Passion and love for cats unites many people of different lifestyles and professions. But each cat is also individual and, depending on the breed, each furry friend has their own temperament, and behaves differently towards their owners, children, and other pets.
If you are looking for a kitty that will not only “demonstrate their individuality”, but will also be kind (especially to children) and affectionate, while having a playful or calm nature, browse our list and learn more about the friendliest cat breeds.
Abyssinian cats
Abyssinians are incredibly curious, and they need to see, taste and smell everything. Their owner should be prepared that their furry friend will actively accompany them everywhere – in the kitchen in the morning and on the sofa in the evenings, and will participate in everyday life poking their nose and paws wherever they feel like.
Being one of the most energetic cat breeds, the Abyssinians are always on the move, either playing, or “helping” the owner, or looking around their territory. Cats easily find something to do, like children, switching from one thing to another.
Abyssinians are very independent and will never allow themselves to be taken in your hands or put on your lap, if the cats do not want to. But if your fluffy friend wants affection, they will do their best to attract the attention of the owner. This breed will be an ideal pet in families with children of school age who understand that a pet is not a toy.
Ragdoll cats
Cats of this breed are well-known for their kindness, and affection. The Ragdolls are very attached to the owner, follow them everywhere and sincerely try to please them. Cats prefer to communicate in a half-whisper and they do not tolerate loneliness.
Ragdolls are ideal pets for families with children as cats have no aggressive behavior, and never show their claws and teeth if they are not happy. More than that, the Ragdolls tolerate pain well, and in the cases of extremely bad behaviour towards them the cats will go away.
Maine Coons
With the right approach, it’s easy to train this breed. Adult Maine Coons are very independent and will not let a person do what the cats do not like. These cats are very sensitive to the mood of their owners, clearly detect intonation, and are very understanding pets. Maine Coons easily adopt the habits of their owner, are happy to be around, and sometimes even try to help, for example, by bringing something. However, Maine Coons might not be friendly and behave suspiciously towards people the pets do not know.
These cats are playful in the first five years of life. As they get older, Maine Coons become more quiet. Maine Coons like to sleep during the day, and to lie next to their owner or at their feet.
Showing loyalty to children, these cats can play with them and even take care of a small child, especially when they just start to walk.
Persian cats
Cats of this breed with an affectionate character completely trust their owners. As family members, they often choose their owner whom they love and respect. Cats are very quiet and their voices are rarely heard. Persians calmly and persistently ask for attention of their owners – they sit near and stare intently at them. In case of multi-pet households, the Persians accompany all pets from one room to another, and they are not afraid of children.
This quite phlegmatic breed is very intelligent and calm, so some people might perceive them as a toy. However, the nature of the Persian cat is much deeper than it seems. If you accept this characteristic and approach the cat with understanding the Persians will become your most affectionate friend.
Cats of this breed are quite playful and get along well with children, who need to be explained to that the cat is not a toy, but a family member, and their personal space should be respected.
Devon Rex
This breed is very friendly and gets on well with all family members and other pets. The Devon Rex loves being in the company of others, as they can suffer from loneliness, and sometimes they behave like a dog, bringing a call or learning tricks. At the same time, these cats will always find something to occupy themselves with and will create their own toys from any, even quite inappropriate, objects. Devon Rex cats are a perfect pet for large families.
Siamese cats
Despite their demanding character, Siamese cats can become a great furry friend, who perfectly understands its owner and even speaks to them in its own way. The Siamese cat is ready to accompany their owners everywhere, cuddling their feet and purring.
Owners of the Siamese must be prepared that the “royals” will not tolerate too much attention from children and other animals, and with the latter the Siamese breed rarely gets along.
Bengal cats
Loyal Bengals are intelligent, active, playful, very friendly and sociable cats who crave interactions with their owner. These curious pets love to play in and with water: the sink, bathtub or toilet are the Bengals’ favorite places of entertainment. Bengals adore kids, as they are great partners for endless active games. Owners of Bengal cats should know that it will always be noisy and fun at their home.
Sphynx cats
This very calm, friendly and playful breed gets along well with family members and other pets, and can even be friends with a dog. The Sphynx cats are great with children and love to play active games with the little ones. Sphynxes are very fond of their owner and need tenderness and affection, so they will gladly lay on the lap of their owner for a long time. Sphynx cats do not tolerate situations where their owners do not pay attention or they need to stay alone. Loyal and intelligent Sphynx casts can easily learn some tricks.
Oriental Shorthair cats
Some pet owners compare their active Oriental cats to dogs. The Oriental is very loyal, likes to follow the owner everywhere and absolutely does not tolerate loneliness. The cats are talkative and try to interact and communicate with the owners.
The Orientals have an energetic temperament, and are always ready for active games. The breed is perfect for families with children as these 4-legged friends rarely let out their claws, love children, and can be excellent partners for games. Representatives of this breed are excellent learners and learn various tricks and commands very fast.
The Munchkin cat
One of the most intellectual cats in the feline world. The Munchkin are quick learners, very social and patient, and they usually get along with other cats, dogs or pets living in the house. Munchkins are active, and always try to be in the centre of events and family life. The breed is known to be non-aggressive and affectionate.
Somali cats
Somali cats are very active, love to play and get on well with anyone who shows interest. The breed is a quick learner, which makes them ideal for training. Although Somali cats love attention from others, cats are not happy to receive any signs from other pets. Being the only one pet in the household who has the focus of others is the ideal environment for this breed.
Cornish Rex cats
The Cornish Rex is the perfect breed for those who expect unconditional loyalty from their pet. The Cornish will accompany their owners anywhere and everywhere. These cats just can’t live without their owner’s company, they like to communicate with them, never show aggression and are very talkative. Being an active pet, the Cornish Rex likes active games, running and jumping.
If you are dreaming of a curious and lively cat, then the Cornish, for whom everything in life is a game, is the best choice.
Russian Blue cats
Representatives of the Russian Blue breed are calm, quite playful, and get along well with children in the family. A cat who will not allow anyone to make a toy of itself enjoys spending time with their owners. These pets are very quiet, rarely meow, and are unlikely to break a vase or tear curtains.
These cats are friendly and like interacting with other family members.
Burmese cats
The owners of this breed can expect an amazingly beautiful appearance and excellent character with the Burmese, which is one of the most popular breeds in the world. Sociable and friendly, Burmese cats are always ready to participate in all family activities, and get along with pets in the family.
This breed tolerates children very well and plays with them willingly. After playing active games such as hide-and-seek Burmese cats will be happy to sleep in the hands of their owner. The Burmese do not tolerate loneliness as they quickly get attached to the owner.
Exotic Shorthair cats
Exotic shorthair cats are one of the most completely calm breeds, and a great pet for a family with young children. These cats just love to be in the company of their owners. This Exotic breed gets along great with all family members, however, if new people or pets appear, these cute cats will need some time to accept them.
Despite showing affection to all family members, the Exotic shorthair cats usually choose one person to be their main owner for whom the pets will be showing their loyalty. These cute cats do not tolerate being alone at all, and are willing to accompany the owner on any trips and travels.
Japanese Bobtails
This very active and curious breed are passionate hunters, and their owners must remember this. Even being on the balcony or near a window, hunting for flies, they will forget about hunting for flies. Japanese Bobtail cats need time to accept people who they do not know, but these cats are very affectionate and sociable towards their family members.
Manx cats
These amazing and social cats love to be the centre of attention, interact well with children, and love to play with them. Manxes are great for a large family because they love all family members and try to please them. Representatives of the breed are calm, friendly, obedient, and adapt easily to changes in their environment.
Burmilla cats
This playful noble breed seeks contact with their owner in every possible way. Cats like to please their owners and are an excellent pet for those who are worried about the safety of their interior. However, parents of Burmilla cats need to remember that pets do not tolerate loneliness.
Bombay cats
This intelligent and playful breed gets on well with family members. Whilst these cats do not tolerate loneliness, they feel the owner’s mood well. Bombay cats constantly demand attention.
Final thoughts
Despite the general characteristics that are specific to a certain breed, each cat is unique and individual in its own way. Our furry balls are intelligent and complex personalities who require respect and understanding, not only feeding and being taken care of. Therefore, when choosing a pet, pet parents need to pay attention to its behaviour, taking into account the features of the breed as well. If you will learn to understand the nature and needs of your cat, you will get not just a pet, but a true friend and family member.
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Image: Jean Beaufort
