Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

17 Friendliest Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Scottish fold cat with siamese cat are sitting_Witsawat.s_shutterstock

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.

divider 1 paws

The 17 Friendly Cat Breeds

1. Maine Coon

ginger-Maine-coon-cat-on-the-balcony
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 cat resting in carpet
Image Credit: tsapenkodg, 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 kitten with beautiful blue eyes lying on the floor
Image Credit: 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 watch their surroundings from high perches. Oddly, these cats nearly went extinct during World War II but were rejuvenated by breeders.


6. Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex kitten
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

manx-lying-on-the-floor
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-focusing-in-the-foreground
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

white 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
Image Credit: slawomir.gawryluk, 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 hiding
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

Seal Point Siamese cat standing on white background
Image Credit: Nynke van Holten, Shutterstock

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.

divider 1 paws

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.

See Also: 


Featured Image Credit: rossiaa33, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

20 Most Playful Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Cats are low-maintenance pets that don’t need as much attention as dogs. They’re independent animals that want to do things how they want...

two kittens playing

11 Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for People With Allergies (With Info & Pictures)

Cats are extraordinary companions that give us love, cuddles, and often more than a few laughs. No wonder they’re one of the most...

Smoke siberian cat

14 Black & White Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

If you have been wondering what breeds you can find with the white and black color scheme, it turns out there are quite...

Tuxedo indoor cat sitting on the bed

12 Longest Living Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Cats are intelligent, resourceful, and graceful. They typically live longer than dogs, and you need to be prepared to be a cat’s caregiver...

balinese cat sitting

More related

group of different cat breeds

8 Most Common Cat Colors (With Info, Pictures & Breeds)

Cats are adorable creatures that, along with their unique personalities, can come in all shapes and sizes—big or small, long fur or short...

mink hairless cat

6 Hairless Cat Breeds: Vet-Approved Info (With Pictures)

Hairless cats are unique, interesting, and fiercely lovable. Many people mistakenly think that hairless cats are a breed of their own, but there...

Abyssinian young cat sitting at tower

10 Popular Cat Breed Personalities Revealed (According to Research)

Have you ever wondered whether your cat’s personality is typical for their breed? There is a wealth of cat breeds in the world,...

Ginger Peterbald cat up close

22 Most Expensive Cat Breeds in The World (Info, Pictures & Prices)

Cats are some of the most popular companion animals on the planet. People welcome cats of all shapes and stripes into their lives...

Keep reading

10 Ways to Train Your Kitten: Vet-Approved Tips

Cats might like us to think that they’re untrainable, but the truth is that most cats enjoy short training sessions! The best time for them to learn is when they are still young, so beginning when your pet is a...

Tabby cat on white background

Why Do Cats Trill & What Does It Mean? Vet-Verified Feline Vocalization Facts

Cats make quite a few different noises, and one of the cutest that we’ve ever heard is trilling. This is a blend between a meow and a purr, and each cat can make their own distinctive version of this sound....

cat meowing

Why Do Cats Groom Humans? 8 Vet Reviewed Reasons

You can be sitting on the couch and scrolling on your phone when, all of a sudden, you start to feel an unusual feeling on the top of your head or arm. Your cat is licking you a lot lately,...

cat sitting behind the man licking his head

Why Are Cats Afraid of Water? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Useful Tips

Many cat owners have witnessed the displeasure that some cats derive from getting wet or being doused in water. While some cats like and even love water, for most owners, we really only see whether a cat loves or loathes...

cat staring at water

How to Clean a Cat’s Nose: Vet Approved Step-By-Step Guide

As a pet parent, you do everything for your cat, from feeding them to grooming and taking them to the vet. When your cat has a stuffy nose, whether from being dirty or from a cold, you want to help...

person cleaning cats nose

Bengal Cat Health Problems: 9 Common Issues

Bengal cats are outgoing, social, and love to talk and interact with their owners. This breed is also incredibly intelligent and can easily learn to perform tricks. However, as with every breed, they have a few common health issues that...

Catster_Health Problems of Bengal Cats

Do Male Cats Go into Heat? Vet-Reviewed Signs & Facts

Being a cat owner has its ups and downs, however, some moments may become complicated and cause you some stress. If you notice, on occasion, your tomcat trying to flee the home at any chance it gets, and even being...

tortie cat resting on heated bed

10 Best Cat Shampoos of 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats are notorious for wanting things on their own terms. They are solitary creatures that feel they can do everything for themselves, including bathing. Yes, cats are great at keeping themselves groomed. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get baths routinely....

tabby cat taking a bath