Top 10 Friendliest Cat Breeds

Last Updated on January 1, 2022

If you are in the market for a purebred feline, chances are you want one of the best kind. What better than a friendly, adoring, adventurous lap cat? Though cat personalities vary as much as human ones, certain breeds are more likely to produce more friendly felines. Here are 10 breeds you are sure to love, that will actually show their love back!

The Abyssinian

The Abyssinian breed is a beautiful fox-like cat that is not only very active but very social with humans. They love to spend time with their family and are very loyal to them, similar to a dog’s loyalty. These cats are known for enjoying the water and their intelligence for solving problems and learning new things. While they are not considered lap cats, their adventurous personality makes for a wonderful independent cat breed who still enjoys spending time around humans.

Positive Traits

  • Intelligence
  • Loyalty
  • Loves water
  • Beautiful coat
  • Doesn’t shed a lot

Negative Traits

  • Very adventurous
  • Can be “too wild” for some
  • Hard to breed
  • Does not like holding
  • Requires extra supervision

The Exotic

The Exotic breed is known for its luxurious coat and relaxed personality. This stunning cat is calm, quiet, and perfectly content to be a loving lap cat. They make wonderful pets for all ages because of their passive personality. The downside to this breed, however, is that they are prone to sinus issues and shed a lot so they will need weekly grooming.

Positive Traits

  • Lapcat
  • Very loving
  • Plush hair
  • Unique look
  • Very passive/calm

Negative Traits

  • Prone to sinus issues
  • Need weekly grooming
  • They shed… A LOT
  • Not as active as other breeds

The Birman

The Birman breed is bold, loving, and known for its gentle nature. Their stunning markings and coat set them apart from many other breeds. They may have long hair but require minimal grooming. Feeding can be a downside as they are known for being picky eaters and will often require a lot of trial and error in finding what they enjoy.

Positive Traits

  • Stunning coat
  • Loving
  • Gentle
  • Minimal grooming for long hair

Negative Traits

  • Minor sinus issues
  • Can be picky eaters
  • Hard to breed

The Burmese

The Burmese breed is one of the healthiest around. Their striking silk-like coats and love for family units make them stand out amongst the rest. Known for their loyalty and affection with those they love, the Burmese makes a wonderful family pet. They can be a bit talkative and quite clingy so they are ideal for owners who don’t mind these traits.

Positive Traits

  • Longevity
  • Strong
  • Loyal
  • Silky coat
  • Love families

Negative Traits

  • Very talkative
  • Can be overly clingy
  • Prone to gingivitis.

The Maine Coon

The Maine Coon breed is a gentle giant who boasts long thick fur and a stocky muscular build. With a passive and quiet personality, they make great cats for large families. Because of their larger size and need for daily grooming, they require a lot of hair TLC which can be a downside for some people.

Positive Traits

  • Loving nature
  • Beautiful coats
  • Passive and quiet
  • Hardy

Negative Traits

  • Very large breed (up to 25 lbs)
  • Finicky about fur/being touched
  • Need a lot of grooming

The Manx

The Manx breed is a highly active pint-sized breed that has a wonderful dog-like personality. They are well known for learning tricks and playing fetch just like a dog. Their affectionate nature and compact size make them wonderful cats for smaller spaces. Due to genetics and breeding, they are prone to spinal issues and may require medical treatment as they age.

Positive Traits

  • Very active
  • Smaller breed
  • Dog-like personality
  • Affectionate

Negative Traits

  • Hard to breed
  • Prone to spinal issues
  • Heavy grooming

The Persian

The Persian breed is a total lap cat that is calm, relaxed, and features a stunning coat. Their unique face and royal bloodlines are two reasons they are well sought after as family pets. However, this kitty is known for being very lazy with low-activity and because of that, they are prone to obesity and kidney issues. Because they tend to be a less-intelligent breed, they cannot be let outdoors as well.

Positive Traits

  • Royalty bloodlines
  • Lap cats
  • Very relaxed and passive
  • Unique face
  • Beautiful fur

Negative Traits

  • Lazy
  • Low activity
  • Not very intelligent (must remain indoors)
  • Prone to kidney issues
  • Need daily brushing

The Ragdoll

The Ragdoll breed is argued by many to be the most beautiful cat breed in the entire world. Known for their size, striking eyes, and plush maintenance-free coat they grab attention everywhere they go. Because they enjoy being held and pet, they make wonderful cats for children and those who want an affectionate companion. Similar to the Persian, they can be quite lazy and prone to weight problems.

Positive Traits

  • Calm and relaxed
  • Great for kids
  • Enjoy being held
  • Stunning eyes
  • Easy to care for coat

Negative Traits

  • Can get very large
  • Can be overly lazy/unresponsive
  • Prone to weight problems

The Somali

The Somali breed is another fox-like breed that is very active, very intelligent, and down to earth. Their playful nature makes it a treat to have them living with you. With a striking silky coat, they are prone to messy fur and will require weekly brushing. They are also known for being aggressive players so this breed is not suitable for homes with kids or seniors.

Positive Traits

  • Fox like appearance
  • Very active
  • Very intelligent
  • Playful and easy-going

Negative Traits

  • Prone to messy fur
  • Weekly brushing
  • Can be aggressive players
  • Not for kids or the elderly

The Chantilly breed is a model-like cat known for its stunning bone structure and beautiful fur. These cats are playful and love attention from everyone around them. Their outgoing nature makes them wonderful cats for larger families. One major downside to this breed is that they require constant attention from their owner or family members and can’t be left home alone for long. If they do not get enough attention, they can develop stress response behavior such as hair pulling.

The Chantilly

Positive Traits

  • Stunning bone structure and fur
  • Loves attention
  • Playful
  • Low maintenance grooming

Negative Traits

  • Prone to hair pulling
  • Need constant attention

Which of these breeds is your favorite? Do you have any in your home? Leave a comment below and tell us about them!


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