic cats have an intermediate level of intelligence.
- Purebred Persian cats tend to score lower on cognitive assessments.
Early life experience and environment also influence IQ:
- Kittens raised with human interaction, training, and environmental enrichment tend to be more intelligent.
- Feral cats exposed to fewer stimuli may not reach their full cognitive potential.
- Cats adopted as adults have more variable intelligence depending on their previous care.
Mental and sensory deficits can also impair cat intelligence:
- Cats with untreated medical issues may act less intelligent.
- Cognitive decline from old age or neurodegenerative disease reduces IQ.
- Deafness or blindness limit sensory input and environmental interaction.
Assessing your cat’s intelligence
While we can’t give cats an IQ test, cat owners can assess their pet’s relative intelligence by:
- How quickly they learn commands, tricks, or routines.
- Their ability to solve simple problems, like getting a treat out of a puzzle toy.
- How they adapt to changes in the home environment.
- How curious they are about their surroundings and new stimuli.
- How much they seem to understand human speech patterns and intent.
- How good their spatial memory is for things like the food bowl location.
Very intelligent cats will rapidly learn new things, problem solve, understand many words, show high adaptability, and retain information for longer periods. Less intelligent cats may struggle with training, get stuck in behavior patterns, and not investigate new objects or situations.
Improving your cat’s cognitive abilities
While cat IQ range is influenced by breed and genetics, all cats can benefit from training and mental stimulation:
- Start training early in kittenhood when neuroplasticity is high.
- Use reward-based methods for the best results.
- Teach commands, socialization skills, and litter box habits.
- Provide interactive feeding puzzles and rotating toy selection.
- Engage in active playtime and change up games and routines.
- Give access to windows with views outdoors.
- Try clicker training more advanced cognitive skills.
- Limit punishment or unnecessary restrictions.
With time, patience, and positive reinforcement, almost any cat can become an intelligent, engaged family member.
Conclusion
Cats have an impressive range of cognitive abilities that likely yield an IQ around 100 for the average domestic cat. Some may reach even higher levels rivaling 150. Early and ongoing training, socialization, novelty, and active play help kittens and cats reach their intellectual potential. While we can’t know a cat’s exact IQ, their inquisitive nature and adaptability provide plenty of indications of their intelligence over a lifetime.