How to Increase Your Cat's Intelligence

People often discuss which type of cat is the smartest. Some say Siamese, others say Maine Coons. Having a smart cat has its benefits. They obey easier, understand commands and appear more sociable. Researchers have no way of testing a cat's intelligence, but a few simple tips might just increase your kitty's IQ.

1. Talk to your cat. How will she learn language if it is not used? She may not understand a word you speak, but continue talking to her. Include her in your conversations while working around the house or watching TV.

2. When trying to teach specific words, begin with nouns. Nouns are tangible and lend themselves to being learned quicker. Use the same word. For example, tell your cat her food is ready. Do not confuse her by telling her dinner is ready, her kitty food is on the floor, etc. Choose one word and stick with it. Say the word every time you want her to remember it by presenting her with the object. For example, our cat loves to sit in the window in the dining room. I always say, "You want the window open?" I assumed that she knew only that window as window. For all I knew the other ones were curtains, dogs, or whatever. The other day, I asked if she wanted in the window. She proceeded to try to move the shade in the bedroom to sit in the window! Who knew cats could generalize?

3. Cats can learn commands. Some people do not know that cats are trainable. Consider what works with a dog or any circus animal- food. Use food as a reinforcer. I trained our male cat to sit for his food. I would say sit and gently push on his hind legs. I would immediately give him a treat, such as a piece of cheese or ham then give him his cat food. Now he sits on command anytime instructed. One of my cats lays on on command and the other stays on command.

4. Play with your cat. This seems simple, but consider how a parent plays with their baby. Granted, reading a book to your kitty may be taking it a bit too far. Ensure that your kitty's play time is interactive between you and her. Be creative in your play. My cat taught me to play ' behind the door'. On command she runs behind the nearest door, and waits for me to pull a string through the crack. She also loves to play hide and seek. Her latest addition to her list of games is chase. While running around the house like I've gone nuts, I talk to her, remembering that conversations is the key to teaching words.

5. Above all else, time with your cat should be fun. By playing with her, talking to her and spending time with her, you not only create a smart cat, but a happy cat. After all, why did you get a cat in the first place? Hopefully for a companion.

Until some bored psychologist comes up with an intelligence test for cats, we will have to be satisfied with the fact that our cat at least seems to know what we are saying. Anyway, having the smartest cat on the block isn't up there with most peoples' goals in life!