You probably think of dogs when someone mentions pets that can learn tricks. Most people do. Cats have earned themselves a reputation for being aloof, independent creatures that march to the beat of their own drum. Honestly, that stereotype isn’t entirely wrong, yet there’s so much more to the story.
What if we told you that certain cat breeds are absolute stars when it comes to learning tricks and commands? Some cats can master high fives, fetch, and even walk on a leash like they’ve been doing it their whole lives. It’s not about them being less catlike. It’s about intelligence, curiosity, and the right motivation meeting opportunity.
So let’s dive into the feline world and discover which breeds might just surprise you with their trainable talents. Be prepared to rethink everything you thought you knew about cats.
Abyssinian: The Einstein of the Cat World
The Abyssinian is often described as the most intelligent cat breed, frequently earning the top spot on lists of brainy felines. This breed is highly intelligent and thrives on mental stimulation, making them a great choice for anyone who wants a cat that enjoys puzzle toys and games. Their curiosity knows no bounds. You’ll find them investigating every corner of your home, and if you’re not careful, they’ll figure out how to open cabinets before you even realize what happened.
According to research, they respond well to positive reinforcement and can quickly learn commands such as sit, high five, and even fetch, with their playful nature meaning they love clicker training, and they can be trained to walk on a leash. Many owners report that their felines enjoy playing fetch, walking on a leash, and even learning cat tricks like jumping stunts on cue, with training stimulating their brain, which is a driving force for these cats. The Abyssinian doesn’t just want to be entertained. They need it. Without adequate stimulation, you might return home to find them creating their own adventures.
Siamese: The Chatty Overachiever
The social Siamese thrives on attention and wants to be involved in everything you are doing. Siamese cats are one of the easiest breeds to train, not because they’re naturally obedient (they’re not), but because they’re curious, interactive, and thrive on attention. Let’s be real, if you want a quiet house, the Siamese probably isn’t for you. These cats are vocal, expressive, and will let you know exactly what they think about everything.
Siamese cats are among one of the most intelligent cat breeds, and they often teach themselves how to open doors and turn on faucets. Their social intelligence is through the roof. You can teach your Siamese tricks like a high five, rollover, and fetch, and since Siamese cats love spending time with people and receiving attention and affection, positive reinforcement may make your cat learn tricks quickly. Your Siamese may be up for a walk on a leash, and with a reputation of being the most talkative breed, the Siamese will carry on meowing conversations with you during training.
Bengal: The Wild Problem Solver
The Bengal is the cat you find turning on the kitchen or bathroom faucet so he can play in the water, or figuring out how to get a nice fish dinner from your saltwater aquarium, tending to be highly intelligent, curious and active. Bengals aren’t for everyone. They’re energetic, sometimes mischievous, and always looking for the next challenge to conquer.
The Bengal is good at learning tricks, including playing fetch, and will take you for walks if you are attached to a leash. Bengals love to play fetch, and they’ll learn almost any trick as long as it’s fun, and unlike other cat breeds, they’re fond of water and won’t hesitate to turn on the tap and play in the sink. Think of them like that friend who’s always three steps ahead. You need to stay on your toes with a Bengal because they’re likely already plotting their next move.
Maine Coon: The Gentle Giant with Hidden Talents
The gentle giant of the cat world is known for her laidback disposition and ability to adapt to almost any situation, with the sharp intelligence and adaptability they honed over centuries now being used to learn specific traits, as the Maine Coon tends to love people of all ages and is eager to please, picking up new tricks quickly and easily. Don’t let their calm demeanor fool you. Behind those fluffy ears lies a clever mind ready to engage.
Maine Coon cats impress not only with their size and fluffy tails but also with their laid back personality and trainability, as these giant cats enjoy learning tricks and absorb everything you teach them with ease. Using positive reinforcement, these cats can learn sit, come, high five, and stay within three months, with short training sessions of five to ten minutes, two to three times daily, producing the best results. Their patient nature makes them perfect for households that want a trainable cat without the intensity of more demanding breeds.
Turkish Van: The Water Loving Acrobat
The Turkish Van is a unique breed known for its love of water and trainability, and unlike many cats, they enjoy swimming and playing in water, which makes bath time a breeze, with these cats being quick learners who can master tricks such as fetching, jumping through hoops, and even turning on the tap. Yes, you read that right. A cat that actually likes water. It sounds like something from a fairy tale, yet the Turkish Van makes it reality.
The Turkish Van is a social, playful cat who thrives on attention, and these cats form strong relationships with their people, so playing and training with a Turkish Van can provide an ideal outlet for fun and bonding. Their high intelligence means they require consistent mental stimulation, and training them with treats and clickers yields excellent results. They’re energetic, love being part of family activities, and will keep you entertained with their playful antics.
American Shorthair: The Adaptable Performer
The American Shorthair is a well rounded breed that combines intelligence, adaptability, and trainability, and they are known for their easy going nature and can quickly pick up commands. The American Shorthair has a calm, even demeanor that lends itself to learning, and in fact, their capacity for learning makes them ideal for acting and modeling roles because they respond so well to positive reinforcement. You might have seen them in commercials without even realizing it.
This breed is very responsive to clicker training and enjoys learning tricks such as sitting, coming when called, and even jumping onto designated spots, with their playful yet relaxed demeanor making them ideal for training sessions, and they are highly food motivated, which can be used to encourage learning. They’re sociable without being overwhelming, making them wonderful companions for families or individuals who want an interactive cat without constant demands for attention.
Somali: The Energetic Showstopper
The Somali cat, a long haired cousin of the Abyssinian, shares the same intelligence and enthusiasm for training, with this breed loving interactive play and having an adventurous spirit, making them highly responsive to training techniques. Somalis excel in agility training, often learning obstacle courses and even playing games like hide and seek, with their athleticism and curiosity making them quick learners. If you’re looking for a cat with endless energy and a zest for life, the Somali might be your perfect match.
They are known for their ability to learn tricks such as giving paw, rolling over, and playing fetch, and clicker training works exceptionally well with this breed. You may wonder if you are training your Somali, or if she is training you, as the active, playful cat enjoys games of fetch, playing hide and seek and turning on water faucets. Their expressive nature and fox-like appearance only add to their charm.
Conclusion
Cats might have a reputation for being independent and untrainable, but these seven breeds prove that stereotype wrong every single day. From the clever Abyssinian to the chatty Siamese, from the adventurous Bengal to the gentle Maine Coon, these felines show us that intelligence and trainability aren’t limited to our canine companions. With patience, the right motivation, and respect for their unique personalities, these cats can master tricks that will impress even the most skeptical dog lover.
Training your cat isn’t just about teaching them party tricks. It strengthens your bond, provides mental stimulation, and gives them an outlet for their natural curiosity and energy. Whether you’re considering adopting one of these breeds or you already share your home with one, remember that every cat has potential. Some just shine a little brighter when given the chance to learn.
What surprised you most about these talented felines? Tell us in the comments.
