Even though cat fanciers have been selecting and breeding cats specifically for their unique appearances, some cat breeds seem to be distinctly friendlier and more affectionate than others. Here are the top 10 most affectionate cat breeds of all time! What are your thoughts?
Ragdoll is one of the most affectionate cat breeds1. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is considered to be a native kitty to the United States. It is said that they originated in California during the 1960s. The breed was created from a long-haired, light-grey cat named Josephine and a black cat . It's believed that Josephine may have been a hybrid of a Persian and potentially a Birman or Siamese.
The elegant Ragdoll is an easy-going kitty. They are calm, placid and love their cuddles. They're known for their silly behavior such as drinking water from a tap or going limp like a “rag doll” when picked up. Your Ragdoll will be the ultimate lap cat, and because of their very docile persona they make puurfect pets for families with children or other pets.
2. Siamese
Ever wonder who the royal feline of the cat world may be? The Siamese, of course! The Siamese cat has enjoyed this luxurious and royal status for centuries. This outgoing, chatty kitten is famous for its remarkable baby blue eyes, strikingly large ears and sleek, muscular body.
The Siamese are very affectionate and intelligent cats with a distinct outgoing nature. They seek and enjoy the companionship of humans and as well as other cats. They will often strongly bond with their favorite human. These kitties are very vocal and will demand your attention with a loud, low-pitched voice. This adorable characteristic gives name to one of their common nickname – Meezer.
Siamese is one of the most affectionate cat breeds3. Sphynx
Sphynx cats are the utmost affectionate cats who love entertaining their families and treasure meeting new humans. These cats won''t shy away or hesitate to demand your attention. Their sweet-nature is accompanied with a high level of energy. They will always find a new way to entertain you.
They are extremely playful and will find diverse activities around the house to keep entertained. When they’re not on the go, they love cuddling and resting on your lap. Sphynx cats serve as excellent therapy pets due to their friendly, warm natured temperament and genuine love for meeting new people.
4. Ragamuffin
Ragamuffin is a variant of the Ragdoll cat established as a separate breed in 1994. Like their related breed, they are notorious for their friendly and affectionate personalities and their thick, dense fur. All the colors except for color-point are allowed.
Ragamuffin is the kind of kitty that will follow you around everywhere and greet you at the door with a meow. They are social and outgoing and get along with most humans, as well as dogs and other cats. They are patient and intelligent, so you can teach them a number of cool tricks. The will gladly snuggle up against you while you're watching TV or reading a book, but they will also cherish any playful activity you can come up with.
Ragamuffin is one of the most affectionate cat breeds5. Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds are captivating felines who carry of a distinctive feature of forward-folded ears and bare a reputation of being unusually loving companions. The folded ears of the breed are caused by an autosomal incomplete dominant mutation. Folds come in all coat colors, patterns and lengths.
Interestingly, they are notorious for sleeping in very peculiar positions. Scottish Folds are very social and friendly cats who don't do well being left alone. Folds are moderately active and yet very intelligent and agile. They will gladly engage in games with you and follow you around from room to room.
6. Persian
The Persian’s exceptionally beautiful and graceful coat, chubby cheeks, expressive eyes and affectionate personality makes them one of the world’s most popular feline breeds of all time. Sometimes referred to as the "glamorous puss" of the cat world, the Persian is notorious for its calm nature and cuddly personality.
Persians are typically not very athletic nor playful. They prefer a serene environment and long naps on a comfortable sofa. Persians communicate with their expressive, gorgeous eyes, but they will sometimes cheer you up with a quiet, adorable meow. These kitties enjoy the company of their favorite humans, as long as they treat them kindly and gently.
Persian is one of the most affectionate cat breeds7. Tonkinese
A hybrid of the Siamese and Burmese, Tonkinese cats are characterized by their lively, social nature and pointed coat patterns of various colors. The personality of the Tonkinese is very similar to its ancestors. They’re energetic, playful and demand attention. The Tonkinese are vocal, but their voices are softer and sweeter than those of the Siamese. Like the Burmese, these felines often engage in dog-like behaviors such as fetching.
8. Burmese
This is a compact and heavily built cat breed originating from Thailand. They have short, dense and glossy coats that come in a variety of colors such as champagne, platinum and sable. This cat is famous for being strong, elegant and athletic. The Burmese make excellent family pets due to their loving, affectionate and playful nature. Due to their clingy personalities and puppy-like behavior, the
Burmese are often considered to be the dogs of the cat world. These people-oriented cats often maintain their energetic and playful kitten-like personality in older years as well. Like their Siamese ancestors, Burmese are very vocal, affectionate and sweet. They are not independent and don't like being left alone for long periods of time. They get along very well with kids and other pets, including dogs.
9. Birman
The Birman, or famously known as the "Sacred Cat of Burma", is a strikingly gorgeous cat with a soft, silky coat, piercing blue eyes, and elegant, white "gloves" on their paws. The Birman is a docile and patient cat that doesn't cause a lot of trouble. As opposed to the close relative – the Siamese – these kitties are actually very quiet and will often greet you with the softest, most adorable low meow.
Remember, these friendly cats don't cope with solitude well and will easily get lonely if left alone for too long. If you choose the Birman for your new furriend, make sure to spoil it with extra hugs and snuggles.
Birman is one of the most affectionate cat breeds10. Maine Coon
Tipping the scales at almost 20 lbs., the Maine Coon is said to be one of the heaviest cat breeds out there. This strong, athletic cat is gentle-mannered, friendly and highly intelligent. Such a unique combination of characteristics led to their affectionate nickname "the gentle giant". The Maine Coon is adored for its playful dog-like nature. They are loyal and obedient, but never clingy.
They often learn many tricks, can be taught to walk on a leash and are known to be one of the few "water-loving cats". Due to their wonderful personalities, they get along very well with kids and other pets. Even though they probably won't fit purrfectly in your lap due to their size, that won't stop them from stealing a few cuddles here and there.
Maine Coon is one of the most affectionate cat breedsEvery cat is special and unique, regardless of their breed, coat and color. However, some breeds, such as the ones listed above, seem to be more likely to snuggle their way into our hearts.