What is the most friendly cat breed? Amongst the various feline breeds that are recognised by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA), we’ve put the spotlight on 9 of the most affectionate cat breeds.
9th Most Affectionate Cat Breed – Persian Cat
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The Persian Cat, with her lush long hair, is a sight to behold. Beautiful, sweet, and laid-back, she is one of the most affectionate cat breeds.
Due to this, Persian Cats are some of the most popular felines in the UK. These lap cats love to drape themselves over furniture as if reminding people around them of their glorious physical attributes.
Also called the Doll Face, the affectionate Persian Cat breed has very expressive eyes and a soft voice. Although she loves to lounge about, she also likes to play and explore her environment.
However, unlike other felines, Persian Cats prefer to keep their feet on the ground. Although they like quiet and routine, they can thrive with a vibrant family. As they are indoor pets, they do not like to go far when allowed to venture outdoors.
The Persian Cat accepts the presence of children as long as she is handled with care. She may find the presence of enthusiastic animals jarring, though.
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8th Most Affectionate Cat Breed – American Shorthair Cat
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The American Shorthair Cat is one of the most affectionate cat breeds because of her easy-going and welcoming personality. She doesn’t play favourites and likes to spend time with anyone in the family.
Whilst the affectionate American Shorthair Cat breed loves to bond with her owners, she is neither pushy nor clingy. She can do well on her own, even if left alone for a long time. This independent feline finds a way to entertain herself whist her family is away.
American Shorthair Cats are great feline friends for children. Patient and tolerant, they don’t easily get exasperated by a child’s antics.
American Shorthair Cats get along well with dogs too. However, befriending smaller pets is not encouraged. These felines have a strong prey drive and may try to hunt down small animals.
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7th Most Affectionate Cat Breed – Sphynx Cat
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The Sphynx Cat’s lack of hair makes her enjoy the warm human touch of her owners. She likes to stay close to her humans and loves to snuggle. However, she is a natural cuddler not just because of her need for warmth—it is innate in her personality.
Sphynx Cats are not entirely hairless. They have a light coating of down that makes their skin feel like warm suede. The minimal layer of hair makes them ideal pets for those allergic to fur, as one owner attests.
However, the affectionate Sphynx Cat’s unique “furless” feature makes her sensitive to weather changes. She can easily feel the cold or warmth, which is why she should be kept indoors. But, despite the lack of fur, this feline still needs regular bathing.
Although lacking in hair, the Sphynx Cat is not lacking in personality or humour. She likes to purr loudly and vocalise and likes to entertain her humans. An intelligent cat who loves attention, she will do various antics just to be in the limelight.
This affectionate cat breed’s friendliness is such that she likes everyone she meets, be they humans or other animals. Thus, she has been used as a therapy animal.
The Sphynx Cat breed’s friendly nature and big love for human companionship are the reasons why she is one of the most affectionate cat breeds.
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6th Most Affectionate Cat Breed – Scottish Fold
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The Scottish Fold Cat is described as owl-like due to her unique folded ears, which is a product of natural mutation. One of the most affectionate cat breeds, this charming chubby-cheeked feline makes a great family pet.
The affectionate Scottish Folds are quite chatty cats who thrive being a part of the family. Their gentleness and amiability allow them to befriend children and other pets, including other breeds of cats.
Since they are highly adaptable, Scottish Folds can fit in perfectly in large households as well as a single-person home.
Caring for these affectionate cats requires little to no fuss since they are low-maintenance pets. Their coat is similar to the Russian Blues’; both breeds have short, silky fur that comes in various coat colors, which will do well with daily brushing.
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5th Most Affectionate Cat Breed – Birman Cat
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The Birman Cat is like a human emotional thermometer. When you are happy, she is also in a good mood and raring to play. If you have the blues, this loving feline will be there to cheer you up and console you.
The affectionate Birman Cat loves to cuddle, and if you need one, she will be all too happy to snuggle with you! No wonder why she is one of the most affectionate cat breeds that you can find.
Stockier and longer-haired than the Siamese, the Birman Cat loves to curl up in laps and just be around her human. She likes to be in the know of her owner’s activities.
Whilst the affectionate Birman Cats are not demanding, they will not hesitate to ask for pets and scritches now and then. These affectionate felines are not known to be vocal cats, although they will respond when you talk to them.
Birman cats, being immensely agreeable pets, can live with other dogs or cats. They also thrive with children well, making them ideal family cats.
4th Most Affectionate Cat Breed – Devon Rex
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Dubbed as Pixie Cat and Alien Cat, the Devon Rex Cat is famous for her distinctive appearance. The breed has a curled, short fur, large eyes, and big ears, giving her a supernatural look.
Regardless of the affectionate Devon Rex Cat’s peculiar appearance, many cat fanciers still fall in love with this feline. It isn’t hard to do as the breed is absolutely goofy and fun to be with.
What makes the Devon Rex one of the most affectionate cat breeds is her huge love for people. This feline does not mind cuddles and goes out of her way to interact with humans.
Just beware as Devon Rex Cats often get into mischief because of their brilliant and inquisitive minds. They need to be engaged in lots of playtimes to deviate their attention from carrying out funny yet exasperating antics.
Affectionate Devon Rex Cats are very food-motivated. Without their owners looking, they can quickly swipe off food from the dinner table. They are also good jumpers, thus reaching high shelves and cupboards is no problem.
3rd Most Affectionate Cat Breed – Burmese Cat
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The Burmese Cat is an eye-catching breed that originated in the Thailand–Myanmar border. She is highly social and loves to be held, especially her family members.
The Burmese Cat can forge strong bonds with people of any age, including children. As an extroverted feline, she basks in the joy of receiving attention and interacting with people, which is why she is one of the most affectionate cat breeds.
The affectionate Burmese Cats are naturally adventurous and inquisitive. Bringing them along for a car ride or other trips is an enjoyable activity.
These affectionate felines are highly intelligent as well and can be taught to walk on a lead. They are best kept as indoor pets. The overly friendly and curious nature of these cats makes them easy targets for pet thieves.
2nd Most Affectionate Cat Breed – Tonkinese Cat
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The Tonkinese Cat is the hybrid of Burmese and Siamese Cats, which are also known to be very friendly cat breeds. As such, it is no wonder that this feline is one of the most affectionate cat breeds. In fact, she is always on the most popular cats in UK lists.
Affectionate Tonkinese cats are attractive, warm, and outgoing. Because they are people-oriented, these cats love to please their family and enjoy spending time with them.
A little more relaxed than the Siamese Cat, the Tonkinese likes to take long periods of rest (on laps) in-between playtimes. Nevertheless, she will not let her human out of her sight.
The Tonkinese Cat will even take on door-greeting duties, answering the door and ushering visitors into the home. Like the Ragdoll, the Tonkinese Cat also likes to play fetch.
Tonkinese Cats are sociable felines who frequently crave company. As such, owners who potentially leave pets alone for long periods are advised to get a companion for these cats. That is not much of a problem as this breed can get along well with other animals.
The Most Affectionate Cat Breed – Ragdoll Cat
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Ragdoll Cats get their name from their distinctive behaviour of going limp when picked up. These gentle giants are classic lap cats. This is arguably the most captivating characteristic of this feline breed.
The affectionate Ragdoll Cat’s lack of aggression, very sweet nature, quietness, and tendency to follow her human from one room to another makes her one of the most affectionate cat breeds.
The loving personality of Ragdoll Cats contributed to their popularity. In fact, the breed is consistently on the list of most popular cats in the UK.
Because of the affectionate Ragdoll Cat’s attentiveness to her owner, she has been described as having a doglike personality. Being a caring cat, she will greet you upon your arrival and even cuddle with you on the bed or couch.
Ragdoll Cats are highly intelligent and love to play too. One owner even said that one of her cats plays fetch! The agreeable, friendly, and affectionate nature of these cats make them perfect family pets as they love children and can be friends with dogs.
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Are Female or Male Cats More Loving?
Male cats are often known to be more loving compared to their female counterparts. This is a big misconception, though. How affectionate a cat is boiling down to its individual personality.
Thus, before bringing home a furry friend, whether it’s one of the most affectionate cat breeds or any other breed like the Kurilian Bobtail, it is important to get to know it first for a few days or weeks. This will allow you to assess if both of you will get along well.
What Breed of Cat Is the Cuddliest?
The Ragdoll Cat is arguably the cuddliest breed in the feline world. As mentioned before, she goes limp when held and is not averse to cuddles.
However, mind that every cat has its own personality. Some Ragdoll Cats can be fond of cuddles, whilst others, not so much.
What Cat Breeds Are Clingy?
Most of the affectionate cat breeds on our lists are naturally clingy, especially the Ragdoll, Sphynx, Burmese, and Persian Cats.
Owning one of these affectionate cat breeds includes the responsibility of interacting and playing with them frequently.
If you can’t carry these out, your cat will get lonely. Having a pet sitter or another one around will help keep your furry friend entertained.
What Kind of Cat Is the Most Affectionate?
In our list, the Ragdoll Cat breed wins. However, keep in mind that the cat breed alone does not ensure that she’s affectionate. Cats are unique in their own way. Some are simply outwardly affectionate than others.
If your cat is not fond of physical affection, she may show her love in different ways. Even simply staying by your side and enjoying your company is a feline love language.
