What traits suggest that someone is intelligent? 

Many of us likely think of academic success, an extensive vocabulary, or quick-wittedness. 

However, research has uncovered that some rather unexpected attributes can also indicate strong intellectual abilities.

While demonstrating one or two of the following characteristics does not necessarily mean someone is a genius, displaying several of them might suggest the person has a high IQ. 

Some may surprise you. Some certainly surprised me!

Anyway, without further ado, let’s get into it. 

1) They prefer cats

Are you a dog person or a cat person? 

Well, if you favor the latter, you might be pretty intelligent. I know this seems a bit left-field, but it’s actually supported by research. 

A 2017 study found that students who identified as “cat people” scored higher on tests measuring abstract reasoning, self-reliance, and general intelligence compared to their dog-loving counterparts. 

Another study came to the same conclusion – those favoring cats demonstrated superior cognitive abilities.

Of course, personality likely also plays a role. Cat fans tend to be more introverted and independent, fitting with some previous research on introversion and intelligence.

But whether it’s personality, lifestyle, or other factors, people who consider themselves cat people do appear to have an intellectual edge. As a dog fan myself, it pains me to admit it!

But the science doesn’t lie. 

Man’s best friend may win on affability, but feline friends take the lead on brains! 

This cat preference is just one unusual sign of intelligence, though…

2) They stay up late

“The early bird catches the worm”…or so the saying goes. 

But the experts would say otherwise; that night owls tend to boast higher intelligence.

Multiple sources, including WebMD, have identified preferring late nights over early mornings as a sign of genius. It seems the adage should be changed to “the night owl catches the worm” when it comes to IQ.

However, despite seemingly having the intellectual advantage, this doesn’t always give the results we might expect. Night-lovers also tend to have slightly lower academic performance.

3) They’re a bit lazy

I have written so much about how exercise benefits us both mentally and physically. And these benefits still stand; they are well backed up. 

But here’s a surprise: science indicates the highly intelligent are actually less physically active than less gifted folk.

A 2016 study in the Journal of Health Psychology found those with higher intelligence tended to exercise less than those with average IQs. 

Basically, it seems smarter individuals are more inclined to skip workouts and lead relatively sedentary lifestyles compared to their peers.

So next time you’re looking for an excuse to postpone that run and lounge on the couch instead, feel free to chalk it up to your superior intellect! 

Or maybe, if you do get out and exercise, you will superpower that superior intellect. 

4) They are introverted

The quiet, thoughtful ones just might surprise you! 

As noted in a CNBC post, research has shown that an estimated 70% of gifted people are introverts. 

Perhaps this is less than surprising when we think of how many famous intellectuals like Einstein, Darwin, and Newton were known for being solitary thinkers who preferred their own inner world.

But, and it’s a big but, on average, extroverts and introverts have a similar IQ. It’s only at the extremes that differences emerge. 

In short, while being an introvert doesn’t guarantee genius, the silent types are ones to watch. There very well may be some deep contemplation and complex ideas brewing under their quiet exteriors! 

But you’ll have to keep an eye out for the other telling signs on this list to know for sure…

5) They are impulsive

With genius unfortunately, may come some downsides. Studies show that highly intelligent individuals paradoxically also tend to be more impulsive.

As noted by Cognition Today, higher intelligence is linked to two kinds of impulsivity. 

First, intelligent people are more likely to give in to instant gratification on a whim, ignoring long-term consequences.

Additionally, they tend to be less planned and controlled in their actions and decisions. 

This combination of acting on impulse while also focusing on immediate rewards over prudent planning surely has its disadvantages.

While being quick-thinking has its merits, this kind of impulsiveness in the intellectually gifted seems ultimately counterproductive.

So, in some ways, high intelligence comes with weaknesses of rashness and short-sightedness. The smartest individual may make surprisingly foolish choices at times. A tricky trade-off of brilliant minds, it seems!

6) They are very curious

It’s no surprise that curiosity and intelligence go hand-in-hand. Many highly intelligent people possess an insatiable desire to know more.

As WebMD pointed out, an intense curiosity is a hallmark of genius in kids. The intellectually gifted often have a burning need to constantly learn, discover, and soak up information about the world around them.

This may stem from requiring a lot of mental stimulation to stay engaged. Or perhaps their inquisitiveness drives them to gain knowledge and sharpen critical thinking abilities.

Whatever the root cause, multiple sources agree that a high level of curiosity is commonly found among society’s sharpest minds. 

If you meet someone who peppering you with thoughtful questions and has a breadth of eclectic interests? Take note – they very well may have an impressive intellect.

7) They go against the grain

Einstein flouted social norms by never wearing socks. 

Nikola Tesla had odd rituals like obsessive walking. 

Benjamin Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt were big fans of freezing cold swims. 

We all know of geniuses that marched to the beat of their own drum.

Beyond eccentric lifestyle habits, studies show those with higher intelligence are more likely to reject mainstream conventions in belief, too – like identifying as liberal or atheist.

So if you know someone who has some peculiar personal ways, combined with unusual worldviews, they very well may have a touch of intellectual eccentricity…or even genius. 

The next sign on this list also ties to critical thinking strengths…

8) They aren’t afraid of risks

You might think the highly intelligent tend to play things safe, always making the most pragmatic choice. But evidence shows otherwise!

A study conducted in Finland revealed that risk-takers actually tend to possess higher IQs. 

That’s right; your friend who is always up for adventures, spur-of-the-moment trips, or bold career moves might just be displaying signs of intellect.

This willingness to take risks likely comes from strong critical thinking skills that help them weigh options and outcomes. Of course, not all risks pay off, and there can be downsides to this boldness, too.

But generally speaking, those unafraid to take chances even when the result is uncertain or potentially dangerous tend to have superior cognitive abilities.

9) They can be anxious

Unfortunately, anxiety also seems to be linked to high IQs. 

Studies referenced by Psych Central have shown that heightened anxiety is often present in individuals with superior intelligence.

Possible explanations include their constant mental hyperactivity, making it hard to relax, overanalyzing due to their observational nature, or sensing threats more often due to high awareness.

But whatever the reasons, anxiety, and nervousness tend to afflict the intellectual set at elevated rates. All that brainpower seems to come with a tendency for worrying.

If you spot someone who displays sharp intellect per the traits above but also seems persistently anxious…their disquiet may be yet another sign of their brilliant mental horsepower. 

In fact, it can mean an exceptional mind that just can’t turn itself off. And so, for some smart cookies, anxiety is just par for the course when you have a buzzing brain full of potential!

The bottom line

There you have it, folks. The signs of a high IQ aren’t always obvious, and some of them are pretty weird despite being backed up by studies. 

As always, I hope you found some value in this post. 

Until next time.