Top 15+ Smartest Cat Breeds, According to Veterinarians

5) Persian
11) Havana Brown
12) Singapura
15) Tonkinese

5) Persian

One of the more popular breeds on our list, Persians are observant thinkers, according to Dr. Rakestraw, "often strategizing the best nap spots or gently manipulating owners for pets. Best known for their laid-back, sweet nature and luxurious long coats with flat faces, they require daily grooming to stay mat-free, making care a bit more involved."

This breed, which has origins in ancient Persia, can be expensive, costing as much as $5,000. But for that pretty penny, you receive a mellow, devoted (and glamorous) furbaby that gets along well with other pets and young children.

Height: 8–10 inches
Weight: 7–12 pounds
Coat: thick, longhaired coat available in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Life expectancy: 10–18 years

11) Havana Brown

This sleek, beautiful chocolate brown cat is one of the rarer breeds on our list. Known for their charming personalities, Brownies are the result of crossing Siamese with black domestic shorthairs, which has resulted in a congenial kitty that loves both his humans and other pets, including dogs!

According to Dr Cahn, Havana Browns are typically, lively, curious, and adaptable. "These cats thrive on interactive play and companionship," she adds. "Known for a softer meow, they often use their paws to explore and communicate."

Height: 11 inches
Weight: up to 10 pounds
Coat: shorthaired coat in rich brown
Life expectancy: 10–15 years

12) Singapura

One of the smallest of all pedigreed cats, the Singapura offers big brains in a tiny package. This intellect manifests itself as "curiously investigating everything and learning household rules fast," says Dr. Rakestraw. "Originating from Singapore’s streets with ticked sepia coats and big eyes, they’re affectionate, low-shedding cats that are very easy to care for in small spaces."

Action-oriented and sometimes a bit bossy, the rare Singapura is surprisingly strong and solid for his small stature (a female may weigh just 4 pounds). They are generally very healthy cats.

Height: 7-8 inches
Weight: 4–8 pounds
Coat: shorthaired coat in sepia agouti (warm beige) with dark brown ticking
Life expectancy: 11–15 years

15) Tonkinese

Tonkinese are the happy result of breeding Siamese and Burmese cats together, and are characterized by an outgoing nature that is surprisingly sensitive to their humans' moods. "They’re playful, people-oriented extroverts making them fun and fairly easy to care for," says Dr. Rakestraw.

While at first they were only shown in the mink coloring that resulted from their mid-20th-century development, now this cat comes in a wide ranges of colors and patterns. Bet on his extroverted (and very vocal) ways endearing him to kids, other pets, and any visitors dropping by your home.