What are the most affectionate and friendly cat breeds?
How about the least affectionate?
From loyal and loving to grumpy and gruff, we’re covering that fits every “most likely to…” superlative!
We’ve compiled a list of the top 5-character traits in our feline friends to help you choose the perfect cat for your family!
Let’s dive in!
Also Check: 7 Best Cat Breeds for Introverts
THE TWO CHARACTER TRAITS WE’LL BE EXPLORING
Just like people, all cats have their own personalities, so take our list with a grain of salt.
While the breeds below have a reputation for fitting the superlative, it’s entirely possible for a “mean” cat to be the most loving and the most affectionate cat breed to be a bit grouchy!
Here are the traits that we’ll be discussing today:
- The most affectionate cat breed
- The most unfriendly cat breeds
Ready to get started?
18 Friendliest Cat Breeds
Who doesn’t love a friendly and devoted cat? One that cuddles and snuggles and purrs to display his absolute joy at being near you.
Please have a look at our choice of friendliest cat breeds.
1. BIRMAN
Originally from France, the Birman cat was imported into Britain in the 1960s and exported to various countries worldwide, and became a recognized breed in the US in 1967.
The Birman kitty is a beautiful specimen with silky fur in a range of colors, white socks, and deep blue eyes.
They are relatively large cats with both male and female reaching weights of up to 5kg, and they’re generally healthy with a life expectancy of 9-13 years.
Personality-wise the Birman usually attaches themselves to one person in the family and showers their owner with affection. However, they tend to show a bit of jealousy when they feel ignored and while being territorial.
Related: 7 of the Most Calmest Cat Breeds
2. TONKINESE
The playful one in the bunch, the Tonkinese, loves to goof around and draw attention to himself!
I’m seriously considering investing in one of these kitty’s myself – he’ll fit right in with my rambunctious kids!
This Siamese and Burmese cross is an entertaining, affectionate, and intelligent kitty. They are small to medium-sized cats with rippling muscles and silky, mink-like fur in varying colors and patterns.
Their eye color ranges from violet, blue, yellow-green to aqua. The Tonkinese received official recognition from the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1984 .
3. RAGDOLL
I have personal experience of an aunt of mine who ‘wore’ her Ragdoll around her neck like a scarf.
Both kitty and auntie were more than happy to go through their day in such a manner.
Talk about starting a fashion trend!
These cats are unusually gentle and affectionate and have a reputation of being lap cats always on the lookout for a cuddle. They even enjoy being carried around and cradled like a baby.
The kids can also have hours of fun with this kitten as his endearing nature allows them to get away with dressing him up like a doll – hence the name.
Looking for names to name a Ragdoll? Common names for this kitty are “puppy cats” due to their absolute love of seeking human attention.
While relatively healthy, the Ragdolls are prone to a heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy , but reputable breeders will often check for the disease through genetic testing, ensuring their kittens are free of this condition.
4. SIAMESE
Just like their origins of royalty, the Siamese are caring, highly intelligent, and distinguished .
They’re well known for their tendency to learn tricks and love all the affection their owner could bestow upon them.
Their royal ancestry is evident in how they carry themselves – in a regal and almost pompous manner.
These fairly small cats (around the 6-7 lb mark) have lovely cream and brown coloring and gorgeous blue eyes thanks to a temperature-sensitive albinism gene.
They’re also extremely low maintenance with their smooth and short coats. However, they do like a good brushing, so get your cat accustomed to the beauty routine from a young age.
5. EGYPTIAN MAU
The Egyptian Mau doesn’t look like a miniature cheetah for no reason!
This feline track athlete can reach astonishing speeds of around 30 miles per hour and can catapult himself to higher perches with his agile legs .
Personality-wise, the Mau is reserved, gentle, with a patient disposition, and desires affection from family members.
They are, however, wary of strangers and may wander off to their own devices when visitors arrive.
6. MAINE COON
This kitty has aliases of “gentle giants” and “dogs of the cat world” – this should be enough indication of their loving personalities.
Maine Coon cats are extremely friendly and intelligent animals, with a dash of curiosity and playfulness thrown in for good measure.
With a beautiful long-haired coat and striking eyes, this beauty will capture your heart at first glance.
You’ll be well advised, though, to realize that this kitty requires a regular grooming session to keep those beautiful locks silky and knot-free.
Don’t forget to check this Maine Coon mix breed!
7. BOMBAY
With their panther-like appearance, the beautiful Bombay cat breed has a royal and quiet demeanor.
These cats are unusually dependent on their owners and require large amounts of dedicated attention.
Bombay cats are also incredibly social kitties that bond deeply with their people, and they would make a great cat for families with children!
8. PERSIAN
This has to be the drama queen and glamour puss of the cat kingdom. With its lovely flowing fur, calm personality, and sweet face, all this has combined to make him an extremely popular breed.
Persian cats are known to be lazy and laid back but enjoy playing with their housemates – if they can get up the energy, that is. They love cuddling and schmoozing up to you and are always ready for a long cheek rub.
My neighbor’s long-haired lady loves visiting me occasionally, and we particularly enjoy each other’s company – we can chat for hours. (Well, I talk, and she contently purrs away the hours in my lap…)
9. ABYSSINIAN
An active and energetic kitty with the beautiful coloring of both coat and eyes. While she displays abundant energy, she’s a pleasure to introduce into a human home as these felines adore people and other pets.
They keep themselves occupied by playing with their toys for hours on end but love nothing more than spending some quality time with their owners.
Abyssinian cats also adore being scratched and rubbed, and you’ll make their day complete with a good combing session.
10. BURMESE
A sturdily built cat is often referred to as a “brick wrapped in silk.” They are excellent jumpers and climbers and lap up all the adoration and love her owners can spare time to lay on her.
But, be warned, she does not particularly like her territory being shared and may not get on well with other cat breeds, making her the ideal choice for a one-cat home.
While the kittens of the Burmese are often overly energetic and curious, they do slow down a little as they get older, and become calm and tranquil pets, liking nothing better than to watch the world go by with one half-open eye.
11. SCOTTISH FOLD
Scottish Fold cats strike a balance between a lap cat and an active cat.
Not only are they cute with their folding ears and full faces, but they are also quite sociable and easy to live with.
There’s a time they’ll cuddle, and there’s when they’ll keep themselves busy. So, it’s important to get these cats mental and physical stimulation toys.
You’ll also love the funny and awkward positions they sometimes sit in, which give them a puppyish or cat-clown appearance.
Too bad the mutation that causes the folding ears also affects their cartilage , so they’re not the most ethical cats to breed. In fact, some countries are outright banning their breeding .
12. DEVON REX
Featuring a unique curly coat, slender body, and large ears, the Devon Rex is the clown of the cat world. They are active, energetic, and loyal to their owners.
These cats thrive on the attention of their owners. So, make sure you get them enough toys and schedule time to spend with them.
However, they aren’t as demanding as the Siamese cats. As long as they have enough to play with or a companion to spend time with, you can leave them and go to work, and they will happily welcome you when you come back.
13. CORNISH REX
The Cornish Rex is similar to the Devon Rex in that they have a thin coat with wavy hair, but their characteristics result from different genetic mutations.
How about their personalities? Cornish Rexes are more playful and energetic than the Devon Rexes, but they are also very affectionate and form strong bonds with all household members.
The Cornish Rex will fit in, whether you want one cat or live in a multi-pet household with kids. When grooming the Cornish and Devon Rex, be careful with their coat since it’s quite delicate.
14. RAGAMUFFIN
The Ragamuffins are some of the most friendly and lovable cats. Developed from the Ragdoll, they are docile, sweet-natured, and loyal to their owners.
They will follow you around the house and sit next to you, offering companionship, but they will not vocalize in any noisy or weird way.
They just want to spend time with you in the best way they know.
To spice up the time you spend with your cat, teach them a few tricks, play puzzle games where you hide treats or walk them on a leash around your neighborhood.
While their coat is long and silky, it doesn’t tangle easily. But they still need regular brushing, nail trimming, and occasional ear cleaning.
15. EXOTIC SHORTHAIR
The Exotic Shorthair is basically a Persian cat with short hair. They have the same build, same flat face appearance, and same personality traits.
Developed in the 1950s by crossing a Persian and an American Shorthair, Exotic Shorthairs are affectionate and typical lap cats.
They are calm, sweet-natured, and enjoy the company of their owners, kids, or even other cats. Since they don’t like being left alone, it’s best to get them a companion if you don’t spend most of your time in the house.
16. BURMILLA
This cross between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian is the perfect description of elegance. They are medium-sized, heavily-boned, and have a unique silvery silky coat .
If you’re looking for an active cat that’s also very friendly, the Burmilla is a good fit.
They maintain their kitten-like traits into adulthood and enjoy hanging around their owners. But they can choose to keep themselves busy and stay out of your way when you need them to.
17. DONSKOY
Curious, social, and affectionate, the Donskoy is another friendly cat breed.
They are so friendly and sociable that they will willingly welcome anyone or any pet that walks in your door.
They are also quite active and enjoy games like fetch, hide-and-seek, interactive toys, and cat trees. However, if you’re not used to a hyperactive cat, it’s best to start with a more docile cat like the Ragdoll.
Donskoy cats are known for their almost hairless coat and large elf-like ears. Their skin tends to be quite sensitive, rendering them indoor cats. They also need regular wiping to get rid of any sweat or oil buildup.
18. RUSSIAN BLUE
This charcoal gray cat is a native to Russia, and one of the most friendly cat breeds, especially to their human companions.
They form strong bonds and love spending time with their favorite people.
However, they may not always readily warm up to strangers. So, make sure you appropriately introduce them to new people or new pets.
These cats are also medium-sized, energetic, and moderately active. You need to engage them physically and mentally to ensure their well-being.
5 Least-Affectionate OR MOST AGGRESSIVE CAT Breeds
Most cat breeds seek some sort of attention from their owners, but some do have a vicious and wild streak.
Most of these are due to the breeding of domesticated cats with wild breeds.
An article I came across regarding these hybrids claims that these cats can do much harm and are actually a risk to humans .
It further stated that a law should be imposed that family households may not keep these cats as pets.
I’m inclined to agree that wild cats are just a little too unpredictable and should preferably not be adopted as family pets.
1. BOBCAT
This exotic feline sports tufted ears and a spotted back and is known to bond strongly with its human owners.
But it’s advisable never to underestimate the Bobcat as they have a wild and aggressive nature and could easily kill a human.
They are known to be moody and unpredictable, and they should never be introduced to a household with small children.
The Bobcat is the one “meanest cat” that should never be brought inside your home (unless you run an animal rehabilitation center and there is no other alternative).
They are truly wild cats and belong in their natural habitat. Keeping them as pets isn’t just dangerous, it’s cruel.
2. BENGAL
This hybrid was bred through many generations of cross-breeding Asian Leopard Cats with domesticated cats.
While they may appear tame and lovable, they are wild at heart and extremely unpredictable.
When bored or threatened, they’re known for their aggression, and it might be wise to reconsider introducing one into your home.
There are exceptions to the rule, of course. If you choose a Bengal, you might want to visit this forum to learn how to care for him.
RELATED: Best Cat Trees for Bengals
3. GEOFFROY’S CATS
This mouser has its origins in South America and tips the scales anywhere between 4 and 13 pounds .
They are quick, agile, and energetic, and while they are trainable, caution is needed.
Geoffroy’s cats don’t bond well with more than one or two humans at most and can easily become aggressive and combative. Also, their nervous nature increases their aggression, and they feel easily threatened.
4. CHAUSIE CATS
This is a relatively new breed of cat and is a hybrid of domestic and jungle cats. It has imposing size and muscular body.
They possess large eyes and ears with lynx tips. While this cat is playful and bonds with its owner, he has retained its wild nature and hunting temperament. They love racing around and need large amounts of space to get rid of their excess energy.
5. Any “wild” cat!
Last, but oh so far from least, any cat that’s taken from (or belongs in) the wild has the potential to be the most aggressive and dangerous breed on the planet.
Now, I’m not saying that they can’t be affectionate. Plenty of rescue groups who know what they’re doing have successfully bonded with lions, tigers, cheetahs, cougars, and so on.
However, these experts know exactly how to handle big cats, and they know that you can never 100% trust that they won’t become aggressive without warning,
I remember when I was a kid, a man a few miles away from me owned a lion. She hated strangers (especially kids), but was very affectionate with him. Then one day, she got spooked by something and mauled him.
She was put down and he lived with scars for the rest of his life. I think she got the more unfair deal out of the two since she was just instinctually reacting to feeling threatened.
The point is, wild cats don’t belong in our homes. End of discussion. Check out the video below to learn more:
FINAL THOUGHTS ON YOUR PURRFECT MATCH
Some cats love a serious cuddle and like nothing more than following their owner around the house, hoping for some earnest lap time and a snuggle.
Various studies have been completed on this topic, and you’ll do well to research different breeds mentioned on the International Cat Association website.
As a potential cat owner, you’ll need to carefully consider which breed you’re willing to go home to for the rest of your life.
Make sure you factor in things like other pets, small children, valuable knickknacks on the mantle, level of maintenance the breed requires, and so on.
Once you’ve made your choice, your reward will be an independent yet loving feline companion, who will sometimes give you the cold shoulder – they’re just made up that way.
Give them your household to rule (as I have done), and you’ll never be lonely or bored again!
Resources
- 1. Tonkinese – The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc . Cfa.org. 2020 . Available from: https://cfa.org/tonkinese/
- 2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy . Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. 2017 . Available from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy
- 3. Super User. Siamese Breed . Tica.org. 2018 . Available from: https://www.tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=877:siamese-breed&catid=79
- 4. Egyptian Mau Cat Breed Profile | Purina . Purina.com. 2021 . Available from: https://www.purina.com/cats/cat-breeds/egyptian-mau
- 5. Gandolfi B, Alamri S, Darby WG, Adhikari B, Lattimer JC, Malik R, et al. A dominant TRPV4 variant underlies osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish fold cats. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage . 2016 ;24:1441–50. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1063458416300139
- 6. Brocklehurst S. Should Scottish fold cats be banned? . BBC News. BBC News; 2017 . Available from: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-39717634#:~:text=The%20British%20Veterinary%20Association%20says%20the%20breeding%20of,Swift%20and%20Ed%20Sheeran%20posted%20photos%20on%20Instagram.
- 7. Burmilla – The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc . Cfa.org. 2020 . Available from: https://cfa.org/burmilla/
- 8. What is a hybrid wild cat and do they make good pets? . The Wildcat Sanctuary. 2019 . Available from: https://www.wildcatsanctuary.org/education/species/hybrid-domestic/what-is-a-hybrid-domestic/
- 9. https://bigcatrescue.org. Geoffroy Cat Facts . Big Cat Rescue. 2015 . Available from: https://bigcatrescue.org/geoffroy-cat-facts/
- 10. Patterson J. The Sphynx Breed . Tica.org. 2018 . Available from: https://tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=1153:the-spynx-breed&catid=48
What do you think about our picks for the most affectionate cat breed? How about the other categories? Share your thoughts below!
Andreea is a very passionate content creator and her purpose is to provide you with the most interesting articles, while constantly discovering new facts. She’s been freelance writing for the past five years and has created numerous articles and educational materials while managing her own business.
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Super interesting. I am not a cat person but my dad is! I bet he would find this fascinating
This list is literally wrong.
Not in a “I’m not happy where my pet was placed in the list” sort of way but in a “someone did a wide range peer reviewed study and sphynx’s were found to be the most affectionate and accepting of strangers” sort of way.
I also checked the sphynx’s breed standard and they’re to be friendly to strangers and amenable to handling.
So yeah IDK where the idea sphynx’s can’t handle strangers come from.
That study did find over all that pretty much any pedigree cat is going to be more affectionate and tolerant of strangers than non pedigree short-haired. They speculate it’s because of early care. So you can’t really go wrong with any of these.
So weird to put the most affectionate breed as the least affectionate though.
What a great read. Certainly a lot of great information. We have mixed cats here. Love that Persian cat
This is a very informative post especially for people who are considering getting a cat. I would love to have any one of these cats too. They are so beautiful!
I am not really a cat person since I am a dog mom but this is really interesting. I have always wondered what’s the best cat breed and happy to learn more about our feline friends.
What a fun read! I love cats, they have such an amazing personality and each cat is unique in their own way. I enjoyed seeing all of these photos of felines.
I am not at all a cat person but still I find them fascinating.