Do you have a smart cat a home? Does your cat have a unique method of opening their treat cupboard?  Intelligence is all in how you measure it. 

You might be familiar with Howard Gardner’s “theory of multiple intelligences”.   His theory suggests that we all have a mixture of at least eight different learning styles: Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Musical, Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Naturalist, Interpersonal and Intrapersonal.  Dr. Nicholas Dodman (a Veterinarian, Professor& Author) believes that cats excel in two different and distinct areas. 

Of course, cats are masters in the area of Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence.  Our cat Tucker used to jump from a desktop to the top of an open door.  He would literally jump about three feet up, grab the top of the door and pull himself up just so he could sit on top of the open door and get a better view.  Cat’s can achieve these feats due to high speed in which nerve messages travel from the part of the brain that processes information about balance and movement.cat trio. 

dog and cat toyCats are also masters of Spatial Intelligence.  Cats have some of the same characteristics that architects, engineers, painters and sculptor’s possess.  Cats are able to find their way home over long distances and very skillfully navigate their hunting territory. 

So, how smart is your cat?  Dr Dodman has created the following IQ test for cats.  

Rate your cat from 0 to 10 on the following questions. 

0 points – Not at all 

5 points – Moderately or sometimes 

10 points – Extremely 

1. Is your cat generally alert and curious? 

2. Does your cat try to manipulate you in order to get what it wants? 

3. Is your cat relatively independent and able to fend for itself? 

4. Is your cat sensitive to your moods? 

5. Do you consider your cat easily trainable? 

6. Is your cat confident/comfortable in the presence of visitors in your house? 

7. How many words (or sounds that you make) does your cat understand (including it’s own name)? 

8. Has your cat ever come up with a novel way of solving a logistical problem (e.g. opening a cupboard to a get a food treat)? 

9. Does your cat sit and look adoringly into your eyes, giving you that squinty/happy look of mutual understanding? 

10. Does your cat think it’s human? 

To interpret the results and ascertain your cat’s Intelligence Quotient, use the following scale. 

0 – 40 points                Not so smart (but may be very loveable) 

40 – 60 points              Average IQ 

60 – 80 points              Smart cat 

80 – 100 points             Einstein cat 

In the end, it really doesn’t matter what your cat’s IQ is.   We all value our special and unique relationships with our feline companions.