What is the Best Cat Breed to Adopt?
If you are thinking about adding a feline member to your family, you should consider all the members of your household, whether you already have other pets at home, and what age and breed of cat would fit your home. Do you want a cat that is social, hypo-allergenic, and have the right temperament?
If you have small kids you'll need to know that children like to play with kitties without restrictions and might prod, poke, tug, and even hug the cat too tight. Moreover, they can also be loud during playtime, which can spook some cats.
Aside from that, many people also have allergies, while some tend to have specific preferences when it comes to temperament. Whether you would like a quiet and cuddly cat or an active and playful one, we have compiled a list of the best cat breeds for families below. This list will help you choose the perfect cat for your home.
Different Cat Breeds for Families
1. Ragdoll Cats
Ragdoll cats are one of the most affectionate and largest breeds of cats. They get their name from how they go limp when you pick them up. They are highly gentle and love being picked up and being affectionate. They are perfect for families with kids who want to pick up their kitties and play with them.
Ragdolls are also known as puppy cats due to their playfulness, similar to a puppy. They are mild-mannered and friendly and often seek human companionship. They will follow their pet parent or human friend around the house and will often sleep or laze around with their owners.
This breed is a very relaxed, quiet breed with a low activity level which may be perfect for seniors. That does not mean that you can't or shouldn't keep this and other breed of cats active as some lazy cats can become obese if they don't get enough exercise.
Ragdoll cats are particularly great with children and can be taught tricks and different games, such as begging, playing fetch, and rolling over.
2. Maine Coon Cats
Maine Coons are mellow cats known for being one of the biggest cat breeds. They have an impressive size and even more so with their shaggy coats, thick tails, and tufted paws. Maine coons can be one of the friendliest cat breeds who have a tendency to be obedient, friendly, and affectionate.
They are patient and calm and perfect for families with kids and dogs. You can create a bond with Maine coons and your children by letting them feed the cat treats or playing with them with a feather wand. It is also helpful to allow the cat some personal space, like a cat tree or a cat shelf, where it can observe your family without feeling too vulnerable.
The best thing about Maine coons is that they aren’t totally dependent on you. They maintain their kitten-like personalities even as seniors and are called gentle giants due to their laid-back and relaxed nature.
Maine coons can weigh up to 15 pounds and are one of the largest cat breeds. Due to their large size these cats are also more prone to getting feline arthritis as they age.
These cats must also be groomed and brushed daily due to their thick coat as their shedding can cause problems in a household with people with allergies.
3. Abyssinian Cat
If you want some excitement in your life, you should definitely consider getting an Abyssinian cat. Abyssinian cats are always up for fun, have high energy levels, and have a great interest in play.
These cats need a lot of exercise and pair incredibly with lively children. You can try strenuous play sessions with them chasing a feather around the house or give them food puzzles that will keep them occupied.
They are a highly energetic breed that is endlessly charming, insatiably curious, and incredibly entertaining. Unless it is time to sleep or eat, you will always find these cats on the prowl. These cats are natural athletes and aren’t afraid of high places.
Similar to other cats, Abyssinian cat breeds are susceptible to having dental issues, arthritis and heart disease. But one area that owner of Abyssinian cats should pay attention to is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD).
Beyond urinary tract infections and peeing outside the litter box, FLUTD now encompasses various kidney and bladder issues including bladder stones, blood in the urine, UTIs and other kidney issues. Although not a reason to not choose this cat breed, it is still an area to keep a careful watch over and to be able to spot the symptoms of cat kidney issues early on.
If you are looking for a loyal, affectionate, and people-oriented cat, these Abyssinian cats can be the perfect breed for you.
This breed of cats is best suited to families with children of ages six and above.
4. Cornish Rex Cats
Cornish Rex Cats are great cats for families with timid or reserved children. They are a friendly breed of cats who love the company of other people and pets.
They enjoy an active lifestyle and are definitely not couch potatoes. They are famous for racing around the house and even performing acrobatics when enthusiastic. They are genuinely adventurous and an inquisitive breed who might entertain themselves by discovering corners of your home, such as the refrigerator or washing machine.
These cats are also called low-maintenance furballs since, although they have hair, they require little brushing or grooming. Although they are not hypoallergenic They are also known to shed less, which can be a great plus for families who have a member with allergies.
5. Persian Cats
Persian cats are some of the high-shedding cats that are unsuitable for families with allergies. If you do have allergies but love cats there are still some things you can do if you want to get a cat but are allergic. Check our blog here to learn more.
Nevertheless, this breed of cats is highly amicable and perfect for people who want cuddly and soft cats. Persian cats love their human’s laps and are very affectionate towards them. They have a lovable nature that extends to their family members and guests, to whom they take a liking to.
These silky-haired cats with short muzzles have been known as America’s favorite breed of cats since the 1970s. They were known as furniture with fur and are pretty elegant, easy-going, and laid back.
They also need daily grooming and must be brushed and combed daily to maintain a good coat of fur.
6. Manx Cats
If you love the playfulness and loyal energy of a dog, a Manx Cat would be a great addition to your family. Manx cats are unique as they do not have a tail.
These cats are known to sometimes enjoy water play and even fetch with their owner. They are perfect family pets as they are good with children and love to be involve in whatever their humans are doing.
These kitties are so loyal, they even growl or attack if they think their person is being threatened!
Manx cats have a double coat for winter warmth, so be aware of heavy shedding in the spring. The Manx cat is a wonderful cat breed for a family with dogs, children, or just someone seeking a playful and affectionate cat companion!
7. Scottish Fold Cats
Scottish Fold Cats are known for their unique folded ears which sometimes makes them resemble an owl. The interesting thing is that these cats are actually born with straight ears, which, because of a mutation, start to fold around the time that the kittens are 18 to 24 days old.
Because Scottish Fold kittens have an increased likelihood of degenerative issues if both parents are of this breed, the Scottish Fold is often bread with other cats such as the American or British Shorthair. For this reason, not all Scottish Fold cats will have the same degree of ear folds.
They make wonderful house cats, and can be a wonderful cat breed for your family, as they are low maintenance, very affectionate, and enjoy relaxing on the couch with their people.
Scottish Fold cats are known to be very friendly with other pets and people, and enjoy cuddling as well as playtime.
These sweet cats are able to communicate in purrs and meows that other breeds do not express. Unfortunately they are prone to having difficulty with cat arthritis and kidney disease.
8. Siberian Cats
Siberian cats are well-known for being incredibly playful and affectionate. They are the perfect intelligent cat breed for your family if you lead an active and busy lifestyle. They like playing with other family pets and children and are known to be dog-like for their constant companionship and devotion.
A Siberian cat may walk on a leash, play fetch, leap from one place to another, hunt, or even play in water if you let them splash around in a small pool. Best of all, Siberian cats maintain their kitten-like personality for almost all their life.
Siberian cats have long hair that protects them from harsh winter conditions. Nevertheless, these cats are considered to be hypoallergenic since they are believed to create very little Fel d 1 allergen as compared to other breeds. Their thick coat doesn’t tangle or mat very often, and these cats only need to be brushed once or twice a week.
9. Siamese Cats
Possibly the most unique looking cat breed, known for their muscular physique and striking blue eyes, the very social Siamese cat is an excellent cat breed for your family. Siamese cats are intelligent & highly trainable, and love being outdoors.
Siamese cats are so social that they can get depressed or mischievous if left alone for too long, and are known for their talkativeness. They bond well with their humans and are a great breed for families with children due to their gentle and playful nature.
Their short coats don’t shed much and only require a weekly brushing. Siamese cats have an inherited degenerative feline eye disease in some bloodlines.
The Best Cat Breed for Your Family is the one you choose!
You can choose from a variety of cat breeds for your family, depending on your lifestyle, preferences, number of family members, and type of allergies.
Similar to how independent, low-energy breeds wouldn’t be a good fit for homes with young children, active and animated breeds of cats may not be a good idea for families with older children or adults.
Nevertheless, no matter which breed of cat you choose for your family, you need to care for them so they remain happy, healthy, and active. You can read more tips and advice about caring for a cat in our blog. Check out also our blog on the top mistakes cat owners make so that you don't make the same mistakes. For more information about a new cat’s dietary and nutritional needs, deworming a cat and other cat health issues to be aware of see our blog.
