A lot of people want an intelligent cat as a companion. But there’s only one problem with that… they get bored quickly, and they get into trouble! And since they’re so smart, they can come up with some really creative ways to get into things or misbehave.
Intelligent cats are lots of fun, but they’re also more work than cats that maybe aren’t so bright. The basic key to making the most out of your relationship with your smart kitty is keeping their mind occupied. And honestly, the best way to do that is to spend quality time being active with your cat.
There are lots of cat toys out there, and apps for your iPad. Cat trees near windows overlooking over bird feeders. Cat scratchers in various shapes and sizes. All cats need some variation on these, no matter how many brain cells they have firing. But smarter cats need you to go the extra mile. They want you to get involved with their activities.
So schedule time with your cat for interactive play sessions. Come up with fun games for your cat. Intelligent cats will often play fetch, although some enjoy watching you do the fetching!
Really smart cats would benefit from training sessions. Learning simple tricks like High Five or Shake Paws is fun for both you and your cat. Teaching a cat to jump on a chair and stay is actually useful. If properly rewarded they might even keep you company on the chair instead of jumping on the dining table or kitchen counter.
The busier you keep your cat, the less inclined they will be to get into trouble — and you two will also have a fuller and happier relationship!
Here’s a quick video where my human and I explain the value of keeping intelligent cats occupied.
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
- How to Bond With Your Cat — 8 Tips
- Trick Practice… and a Little Goofing Off
- Tips for Teaching Your Kitten (or Adult Cat) to Come When Called
TW always tells me I’m a genius and how smart I am and I am. She tries to play with me but I’m older now and her treatment slows her down so she can’t play as much. The laser is good cos she doesn’t have to run and can sit down. I don’t do tricks but I can open doors and do other things that none of her other cats ever did.
Several of my 6 meezers were smarty pantses…and yes you do need to give them lots of good things to do to tire them out, or to be able to do on their own if you are not there all the time. 2 were fetchers, only one was an avid jumper…and 4 of them knew some basic tricks. They all knew their names and would come when called…unless they were hiding, esp Minko when he got sick. If his IBD was bad then he didn’t want to do anything. He figured out were the earbuds were hidden from his sight… and all the hiding places of our catnip mice, even the ones we hadn’t given out yet, LOL!
Thankfully only one of them ever learned how to open a cabinet door…
It kind of saddenes me that Princess is getting on in years. She’s so darn smart but has slowed down. I do try the wand toy but she gets bored fast. She still does her tricks for treats and sits up at feedings. Whips through the puzzle boxes. My girl is technically 84 years old, so still not too bad
Our mom gets cranky when we don’t keep HER occupied! MOL!
That makes so much sense, we just need more intelligent humans sweet Summer!
Cute video. I don’t mind my kitties getting into trouble. I say a naughty cat is a healthy cat. 🙂
Mudpie has the same purple ball! And she expects me to fetch it…
I’m a pretty intelligent cat, I think. When I get bored, I work on my time travel device and teleporation technology. Keeps my paws outta mischief. MOUSES!
Good information. Really, the same for humans too.
I have had two very intelligent cats and others who were normal intelligence. Katie is a VERY smart one as was Robin.
Eric was the lazy one, but he loved to play fetch.
#1 wishes she had more time to do stuff with Benny because he is far too clever for his own good!
Purrs,
Tama and Benny
Those are good tips Summer.
While mum has never trained me to do things, we have a pawsome relationship.
In some things, I have trained her to do things I like 😉
Purrs, Julie