Most Affectionate Cat Breeds at a Glance
- Burmese
- Devon Rex
- Singapura
- Birman
- Ragdoll
- Abyssinian
- Siamese
- Sphynx
Purebred cats come in all shapes and sizes, and all have unique traits, some are energetic, others are calm, some are independent while other cats love to be with their human family at all times. We look at some of the more loving breeds of cat.
Most affectionate breeds of cat don’t like to be on their own for long periods. If you are out of the home a lot, consider adopting two cats for companionship.
Burmese
The Burmese features in almost all of my articles recommending suitable breeds, they are great with children, seniors and are happy to be indoor-only cats. They are an exceptional breed who possess the personality to fit into almost any home.
They are loving, playful and easygoing, many love to flop at your feet for a belly rub. Burmese cats get along with people and other pets, and unlike their Siamese cousin, they love everybody equally.
Activity: Moderate/high
Coat: Short
Suitable for: Everyone, the Burmese is a laid back and loving breed who make a great family pet.
Care: Easy, a weekly groom to remove loose hairs and clean the teeth daily. Trim the claws as necessary, usually every 4-6 weeks.
Similar or related breeds: Singapura, Bombay, Tonkinese, Australian Mist
Singapura
The Singapura breed of cat is still quite rare, which is unfortunate as they are a truly loving breed of cat who is very similar to the Burmese in temperament. We had the pleasure of sharing our lives with a Singapura for 11 years, and he was able to melt the hearts of everybody he met, even non-cat lovers.
The Singapura loves to be up high, and many love to ride on their human’s shoulders. I recently asked on a Singapura Facebook group if other Singapuras were shoulder riders and was bombarded with photo after photo of Singapuras sitting on their human’s shoulders. This is a breed that is playful into adulthood, but not over the top. Singapuras get along well with other pets and children.
Activity: Moderate/high
Coat: Short
Suitable for: Everyone, the Singapura is a laid back and loving breed that makes a great family pet.
Care: Easy, a weekly groom to remove loose hairs and clean the teeth daily. Trim the claws as necessary, usually every 4-6 weeks.
Similar or related breeds: Burmese, Abyssinian
Devon Rex
The monkeys of the cat world, the Devon Rex is a very active and cheeky breed. Playful into adulthood, the Devon Rex is a busy cat who will follow you around, sit on your shoulder and keep you entertained. This is a cat who loves to be the centre of attention and will keep you amused with their antics.
Activity: High
Coat: Short
Suitable for: Families with children. Devons are extremely active and playful; people looking for a quiet and laid back cat may consider a calmer breed.
Care: Easy, a weekly groom to remove loose hairs and clean the teeth daily. Devon Rexes can produce excessive ear wax, which will need to be removed. Trim the claws as necessary, usually every 4-6 weeks.
Similar or related breeds: Cornish Rex
Siamese
One of the most intelligent breeds of cat, the Siamese happy to give you a running commentary from morning to night. Siamese cats often bond closely with one family member, displaying fierce loyalty to their chosen human.
Activity: Moderate
Coat: Short
Suitable for: Almost everyone, although is common for Siamese cats to choose one human to bond with. T is a breed that thrives on human company, and suits homes where somebody is around most of the time.
Care: Easy, a weekly groom to remove loose hairs and clean the teeth daily. Trim the claws as necessary, usually every 4-6 weeks.
Similar or related breeds: Oriental Shorthair, Tonkinese, Balinese, Havana, Peterbald
Birman
Birman cats are a laid back, affectionate breed who thrive on attention. They are calm, quiet, gentle and great with children and other pets.
Activity: Low/moderate
Coat: Semi-longhair
Suitable for: Families and homes where somebody is around most of the time. The Birman is one of the more laid back breeds and fits in well with older people who are looking for a more placid breed.
Care: Easy, a daily to remove loose hairs and clean the teeth daily. Trim the claws as necessary, usually every 4-6 weeks.
Similar or related breeds: Ragdoll, Persian
Ragdoll
One of the largest breeds in the cat fancy, the Ragdoll is a beautiful and laid back cat who loves nothing more than being with its human companions. When picked up, many will flop in your arms. It is not unusual for a Ragdoll to have a favourite person, but still get along with everybody. They get along well with children and other household pets.
Activity: Moderate
Coat: Semi-longhair.
Suitable for: Families, retirees, the Ragdoll is a gentle, quiet and laid back cat who will fit into most homes.
Care: Easy, a daily to remove loose hairs and clean the teeth daily. Trim the claws as necessary, usually every 4-6 weeks.
Similar or related breeds: RagaMuffin, Birman
Sphynx
The Sphynx is a hairless breed of cat who is part cat, part monkey. This is a breed that is on the go all the time. They are extremely friendly, outgoing, personable and get along with absolutely everybody.
Activity: High
Coat: Short
Care: Fairly easy. The Sphynx can produce more oil than other cat breeds, and it may be necessary to bathe the cat every 1-4 weeks. As with other breeds, daily dental care and trim the claws every 4-6 weeks.
Suitable for: Families, active households and people who are home most of the time. The Sphynx gets along great with children and thrives on human company.
Similar or related breeds: Don Sphynx, Peterbald
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is an intelligent, extroverted, cheeky cat who thrives on human company. This is an energetic breed that loves to play and climb. Abyssinians get along with everybody and love to be the centre of attention.
Activity: High
Coat: Short
Suitable for: Everyone, Abyssinians make great family pets due to their friendly and playful nature.
Care: Easy, a daily to remove loose hairs and clean the teeth daily. Trim the claws as necessary, usually every 4-6 weeks.
Similar or related breeds: Somali
Choosing a cat
While different breeds have unique character traits, not every purebred cat will fit the personality type. Always do your homework before deciding on a breed and know what you are looking for.
Active cats are fun, but they can be exhausting too. Some people love talkative cats; others prefer less vocal breeds.
Look for a breeder whose kittens are raised inside the home. Take your time selecting a breeder, and be wary of breeders who try to rush you into a purchase. Keep records of conversations and document everything.
Read here for more tips on buying a purebred cat.
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