The most...

The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds

Josie F. Turner
By Josie F. Turner, Journalist specialized in Animal Welfare. Updated: March 20, 2019
The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds
Cats

See files for Cats

The vast majority of domestic cats are friendly pets, but some are head and shoulders above the rest in terms of warmth temperaments and displays of affection. Therefore, in this AnimalWised article we'll show you the 10 most affectionate cat breeds.

Of course, there are many other loving and sweet breeds that have not made the list, but there are so many sweet cat breeds that it's impossible to include them all, as much as we regret it. You should always keep in mind the particular idiosyncrasies of each individual cat; if you have more than one cat of the same breed, you'll have noticed that not all are equally warm and affectionate.

You may also be interested in: The 10 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds

Contents

  1. Siamese cats
  2. Ragdoll cats
  3. Maine Coon cats
  4. Exotic Shorthair cats
  5. Birman cats
  6. Bombay cats
  7. Havana Brown cats
  8. Persian cats
  9. Scottish Fold cats
  10. Mixed-breed cats
See more >>

Siamese cats

The Siamese cat is extremely affectionate with the family they share a home with. This is especially true in the case of children, with whom this breed has infinite patience. In fact, the Siamese cat has a dog-like tendency to wait at the door for family members who are about to come home.

The Siamese cat is easy to care for if you're looking to adopt a cat. It is an extraordinary pet with which you are guaranteed to spend a good time. This breed has a lively and curious temperament and also an enormous capacity to express affection. Siamese cats are very intelligent and able to communicate with people.

The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds - Siamese cats

Ragdoll cats

The Ragdoll cat is extremely gentle and affectionate, to the point of going completely floppy when you pick them up in your arms. This is the reason behind their name.

Ragdoll cats are very big, but not threatening at all. In fact, they are usually very gentle and affable with visitors - and even more with their owners.

The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds - Ragdoll cats

Maine Coon cats

The Maine Coon breed is very popular in the United States, where they come from, and it's no surprise why. Maine Coons are always found on lists of the most affectionate cat breeds because they are extremely sociable and affectionate with their family - especially with children.

This giant cat breed has a couple of very particular characteristics. Firstly, maine Coon cats, against all stereotypes, love water and bathing. Secondly, they always choose one member of the family as their "favorite" and develop a special bond with them. They are even more affectionate and dependent on them than other members of the family. As a final argument to convince you to adopt a Maine Coon cat, they get along really well with other pets!

The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds - Maine Coon cats

Exotic Shorthair cats

The Exotic Shorthair cat is affectionate with the family, maybe more so than any other breed. In fact, this is so much so, that this breed doesn't take loneliness very well, and they sometimes end up ill if left alone.

This cat is very gentle and is always found where the family gathers in greater numbers, allowing everyone to enjoy their company and offering them all their love and affection. Besides, the Exotic Shorthair is also really good at living with other pets.

The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds - Exotic Shorthair cats

Birman cats

The Birman cat, or Sacred Cat of Burma, is a breed with a spectacular physical presence. Their distinguished appearance matches the affection that they show to the family, which is why they are found among the most affectionate cat breeds.

This breed isn't as naughty and restless as others. In fact, the Birman cat's gentle and calm temperament makes them an ideal cat for families who like a quiet environment at home.

The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds - Birman cats

Bombay cats

The Bombay cat is a less-known breed, but one that is widely renowned among cat connoisseurs for the affection it gives to the family that takes it in.

One remarkable feature of this beautiful black cat is that they rarely meow or make other sounds. Bombay cats are kind and quiet, but that doesn't mean they don't want attention or cuddles!

The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds - Bombay cats

Havana Brown cats

For its part, the Havana Brown cat is so loving that they sometimes get annoying for their persistence in asking to be stroked. They are very intelligent, playful and sociable with both family and strangers. They are also very active and constantly seeking attention or someone to play with them.

The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds - Havana Brown cats

Persian cats

The Persian cat isn't only popular for their long, soft fur; they are also known for being a quiet and gentle cat. They are perfect for calm families looking for a cat with a relaxed lifestyle that matches their own.

Besides being so calm, the Persian cat loves to groom and preen them-self; they take lots of pride in their appearance. A Persian cat will have you combing them and spending time on their coat. So, if you're one of those people who love grooming cats, the Persian cat is perfect for you. By spending time and devoting affection to them, you will have an especially devoted and sweet cat by your side.

The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds - Persian cats

Scottish Fold cats

The Scottish Fold cat looks really adorable thanks to their ears, which are folded forwards and downwards. They are sweet in looks, but also in character: the Scottish Fold is a friendly and kind cat which can adapt very easily to the family's lifestyle.

At home, the Scottish Fold is usually quiet. In general, they are a very docile cat that willingly accepts other pets, people and playing with the little ones. They also love receiving affection and strokes.

The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds - Scottish Fold cats

Mixed-breed cats

Any cat can be loving and a great life partner if given the appropriate time, love and games. If you still aren't sure on the right cat for you, we recommend that you go to a shelter and see for yourself what sort of cats are available. When treated well, any animal can be loving and sweet!

Both common or mixed-breed cats and the breeds outlined above can be incredibly affectionate cats. However, this doesn't mean that other kinds of cats aren't warm or affectionate - it all depends on the particular cat's personality, environment and training!

A study by a trio of researchers from Oregon State University and Monmouth University has proven our cats like us more than we think. They suggested that as humans, we have a lack of knowledge on what stimulates our cats. After testing 19 cats on their favorability between food, scent, toys and human interaction, we came out on top!

Is your cat particularly friendly? Tell us about your companion and let us know how they show their affection to you!

The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds - Mixed-breed cats

If you want to read similar articles to The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds, we recommend you visit our The most... category.

Write a comment
Add an image
Click to attach a photo related to your comment
What did you think of this article?
1 comment
Rating:
S. Diana
The most deeply loving cat I have even know was a Norwegian forest cat, black and white with very, very long hair and sea-green eyes. In fact, he has been gone since 2013 (he lived to be around 21), but I still miss him too much to write in detail without feeling too sad.
Samantha
I have a maine coon cat and his favorite person in the house is my daughter Ariah. They have bonded really well
1 of 11
The 10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds