Here Is How Smart Persian Cats Really Are

Come to think of intelligence in animals, you will agree that it’s much easier to measure it in dogs than in cats, particularly in Persians. However, every cat parent knows some tricks which can be useful in checking whether these furballs are smart or not.

So, how smart Persian cats really are? According to the statistics, not so, ranking 4 out of ten. There are two main reasons for this- they are slow learners, and their hunting and survival skills are rather poor. It seems like innate instinct is pretty undeveloped.

But, intelligence is not the single criteria one uses when choosing a cat pet, but there are many other values one looks for. For that reason, besides giving a short explanation on their (poor) intelligence, we shall point out some good sides of this adorable breed.

Persian Cat Intelligence Explained

Remember the tricks we mentioned? Well, now is a good time to confirm that they indeed exist, but the truth is that not every cat will react to them. Not because it is rude, but simply because it doesn’t ring a bell to it what to do.

Like with people, not all the felines are equally brainy, but that certainly doesn’t make them less worth as pets.

Nature decided to treat each cat breed with a different level of intelligence. That’s something we cannot change.

Of course, we can train our pets, try to teach them some tricks, motivate and encourage them. But we cannot do wonders way beyond boundaries established by nature.

Speaking of Persians, every owner will confirm that these adorable felines are slow learners. Trying to teach this lovely bundle of fur something new requires lots of patience and devotion and countless hours.

And this goes even for the simplest thing such as figuring out how to use a cat door. Even though this breed has a sweet temper and really enjoys the human’s attention and company, still all the same, learning is not quite their cup of tea.

We mentioned their low hunting and survival skills.

This somehow goes hand in hand with the previously described learning process.

Moreover, this instinct (or the absence of it) also reflects and determines intelligence in a cat breed.

So, Persians are the best to keep as indoor cats. If you let them outside, you should either supervise them or keep them on a leash. Otherwise, you seriously risk them, getting lost or hurt by other animals.

As for their interest in hunting, here’s a funny yet true description.

Their hunting instinct is so low that you could almost imagine a mouse sleeping right next to this lovely feline who is not even aware that the tiny guest is present.

While some cats really enjoy chasing and catching mice, birds, and lizards, Persians show no interest in it at all.

As a matter of fact, they are not likely to survive if left outside for some longer period of time. They would, quite sadly, become prey for some bigger animals.

Cats Ranked By Their Intelligence Level

We would like to make one thing clear at the very beginning. This ranking goes in general, as you would rank people, dogs, elephants or whichever living creature that comes to your mind.

Each breed and species has some more and less intelligent examples featured because every rule has some exceptions.

Therefore, this list we gave you here goes for cat breeds in general. Every owner can agree or disagree with it, as every single feline is a story for itself.

Measuring the intelligence on a scale from 1 to 10, with ten as the highest level, here it comes:

• The only one that got 10/10 was the Sphynx.
• Balinese, Bengal, Colourpoint Shorthair, Havana Brown, Javanese, Oriental, and Siamese got a high 9.
• Receiving a high 8 felines include Russian Blue, Siberian, Singapura, Burmese, Devon Rex, Turkish Van, Japanese Bobtail, Korat, Chartreux, Turkish Van, Egyptian Mau, Tonkinese, and Norwegian Forest Cat.
• Still remaining on the “brighter side” of our list, with 7 out of ten are British Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Ragdoll, Scottish Fold, Abyssinian, Cymric, American Wirehair, Maine Coon, Somali, American Curl, Snowshoe, and Manx.
• The list of those receiving 6 is a rather short one. Keeping it short, the first to start is American Shorthair, along with Bombay and Birman.

Getting to the very bottom of the list, now is the time to mention our beloved main character of the story, Persian cat, ranking 4 out of ten.

But, the good thing is that it’s not the last one on the list, as the Himalayan and Exotic Shorthair received 3 out of ten.

But once again, it’s not only intelligence that matters when choosing a pet cat. There are some other more important factors, such as lifespan, general health, shedding level, grooming, affection level and few more.

These are the best parameters that may be of help when deciding which would be the most suitable breed for you.

Common Facts on Persian Cats

Being among the most popular pedigree breeds in the world, this easy going and sweet-tempered feline is the ultimate lap cat. As long as there is a loyal human companion nearby, to take good care of it, it’ll be gentle and satisfied.

To confirm that, it’ll meow in a soft and melodious voice. What it lacks in intelligence, a Persian greatly compensates with a high level of affection towards owners.

But, there’s one important thing you should know about them. Besides not being so bright, nature has given them another not so good gift.

These lovely felines are prone to numerous health issues, mostly inherited. The most common ones have to do with their flat-faces and obesity.

Speaking of, this is the thing where a responsible owner can be of help. Having in mind that they are indoor cats, obesity is among their greatest enemies.

That’s why a cat parent needs to establish a strict routine when will a cat have a meal and be precise with the amount. Of course, giving your pet a quality food is a must. Besides this, provide it with enough fresh water.

So, whether you are planning to buy or adopt one, it is of vital importance to get to know the breed well. Only that way you will be able to take proper care of a pet.

Moreover, make sure you take it from a reputable breeder or adopt it from a shelter where conditions are satisfactory. A health certificate is also a significant thing to ask for.

So, leave the intelligence aside, if you are ready to a commitment which pays of in the cuddliest way you can imagine, then Persian cat is just the one you need.

As long as you are informed how to look after it properly, and ready to devote some significant amount of time grooming it, you will get the greatest unconditional love a cat can give to its human parent.

Can They Learn Tricks?

Now, we discussed their intelligence, or to be precise, the absence of it, but still, we hope. Not just we, but every other Persian cat parent hopes that maybe there’s a way to make the kitty look brainy. So, we try our luck with some simple tricks.

High five is the first that comes to one’s mind. Remember all the devotion, patience, and time we mentioned? We have all of them, in significant amounts. Plus, some food to make the offer more attractive.

The first thing to do is pet the kitty to make it feel relaxed, say some good and encouraging words, show the feline what to do and… Nothing happens!

After a few attempts fulfilled with an aspiration to get the cat to understand what to do, something happens. The cat makes a move that really looks like exactly the same as high five!

It makes you wanna jump with joy, as it was like, the fifteenth attempt, but at the same time, some doubts appear.

Did the cat really realize what you want it to do? Was it by accident? Or was it the food you were holding in your hand the feline was trying to reach for?

So, you repeat the whole procedure over and over again. Sooner than you realize, the whole day is gone, and all in all- you have just three or four high five (wannabes).

We did it on purpose, making all this sound funny. But it is more or less the truth. They are really slow learners, some would be brutally honest and say-no learners at all. But again, we cannot blame them because that’s what nature decided.

You can always try, but don’t let the fails disappoint you. And do not use too much food, as you know that obesity is their great enemy.

If the price of a trick learned is a fat kitty, it’s not worth it. They are meant to be cuddled and they really make great pets.

Related Questions

How long do Persian cats live? Having in mind that you should keep them as indoor cats exclusively, they have a rather long lifespan. It goes somewhere between 12 and 17 years, with 14.1 as an average.

Are Persian cats good with children? Due to their laid-back temper, they may be labeled as kid-friendly cats. Still, never leave younger kids without supervision as sudden movements, screaming and over-affectionate behavior may disturb the animal.