The Sweetest Cats: 17 Affectionate Breeds

Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Holly Anne Dustin

It is a myth that cats are aloof and don’t care about their people. Just like people, and like dogs, there is a range of cat personalities. Any cat can and will form a special relationship with their humans. But if you are looking for a cuddly kitty that wants to be your best friend, look into these affectionate cat breeds.

British Shorthair

If you’re looking for a living, purring, teddy bear consider a British Shorthair. The beautiful British is a gentle companion. They are quiet cats. British Shorthairs usually get along with other pets in the family and are open to new people. They are moderately active kittens, and develop their couch potato personalities as adults. The “British Blue” is the most familiar color variety but they come in all the classic colors in solids, tabby patterns, colorpoints, and bi-colors.

Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds and Straights, like their British Shorthair outcross, are peaceful and undemanding cats. They fit into almost any environment. They enjoy the company of people but don’t like rough handling. Scottish Folds are reserved but not aloof. They have tiny voices and aren’t particularly vocal. They will happily bond with all family members.

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is one of the most affectionate cat breeds. Gentle, large and laid back, Ragdolls want to hang out with you. Breeders developed the Ragdoll in the 1960’s by breeding domestic cats for a for a friendly and docile temperament. They are not big jumpers or climbers. It’s easy to teach them proper behavior. They easily learn tricks and play fetch with you. “Raggies” are playful but not overly active. They love to cuddle. Ragdolls do not like to be alone. They’ll get along with everyone. A Ragdoll would be a great choice if you are looking for a cat that will play house with your kids.

Read more about the Ragdoll here

Tonkinese

The “Tonk” is a highly intelligent, very playful breed that loves attention. In fact, he can be quite demanding about it. They make great family cats. Tonks get along well with other cats, kids and cat savvy dogs. They want to be involved with ALL your activities. If you are busy at work all day get your Tonk a friend to keep him occupied. Tonkinese like to jump and climb to high places. They love meeting other people. Keep him busy with tricks to learn and puzzle toys to solve. If you’re looking for an adventure cat, a Tonk might be a great option.

Birman

If you want an affectionate little shadow, consider a Birman. This sociable breed makes loving companions . They are patient, “helpful,” little guys that are easy to handle. Birmans are attention seeking and playful. Exceptionally sweet and easy to handle, Birmans are sensitive and loyal. They are quiet, people oriented cats that get along with everyone.

Orientals/Siamese

Perhaps a more active companion would suit you? An Oriental Shorthair or a Siamese might be perfect. One of the busiest and vocal cats, an Oriental is curious, intelligent, and playful. They love to be with you and do everything to please you. She’ll play fetch and learn tricks and keep you endlessly entertained. A Siamese will love attention from anyone including children who treats him with respect. Don’t leave your Oriental breed cat alone. He needs social interaction. Orientals and Siamese need a lot of affection and attention.

Kurilian Bobtail

A natural breed from Russia and Europe, Kurilians are a newer breed in the US. The International Cat Association recognizes the Kurilian Bobtail but the Cat Fanciers’ Association does not. Intelligent and very social, Bobtails love to be petted. Exercise, play, and interactive toys are required to keep your Kurilian Bobtail happy. Kurilians get along with people, other cats and dogs. They adapt to a variety of family situations. The Kurilian is one of the sweetest cat breeds.

Burmese

The Burmese is another highly intelligent, playful breed that doesn’t do well left alone for any length of time. They are energetic and curious. Left to their own devices, they will entertain themselves in ways you may be less than pleased with. They are great at learning tricks. But when you sit down to watch TV or to work, your furball will be as close to you as he can get. By night you’ll find your Burnese buddy snuggled up under the covers.

Bombay

Want to learn more about the Bombay? Click here

The original mini panther, the Bombay is a smart cat who loves to play. They do best with a family who will teach them tricks, play games, and provide plenty of enrichment. The Bombay has been described as a dog, a cat, and a monkey all rolled into one. Like the Burmese, from whom the breed descends, they prefer to be around their humans. They enjoy being part of the action but they aren’t going to be annoying about it.

Sphynx

Our hairless friends are another affectionate cat breed that wants to be cuddled, held, and played with. They want to be friends.  Sphynx cats love showing off for you. They have lots of energy and are mischievous and fun. Sphynx cats want to hang out with you. He’ll play with your other cats and dogs if he has to, but he’d really rather play with you.

Click here to read more about the Sphnx

Japanese Bobtail

The “J-Bob” is a very busy kitty. Another cat that is extremely people oriented. A Japanese Bobtail wants to be the center of your life. He is going to be an active, affectionate, and loving companion. Vocal but not loud, your J-Bob is a smart and creative cat. They really need companionship. They get depressed or find inventive ways of entertaining themselves if left alone.

Persian/Exotic

The other end of the activity scale from the J-Bob, we have the Persian. They’re one of my favorite breeds. Persians blend into most households. They are very routine oriented. Persians are the ultimate four on the floor cat. You won’t find them doing a lot of jumping and climbing. Persians aren’t demanding or vocal. They love being cuddled, played with, and petted. They make an ideal cat for someone looking for a sweet, cuddly companion.

Read our breed profile on the Persian breed here.

Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex is a curly coated breed. They are cute and cuddly and enthusiastic with their love. They are playful, curious, and don’t like to be left alone. Like their Persian and British Shorthair ancestors, Selkirks are gentle and easygoing. The Selkirk is more active than those breeds. Your Selkirk will sit with or on you and sleep in your bed. They enjoy playtime with your children and other animals.

LaPerm

Have- you ever heard of this breed? It’s not well known yet. The LaPerm is another curly coated breed. They look like a little sheep. LaPerms are gentle cats that will seek you out and purr as soon as they see you. They are active and inquisitive cats, but they are also quiet, affectionate, and gentle. Your LaPerm wants to be with you. He will follow you around, sit in your lap, or park himself on your laptop. He’ll enjoy playing fetch with you.

Forest Cats

All three forest cats make the list of the sweetest cat breeds. The Maine Coon, the Siberian, and the Norwegian Forest Cat are all friendly, personable cats that want to spend time with their owners. People often refer to them as “dog-like.” Personally, I dislike defining cats by comparing them to dogs. But forest cats do enjoy the company of their humans.

Siberians

The Siberian is a Russian national treasure.  Siberians love their people. They like kids, dogs, and other cats. Generally speaking, Siberians are a quiet breed with a sweet voice. They are not active like an Oriental but they are playful and curious.

Maine Coon

The second most popular breed of cat in CFA, these “Gentle Giants” make great pets and therapy cats. They are good with children, dogs, and other cats. They love their people. Your Maine Coon is not typically a lap cat, but they will follow you around supervising all you do. Maine Coons are playful. He’ll keep you busy playing fetch. He’d rather play on the floor than heading to the heights. They learn tricks easily, are obedient, and love water play.

Read more about the Maine Coon

Norwegian Forest Cats

The “Wegie” is a natural athlete. Unlike their Maine Coon friends, Norwegian Forest Cats love to explore the heights of their environments. They remain active and playful throughout their lives. Your NFC will get along with other cats. They love their people enthusiastically. Not much stresses them, they take to new people and new situations easily. They make great travel companions. NFCs are champion cuddlers and purrers.

Meet my favorite breed, The Norwegian Forest Cat, in a profile here.

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Remember all cats are different, even among cats of the same breed. How your specific cat has been raised will impact his personality at least as much as his breed.

I hope that learning more about the different breeds helps you choose the perfect friend. Even if a rescue cat is what you desire, traits of various breeds can help you understand your cat.