12 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds that Make Great Pets
Have you ever wondered which cats are the friendliest?
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Although cats are rarely noted as man's best friend and get mislabeled as unfriendly, there are plenty of feline breeds who make affectionate "housecat" companions! Recent research implies they are simply misunderstood and interact in ways different from uber affectionate dogs. According to 2021 Animals (an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal) a, they are capable of forming close bonds with humans and can even experience loneliness when their owners are away for extended periods of time. Cats are just as worthy as other pets to be a member of your tribe and develop emotional connections to their "human parents" with the right blend of care and attention. If you're thinking of adding a new furry or hairless friend (like a Sphynx cat!) to your family, you’ve come to the right place. We've compiled a list of some of the most affectionate cat breeds for you to consider. Don't forget to stay in the loop about all pet related news, products, and advice at our new Country Living Pet Lab too!
What Do Experts Say About Affectionate Cat Breeds?
If you desire to adopt a cat, take some time to research the range of available breeds. Visit a local library to check out educational resources or search online for information related to pet adoption to find the right breed for your household needs and size. If you have time, go to an area humane society or pet shelter to visit with a few furry friends and find a cat that's suitable for you.
Tomeshia Hubbard, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Owner at the Alabama Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology Service in Homewood and Huntsville, says, “Cats have unique personalities. As you form a relationship with your new cat, you will learn how he/she likes to be handled and how they prefer to be interacted with.” This is one of the factors that differentiate the behavior of cats from dogs who are generally known as friendly and outgoing (even among strangers). A recent scientific study at Duke University cited by the American Association for the Advancement of Science related to the personality of dogs, suggests a genetic link similar to a condition found in humans with Williams-Beuren syndrome. The developmental disorder results from the deletion of genetic material within a region of chromosome 7 and impacts physical appearance, cognition, and often makes a person very trusting and friendly. Likewise, most dogs have similar genetic trait that may be linked to their cheerful dispositions with people and other animals. According to Dr. Hubbard, “Cats usually come to you when they want affection and prefer you not force your affection on them at any given time. Once you have learned your cat’s love language and abide by their rules, you will have a strong bond and friend for life.”
Cristy Brusoe, a certified cat behaviorist with a private practice at Cat Training by Cristy in Tampa, Florida, says,“Ragdolls, Maine Coons, and Siamese cats particularly stand out for their ability to develop deep, lasting bonds with their human family members.” Brusoe advises that prospective Siamese, Burmese, and Sphynx parents set aside plenty of time because these breeds, “typically crave more attention and interaction from their owners. They may not cope well with extended periods of solitude and can develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently.” It's important to think about how much time you'll have for your new cat before making a final decision.
Overall, weigh the pros and cons of different cat breeds, their typical behavior, and overall suitability for your household before committing to cat parenthood. Read on to learn more about the sweetest and most affectionate cat breeds.
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Scottish Fold
You'll find plenty of personality in this adorable breed. Scottish folds are known for their cute ears that fold forward due to a unique genetic trait. They are extremely loyal, affectionate, crave attention, and should not be left alone for extended periods. These felines don't like solitude and are happier in households with someone around to attend to their needs.
Breed Stats
- Native Region: United Kingdom
- Eye Color: blue, green, teal, copper, gold, and hazel
- Color: white, black, blue, red, cream, blue-silver, and blue-cream
- Coat Characteristics: short to long length with a plush coat; coat patterns variations include tricolor (calico), tortoiseshell, and tabby
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Weight: 5 to 11 pounds
- Average Life Span: 11 to 14 years
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Abyssinian
With roots that stretch all the way to Southeast Asia and Ethiopia (formerly known as Abyssinia), the energetic breed is known for its athleticism, slim silhouette, almond eyes, and perky ears. Although the exact origins of the regal breed are murky, many believe they are descendants of the felines that appear in murals in historic Ancient Egyptian sites. Abyssinians are playful pets, fiercely loyal to their human companions, well suited for active households with multiple cats, and love to explore their surroundings.
Breed Stats
- Native Region: Southeast Asia and coastal regions along the Indian Ocean
- Eye Color: gold or green
- Color: commonly ruddy (tawny), blue, fawn, and sorrel (cinnamon/red)
- Coat Characteristics: medium-short length with a dense and soft coat; coat patterns include solid and ticked (with alternating bands of dark and light colors)
- Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Average Life Span: 9 to 15 years
American Shorthair
Shorthairs are the most common cat you will find in the United States. They are often referred to as housecats and thrive in a variety of homes and families. They are socially adept, love cuddles (while many cats don't like hugs), exploring their environment, and spending time with people. They also like solitude—whether grooming, sunbathing, or hunting pests when their pet parents are out of the house.
Breed Stats
- Native Region: United States
- Eye Color: green, blue, copper, gold, hazel, and odd-eye (different colors or heterochromia)
- Coat Color: white, black, red, grey, brown, cream, cinnamon, and fawn
- Coat Characteristics: short-length; coat patterns include bicolor (tuxedo), tricolor (calico), colorpoint, tabby, and tortoiseshell
- Weight: 6 to 15 pounds
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Average Life Span: 15 to 20 years
Ragdoll
These easy-going, affectionate, and social felines make great housemates for adults and families with children. Ragdolls are known in popular culture for their penchant for going limp when picked up (i.e. floppy cat syndrome). Some are not fond of being held (while others do in the company of a trusted human) but most can develop lasting friendships with their companions.
Breed Stats
- Native Region: United States
- Eye Color: Blue
- Color: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream
- Coat Characteristics: Medium-length with a shiny plush coat; light body with a darker face, legs, tail, and ears; coat patterns include bi-color, colorpoint, and mitted
- Height: 11 to 13 inches
- Average Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Maine Coon
Known as gentle giants despite their large stature, athletic body, and keen hunting skills, Maine coons are highly coveted cats that come with a hefty price tag. Purebred kittens can go for $1,000-$2,000. However, adopting one from a rescue shelter is a more affordable option. They typically enjoy the company of humans and can be social with other cats and mild mannered dogs.
Breed Stats
- Native Region: Riverdale, California (United States)
- Eye Color: green, gold, or green-gold, and rarely blue eyes
- Coat Color: coat colors include black, blue, cream, red, white
- Coat Characteristics: long-length with a dense coat; light-colored body with a darker face, legs, tail, and ears; coat patterns include bi-color, tortoiseshell, smoke, shaded, tabby, and tricolor (calico)
- Weight: 9 to 17 pounds
- Height: up to 16 inches
- Average Life Span: 9 to 15 years
Devon Rex
If you're searching for a cat that loves lounging in your lap and staying nearby when you're at home, consider these cute cats with big personalities. Devon Rex cats stand out because of their low-set large ears, unique triangle shaped face, and slender body. They are demanding housemates that love getting attention and receiving affection. They can become bored easily and destructive if left alone for long periods. Make sure you have time to devote to these energetic cats before adding a member to your family.
Breed Stats
- Native Region: England
- Eye Color: any color, including blue
- Color: any color such as black, blue, chocolate, cinnamon, lilac, and white
- Coat Characteristics: short-length with denses, shiny, rand rexed (wavy, crinkly, or curly) coat
- Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
- Height: 18 inches
- Average Life Span: 9 to 15 years
Siamese
These pretty Eastern cats are known for having unique coat color patterns that frequently change as each animal ages due to a genetic mutation known as the Himalayan gene. Most kittens are born with a cream or white coat that evolves to gradually have darker points across their ears, face, paws, and tails. They are very vocal companions, love getting attention, give lots of affection, and develop strong bonds with their pet parents.
Breed Stats
- Native Region: Thailand
- Eye Color: blue
- Coat Color: orange, brown, cream, silver-gray, and blue with color variations
- Coat Characteristics: short coat with fine hair; coat patterns include seal point, blue point, chocolate point, and lilac point
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Average Life Span: 10 to 15 years
Burmese
Whether they are watching over the neighborhood from a window perch or playing with their favorite toy, Burmese are an engaging breed that enjoys being active. They are loving pets, intellectually curious, and adapt well to change. These felines are friendly with other Burmese cats (not so much with other breeds) and can adjust to families that are big or small.
Breed Stats
- Native Region: Myanmar
- Eye Color: the most common are golden or yellow-green, and sometimes blue or green
- Color: the most common coat colors include blue (blue and grey with light brown undertones), sable (medium to dark brown), platinum (light grey with light brown undertones), and champagne. Some also have two-tone variations that include chocolate-tortoiseshell, blue-tortoiseshell, brown-tortoiseshell and lilac-tortoiseshell.
- Coat Characteristics: short, smooth, and satin-like coat; coat patterns include silver tone coloring on rounded areas such as ears, face and feet
- Height: 11 to 13 inches
- Average Life Span: 13 to 16 years
Persian
These gorgeous felines are not overly active and have roots dating back to 1684 B.C. Persians have a slow and steady nature that make them perfectly content with lounging all day in a quiet home near a sunny spot with all of their necessities nearby. Today, Persians are a family favorite for people with small children because of their friendly deposition, gentle nature, and ability to adapt to busier environments.
Breed Stats
- Native Region: modern day Iran (in a region formerly named Mesopotamia and Persia)
- Eye Color: multiple shades of blue, copper, and green
- Coat Color: black, calico, cream, silver, tabby, white, and gold, shaded, and smoke
- Coat Characteristics: long-length fluffy coat; coat patterns include bi-color points
- Height: 10 to 15 inches
- Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
- Average Life Span: 10 to 15 years
Birman
You could say that Birman cats are social butterflies! The regal breed is outgoing, affectionate, and playful with other felines and humans. They are great fit for families with small children and love tagging along all day long with their human counterparts. Whether you're in the garden, tossing a ball in the yard with the kids, or heading to the bathroom, Birmans will stick close to your side.
Breed Stats
- Native Region: France
- Eye Color: deep to bright blue
- Coat Color: blue, chocolate, lilac, and seal point
- Coat Characteristics: medium-long length with a shiny coat; coat patterns include color-pointed with contrasting white gloves on their paws
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Weight: 10 to 12 pounds
- Average Life Span: 13 to 15 years
Sphynx
These iconic cats are also known as Canadian Sphynx and easily identifiable due to their hairless body. Despite their unique appearance and lack of hair (most have no hair or only a small amount of fine hairs), Sphynx cats are very affectionate, intelligent, playful, curious about their surroundings, and enjoy spending time with people.
Breed Stats
- Native Region: Canada
- Eye Color: green, blue, yellow or gold, copper, and odd-eye (different colors or heterochromia)
- Color: solid white, black, red, brown, lavender; coat patterns include bicolor, calico, tabby tortoiseshell, pointed, and mink)
- Coat Characteristics: hairless
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
- Average Life Span: 9 to 15 years
Himalayan
This highly active hybrid of Persian and Siamese is know for its majestic coat and piercing blue eyes. Himalayan cats are extremely sociable, affectionate, and sweet-natured. They will happily lay in your lap for back rubs and play for extended periods of time but can be left alone for extended periods too.
Breed Stats
- Native Region: United States
- Eye Color: blue
- Color: most commonly grey, blue, lilac, chocolate, black, brown, silver, golden, and cream
- Coat Characteristics: long-length with a shiny plush coat; coat patterns include tabby, lynx, and tortoiseshell
- Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
- Height: 10 to 12 inches
- Average Life Span: 9 to 15 years
Tips for First-Time Cat Parents
Cristy Brusoe suggests the following steps for new pet parents to make your home suitable and welcoming to a feline member.
- Research Breeds: Choose a breed that matches your lifestyle and household dynamics.
- Prepare Your Home: Ensure your home is cat-friendly with appropriate scratching posts, litter boxes, and cozy resting spots.
- Socialization: Spend quality time bonding with your cat to build trust and strengthen your relationship.
- Routine Care: Schedule regular vet visits, maintain a balanced diet, and provide mental stimulation through play and enrichment.
- Consult with a Certified Cat Behaviorist or Veterinarian: Whether you're a first-time cat parent or experienced, their expertise can provide insights tailored to your cat's individual needs, ensuring a harmonious relationship and addressing any behavioral concerns effectively.
Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.
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