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17 Friendliest Cat Breeds (With Pictures)

Written by: Melissa Gunter

Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Scottish fold cat with siamese cat are sitting_Witsawat.s_shutterstock

17 Friendliest Cat Breeds (With Pictures)

We’ve all heard horror stories of people who bring cats into their homes that simply want nothing to do with them. You try to convince the cat to play with you or let you pet them but they want no part of it. Luckily, that doesn’t have to always be the case. Yes, there are cats out there that enjoy the company of people. You’ll even find that some prefer being with people. Take a look below at the 17 friendliest cat breeds so you can find the perfect feline partner for you.

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The 17 Friendly Cat Breeds

1. Maine Coon

ginger Maine coon cat
Image Credit: Meriluxa, Shutterstock

As the largest domestic cat breed, Maine Coons look a bit intimidating but are one of the friendliest breeds out there. These lovable balls of fluff are big babies that love spending time with their owners. You can even have adventures with these kitties as they love the water and doing whatever you’re up for.


2. Ragdolls

Ragdoll British Shorthair
Image Credit: Bianka Kovacs, Shutterstock

Nothing is more adorable than the blue-eyed Ragdoll cat. These kitties love their owners and are known for following them around the house in the same fashion as a dog. Ragdolls even enjoy being carried around. This breed got their name due to the way these cats go limp in their owner’s arms when being held.


3. Abyssinian

Abyssinian
Image Credit: Dmitry Tsapenko, Pixabay

Also known as the Aby, Abyssinians are a cat breed that hails from Ethiopia. The different colored hair bands of these cats are quite unique. What’s even more appealing is their reputation of being the class clowns of the cat world. These are some of the friendliest cats around and love to have fun.


4. Burmese

burmese cats lying on sofa
Image Credit: Sergey Neanderthalec, Shutterstock

The Burmese are a close relative of the Siamese. These cats are quite loving and friendly. They are known to be people-oriented. They even enjoy playtimes and hang onto their kitten-like tendencies well into their adult years.


5. Birman

birman cat lying on the floor
Image By: Daydream Photographie, Shutterstock

The Birman is a beautiful colorpoint cat breed with blue eyes. These cats are known for being very calm, cool, and collected. Birman are friendly cats that enjoy their humans but like to keep watch over their surroundings from high perches. Oddly, these cats nearly went extinct during World War II but were rejuvenated by breeders.


6. Cornish Rex

Tabby Cornish Rex
Image Credit: Elena Loginova, Shutterstock

Considered a new cat breed, the Cornish Rex originated in the United Kingdom in the 1950s. These cute kitties are hairless yet covered in a fine downy fuzz. They are also known as cuddlers that prefer lying with their owners and being affectionate.


7. Chartreux

Chartreux
Image Credit: congerdesign, Pixabay

Hailing from France, the Chartreux is a rare cat breed with short legs and strong bodies. These cats are great with people and children. They are even playful throughout most of their lives. When you look at these cats, the shape of their heads even makes you think they are smiling.


8. Manx

classic tabby manx cat
Image Credit: TheMetalDroid, Shutterstock

The Manx is often known for their lush, prized coat. There’s more to these cats, however. Manx are very family-oriented cats. They bond closely with their families but aren’t very open to strangers.


9. Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair Cat sitting by the window
Image Credit: Wutlufaipy, Shutterstock

The Exotic Shorthair is often compared to the Persian thanks to the shape of their head and their large eyes. These cats are quite friendly and gentle. They are also a very playful cat breed at times. However, due to their tendency to bond with their owners, these cats aren’t fans of being left alone.


10. Persian

Persian cat and a pile of shedded cat hair
Image Credit: DreamBig, Shutterstock

We’ve mentioned the Persian, so let’s take a look at these beautiful and friendly cats. Having been around for the last 400 years, Persians are a popular breed with thick fur. These cats enjoy lounging around the house with their owners and can be playful friends to the household.


11. Munchkins

whiute munchkin cat outdoor
Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock

All of us know the Munchkin breed and their adorable short legs. But did you know these cats are open, friendly, and enjoy their owner’s company? They also have lots of fun playing and rushing around the house.


12. Russian Blue

Russian Blue Cat Eating
Photo Credit: Simon kadula_Shutterstock

This breed’s name gives away their origin and color. However, they are also extremely intelligent and friendly. Russian Blues can remember faces. If they like you, they’ll rush to greet you.


13. Ragamuffin

Ragamuffin cat lying in a cat bed
Image Credit: Ryo Nagashima, Shutterstock

The name may give away the fact that Ragamuffins are a bit lazy. Yes, these gorgeous cats that come in many colors prefer lounging around to being active. The thing is, they also prefer to do this lounging with you.


14. Scottish Fold

orange scottish fold with striped bandana
Image Credit: Kajohnwat Srikulthanakij, Shutterstock

These adorable cats are known for having ears that fold. What you may not know about them is just how precious and affectionate they are. Yes, Scottish Folds are loving cats that enjoy their owner’s company.


15. Siamese

siamese cat of lavish cattery
Image Credit: Lavish Cattery

The Siamese is easily one of the best-known cats in the world. These pointed cats have a popular look, but did you know they also love people? It’s true. Siamese are known for being loving and affectionate with their owners.


16. Sphynx

sphynx cat with curly tail
Image by: Igor Lukin, Pixabay

The Sphynx is a popular hairless cat that is constantly struggling to get warm. This makes them huge snugglers. Sphynx love cuddling under blankets and spending time anywhere with their owners. Yes, body heat helps with the warming. If you have a Sphynx, be prepared to have these cats on your lap constantly.


17. Somali

somali cat with green eyes
Image Credit: Louno Morose, Shutterstock

A distant relative of the Abyssinian, the Somali has a bushy tail and looks a lot like a fox. What makes these cats even more unique is that each strand of hair has 20 different colors on it. These cats are extremely loving of their owners. More often than not, they try to stay within only a few feet of where their owners are.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a loving and friendly cat, the 17 on this list are the perfect candidates. Each of these cat breeds has something unique that will draw you to them. What they all share, however, is their friendly nature and love of their owners.


Featured Image Credit: rossiaa33, Shutterstock

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