Friendliest Breeds of Cat

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  • Friendly cat breeds at a glance

    Deciding what type of cat you would like to bring into your home is an important decision that must be made before looking. Some households would prefer a quiet and independent cat while many are looking for one who is friendly and interacts with their human family.

    All cat breeds have certain traits, however, there will always be variations depending on how the kitten was raised, as well as its individual personality. For example, the Burmese are my go-to cat who is known to be friendly and fits into most households, however, we shared our home with a rather shy Burmese who preferred to spend time with her feline sibling than with us humans. But, these kinds of lists can help future pet parents to narrow down a list of potential breeds that will suit their individual situations.

    If possible, visit a cat show or two which will provide the opportunity to meet the different cat breeds and talk to breeders who I have found are always willing to talk and answer your questions. More information on how to buy a purebred cat can be found here.

    Burmese

    Burmese kitten

    • Coat: Short
    • Care: Their short coat requires little more than a weekly brush. Burmese cats can be prone to dental disease, it is important to ensure the cat’s teeth are kept clean with suitable pet toothpaste and/or raw chicken necks and meat.
    • Activity: Moderate

    I make no effort to hide my love of the Burmese breed. They are an exceptional cat who constantly top the ‘best breed for…‘ articles on Cat-World. I liken them to the Labrador of the cat world. They are super friendly, easy-going, active, but not over the top, get along with children and other pets.

    Devon Rex

    Devon Rex kittens

    • Coat: Short
    • Care: Devon Rexes can produce more ear wax than other breeds which may require cleaning.
    • Activity: High

    The Devon Rex is an energetic, playful, outgoing, confident and loving breed of cat who remains active well into adulthood. They make exceptional pets for homes with children and get along with everyone.

    Cornish Rex

    Pointed Cornish Rex

    • Coat: Short
    • Care: Their short coat requires little more than a weekly brush.
    • Activity: High

    Although similar in appearance to the Devon Rex, the Cornish Rex is a separate breed.

    The Cornish Rex outgoing and active cat and their friendly disposition means they like to be a part of the family and don’t like to be left out of day to day life.

    Ragdoll

    Ragdoll kitten

    • Coat: Semi-longhair
    • Care: Easy, a daily groom to remove loose hairs.
    • Activity: Moderate

    One of the largest domestic cat breeds, the Ragdoll is a blue-eyed, semi-longhaired cat known for its easygoing and relaxed nature. Due to their laid-back personality, the Ragdoll is a great family pet who gets along with everyone. They are known to flop in their owner’s arms, hence the name ragdoll.

    Tonkinese

    Tonkinese cat

    • Coat: Short
    • Care: Easy, a weekly groom to remove loose hairs.
    • Activity: Moderate

    The Tonkinese is a cross between Siamese and Burmese and carries the best of both breeds. Tonkinese is an extremely intelligent breed of cat who is active, playful, mischievous, friendly, and loyal. They are people-oriented and don’t like to spend long periods of time on their own. Some can be talkers, but they are usually not as vocal as the Siamese.

    Oriental

    Black Oriental cat

    • Coat: Short
    • Care: Easy, a weekly groom to remove loose hairs.
    • Activity: Moderate

    The Oriental is very similar to his Siamese cousin in personality and can be quite talkative as well as friendly, confident, outgoing, highly intelligent, lively, sociable, curious and affectionate.

    Orientals are kitten-like well into adulthood. Despite being an active breed, they also love to snuggle on your lap at night.

    Birman

    Birman cat

    • Coat: Semi-longhair
    • Care: Easy, a daily groom to remove loose hairs.
    • Activity: Moderate

    Birmans are a sweet-natured breed, words used to describe them include gentle, playful, even-tempered, affectionate, intelligent, quiet and faithful.

    Birmans are people-oriented and tend to form a close bond with one particular family member. They don’t do well if left alone for long periods. Consider two cats if you are out of the home for long stretches of time.

    Singapura

    Singapura cat breed profile

    • Coat: Short
    • Care: Easy, a weekly groom to remove loose hairs.
    • Activity: Moderate

    Singapuras are similar in personality to the Burmese. They are cheeky, lively, extremely curious, affectionate, intelligent, inquisitive, fun-loving cats, which actively seek out human company, they make an exceptional family pet.

    We adopted our Singapura, Levi when the children were toddlers and he was an amazingly tolerant family pet. He was easy-going, readily welcomed new pets into the home, and absolutely thrived on human companionship. He managed to win the heart of everybody he met.

    Abyssinian

    Abyssinian cat

    • Coat: Short
    • Care: Easy, a weekly groom to remove loose hairs.
    • Activity: High

    Abyssinians are highly intelligent, extroverted and active cats who thrive on companionship. They are very dog-like and don’t do well when left on their own for long. Abyssinians are a high-energy breed who love to be up high. If you want a cat who is on the go all the time, then the Abyssinian is the perfect cat for you. They love people and like to be a part of everyday family life and make a great family pet.

    Persian

    Black and white Persian cat

    • Coat: Long
    • Care: Moderate, a daily groom to remove loose hairs. Some Persians are prone to watery eyes, these can be gently wiped clean with damp cotton balls.
    • Activity: Low to moderate

    Persian cats have a sweet and gentle nature and a laid-back personality. They are affectionate and enjoy the company of their carers.

    Persians generally get along with other pets and family members although not boisterous children. While quiet and calm, Persians also do have a playful side.

    Domestic

    Domestic shorthair cat

    • Coat: Short and long
    • Care: Easy, a daily groom to remove loose hairs and clean the teeth daily.
    • Activity: Can range from placid to active depending on the cat

    The domestic (aka mixed breed/moggy) comes in all shapes and sizes as well as temperaments. Temperament depends on the background the cat has come from, the parents, and just how that cat is.

    Author

    • Julia Wilson, 'Cat World' Founder

      Julia Wilson is the founder of Cat-World, and has researched and written over 1,000 articles about cats. She is a cat expert with over 20 years of experience writing about a wide range of cat topics, with a special interest in cat health, welfare and preventative care. Julia lives in Sydney with her family, four cats and two dogs. Full author bio