Many people think of cats as being ambivalent and independent, not as loyal and devoted as dogs. The truth is, cats may flaunt their laid-back demeanor, but behind it all is unconditional love and affection. After all, according to a 2019 study published in the journal Current Biology, cats are just as devoted to humans as dogs or infants. That they aren’t deceiving anyone! If you’re seeking for a cat with a naturally sociable personality, keep in mind that some breeds are more cuddly and friendly than others. In this article, we will talk about 8 friendly breeds of cats that anyone would love to have. Let’s take a look!
8 friendly breeds of cats you should consider
1. Ragdoll
- Size: large
- Weight: 10-15 pounds (female), up to 20 pounds (male)
- Coat: Silky and medium-length with various different colors and patterns
- Eye color: Blue
- Life expectancy: 13-15 years or more
- Personality: Affectionate and smart
Ragdolls have gentle personalities and get along well with both cats and dogs. Being in our list of 8 friendly breeds of cats of all time, these sweet, laid-back felines adore spending time with their owners. Although the friendly cats are excellent lap pals, they love to follow you about and greet visitors at the door. Their mild nature makes them ideal for senior citizens and families with children.
If you have a Ragdoll cat, after a few days with them, you’ll begin to question if you’ve truly gotten a puppy rather than a kitten. Some owners value their puppy-like docility and educate them to play fetch or even come when called. When the ball of fur can’t stop flopping into your arms every time you hold them, you’ll know you’re in the company of the most affectionate cat breed ever. What a sweetheart!
Although they’re lots of fun, these guys not extremely active. Instead of choosing a high perch to rest on, they prefer to hang around on the floor.
2. Abyssinian
- Size: Medium
- Weight: 8-12 pounds
- Coat: Short-haired, low-maintenance
- Eye color: Green or gold
- Life expectany: 9-15 years
- Personality: Athletic and upbeat
The Abyssinian is one of the world’s oldest cat breeds, dating back to ancient Egypt. They are usually a devoted furry friend to their humans -even kids, and other cats and dogs. Whether you’re in the kitchen cooking, sitting in your sofa watching a movie or working from home, they’ll attempt to snuggle beside you within your petting reach. Generally, these cat breeds are people-oriented and exceptionally intelligent.
They like being the center of attention and enjoy learning and performing feats. Because these friendly cats are typically interested and lively, they might easily become bored, even if they are dedicated family members. You should not leave an Abyssinian cat alone for an extended period of time. Also, you should engage in regular playing with this feline. After all, the Abyssinian is one of the most beautiful and adorable cat breeds out there that you can have.
3. Maine Coon
- Size: large
- Weight: 20 pounds (males), 13 pounds (females)
- Coat: Medium and long haired, moderate and high maintenance with over 75 color combinations
- Eye color: Gold, green, green-cold, or copper
- Life expectancy: 9-15 years
- Personality: sweet and bright
Maine coon cats are enormous and lovable, with their huge stature and tufted paws and ears. Despite their size that can weigh up to 25 pounds, you’ll see that these friendly cats are loving toward people, kids, other cats and dogs. Their eagerness for attention and affection is obvious when they jog with their long coats and charming attitudes.
These cats don’t mind cuddling up on your lap generally. They are self-assured and loving and like to express their affection with trills, chirps, and other sounds. Some people refer to them as “dog-like” since they can learn to respond to simple commands. In fact, they’re highly intelligent. The Maine Coon, unlike other cats, enjoys water, so don’t be shocked if you see them splashing around in their water bowl or in the shower.
4. Sphynx
- Size: medium
- Weight: 6-12 pounds
- Coat: hairless with many colors
- Eye color: varies
- Life expectancy: 9-15 years
- Personality: Affectionate and playful
Many people believe the Canadian hairless Sphynx to be the friendliest breed on the planet. With its one-of-a-kind appearance, the Sphynx is unafraid of being in the spotlight. They’re chatty and playful and always ready to enjoy attention and affection from their human friends. In return you’ll be rewarded with their loving cuddles and purrs. Also, they’re perfect for household with other pets.
However, make sure the Sphynx cat is protected from the elements. Because of their unique hairless appearance, they will feel the cold in the winter and may even get sunburned in the summer. Perhaps because of their reliance on humans to keep them warm and clean, they are one of the most low-maintenance and loving felines among our 8 friendly breeds of cats you should consider.
5. Birman
- Size: medium to large
- Weight: 10-12 pounds
- Coat: long and silky with cream, seal, red, blue, chocolate, and tortie colors.
- Eye color: Deep blue
- Life expectancy: 13-15 years
- Personality: Affectionate and intelligent
This sociable breed, originated in the former country of Burma, now Myanmar, is regarded as a global favorite. According to tradition, a goddess gave the first cat her earthy coat and sky-blue eyes after she guarded her owner and defended his temple from bandits.
One of their most admired attributes is her loyalty and affection for their humans! The Birman’s calm demeanor makes them a suitable friend in a multi-pet household, and they enjoy having a variety of playmates to select from. They’ll also be just as content in a single-cat household as long as their people are around. The playfulness of a Birman cat is referred to as social butterfly traits. They are highly attentive and sociable. Birmans are laid-back playmates, less daring than Abyssianians.
6. Scottish Fold
- Size: Medium
- Weight: 5-11 pounds
- Coat: Short, with a variety of colors and patterns, including tabby, tortoiseshell, and calico.
- Eye color: Gold, green, and blue-green
- Life expectancy: 11-14 years
- Personality: Loving and smart
The next feline breed in our list of 8 friendly breeds of cats is the Scottish Folds. They are cute, versatile, charming, and affectionate at the same time. From their folded ears to their ability to sit up on their back legs, these cats have a few distinct characteristics that you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with. You’ll also find them gentle, placid, and not at all demanding. They get along well with other cats, dogs, and children.
In fact, the Scottish Fold is more likely to appreciate having a buddy than being left alone at home for a long time. They like to perch on your lap or softly snuggle up next to you, and while they can be playful at times.
When they’re with their humans, the Scottish Fold is the happiest. They’re so eager to engage in every activity that you’ll soon suspect they don’t realize they’re a cat and not a human. Their deep relationships with their human family are only tested when their routine is disrupted. That’s the reason why you should avoid moving around the furnishings too frequently.
7. Siamese
- Size: Medium
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Coat: Cream-colored, short-haired, low-maintenance cat with dark brown ears, face and legs
- Eye color: Blue
- Life expectancy: 8-12 years
- Personality: Social and vocal
The Siamese cat is noted for its beautiful blue eyes, curiosity, and loving temperament. They’re the ultimate people cat, according to the CFA. You will like spending time with a Siamese if you are seeking for a friendly cat who enjoys a good chat. With their exuberant personalities, these kittens know how to make an impression. They want to sit in your lap, on your bed, or at your table, and talk to you while doing so. They’re also highly noisy and talkative, with a wide range of sounds to choose from and a readiness to meow at you to attract your attention.
Siamese are also incredibly loyal and affectionate, and they are likely to form attachments to “their people” in the house. However, they may be wary of strangers. They also get along well with other cats, who aid in the Siamese’s energy release and anxiety reduction while they’re alone at home.
8. Persian
- Size: medium
- Weight: 7-12 pounds
- Coat: long with many colors
- Eye color: Blue, green, blue-green, copper, hazel
- Life expectancy: 10-17 years
- Personality: sweet and gentle
Among our list of 8 friendly breeds of cats, Persians are noted for their charming, gentle nature and adorable expressions. They have identifiable beautiful, long-haired coats and lovely looks. These long-haired felines like calm and quiet environments, which makes them wonderful lap cats.
Persians, like most people, enjoy routines and are generally well-behaved. They aren’t reluctant to show affection to those they care about and trust. They normally get along with other people, including kids, pets, and even visitors. Although these “fur balls” aren’t talkative as some of the other friendly cats, they are recognized for their musical chirps when they do want to communicate. Persians are friendly but not the life of the party, making them an unpretentious and ideal feline companion. They’re entertaining at times, but they’re not overbearing. They don’t have a reputation for getting into mischief, and they like to find a comfortable spot to slumber.
How to pick a family cat
When looking for a feline companion to join your family, keep in mind that, other from friendliness, there are a number of variables to consider when determining which cat breed is best for you.
Though these are recognized as friendly breeds of cats, each cat is unique, so speaking with a breeder or shelter for further information on specific cats you might be interested in adopting might be beneficial.
At the end of the day, any cat owner will tell you that you play a significant influence in the personality development of your cat. Give them the love and affection they crave, and they will return the favor.
If you’re thinking of getting a kitten, here is a guide to proper kitten care and their feeding.
