Let’s Meet 7 of the Friendliest Cat Breeds
Sassy, playful, loyal, aloof … feline personalities come in all shapes and sizes, but today we’re focusing on the friendliest cat breeds. The felines on this list of friendliest cat breeds clamor for the chance to turn a frown upside down and go the extra mile to comfort their humans with constant cuddles. So, who are these purrfect picks? You’re about to meet seven of the friendliest cat breeds right here!
1. Sphynx
Sphynxes continually top lists for the friendliest cat breeds. Photography by dezy / Shutterstock.
In a 2012 study conducted by the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, 129 cats from 14 breed categories were ranked based on geniality, and the Sphynx came in as the #1 friendliest cat breed! Not really a surprise when you take into consideration the fact that the Sphynx lives to please his humans. If he’s not acting wild and crazy to keep his owners entertained, you can find him helping with household chores — and even snuggling up to strangers who stop by for a visit.
2. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll cat’s name hints at his friendliness! Photography by Dave Wetzel / Shutterstock.
With a name like ‘Ragdoll,’ it’s no wonder that this feline comes in toward the top for friendliest cat breeds! Known for keeping her kitten-esque nature well into old age, the Ragdoll thrives on attention and affection — allowing her body to go completely limp in the arms of a loved one. While many cats have a curious side, the Ragdoll is a bit more chill, preferring to follow her pet parents around the house, ready for a quick kiss or cuddle at any moment.
3. Burmese
Burmese cats also make the grade as the friendliest cat breeds. Photography ©Alamy Stock Photo.
If the Burmese had a slogan, it would be “living for loving.” This feline makes our list of friendliest cat breeds since he will charm the socks off of you with his friendly nature … and gladly accept hugs, kisses and cuddles from humans and other animals alike! He’ll happily spend hours languishing in your lap, talking about his day and purring like a motor. He’s also known for grooming — not just himself, but you, and his feline and canine companions. Hey, we told you he was friendly!
4 & 5. Abyssinian and Somali
Abyssinian cats (pictured) and Somali cats are also some of the friendliest cats out there. Photography ©1lermannika l Thinkstock.
Fun fact: The Somali is simply a long-haired, fluffier version of the Abyssinian (aka Aby), so we’re calling it a tie for these two in terms of friendliest cat breeds! High in energy and crazy curious, the Aby and Somali aren’t typically found lollygagging in your lap. Why? They prefer entertaining you with their agility and intelligence. But what really lands these two types of felines on our list of friendliest cat breeds? Acceptance and adoration of all! There’s no stranger danger here — both of these breeds will mix and mingle with anyone they meet!
6. Siamese
Siamese cats are some of the friendliest cats out there. Photography ©studdio22comua | Thinkstock.
The Siamese earns a spot in this roundup of friendliest cat breeds because she’s the life of the party and a furry friend to all. She’s one loud lady and has no qualms about voicing her opinions (or complaints) for the world to hear. The Siamese is also sassy, sociable and affectionate — traits that help her win admirers wherever she goes. She’s so affectionate and easy to get along with, in fact, that some compare her personality to that of a canine.
7. Maine Coon
Of course a breed nicknamed the Gentle Giant lands on a roundup of friendliest cat breeds! Photography by AlexussK / Shutterstock.
Dubbed America’s Gentle Giant, the Maine Coon is the largest domestic cat breed — and his heart is every bit as big as his size! This breed loves everyone he meets — from children to other animals, and adores long, quiet cuddle sessions or a rambunctious bit of playtime. A few other personality traits that make him a no-brainer on our list of friendliest cat breeds? He’ll give frequent head butts, and play shadow with his favorite humans to let them know how special they are!
A friendly reminder on the friendliest cat breeds
While the felines above make our friendliest cat breeds round-up, every kitty has his or her own personality. Therefore, you may come across an aloof Aby or a standoffish Sphynx. It doesn’t mean that they’re any less special … it simply indicates that they like to pussyfoot to the beat of their own drum. And really now, who can resist individuality like that?
To be more positive about the personality of your future feline, you may consider adopting an older cat, whose demeanor is already developed. But if you’d like to mold your cat’s character, a kitten may be in the cards. The choice is yours!
Tell us: Do you share your home with any of the friendliest cat breeds? Do you have a super-friendly kitty? Tell us all about your friendly felines — and their personalities — in the comments section below!
Thumbnail: A Somali cat. Photography ©grase | Getty Images.
This piece was originally published in 2018.
About the author
Erika Sorocco has been writing about cats for more than a decade; and rescuing animals since the age of 3 when she spotted a chipmunk drowning in her backyard kiddie pool. She currently shares her California home with one finicky feline (Gypsy), one crazy pup (Jake), and a collection of sweaters covered in cat hair.
52 comments on “Let’s Meet 7 of the Friendliest Cat Breeds”
I rescued a calico & from my experience, this is a very sweet, loving, trusting & playful breed….my no. 1 for sure
Maine Coon & Tabbies are close seconds????
All of mine are pretty much attention addicts. You pet them and let them curl up against you and you got a new friend. Mine were all rescue mixed breeds.
My Siberian boy, rescued as a feral kitten from Humane Society is a beautiful, loving, intelligent, athletic, and demonstrative companion. Tied with my deceased Maine Coon for the best cat I have been owned by. ♥️
I completely disagree about all cats being friendly. They have a reputation for being standoffish and picky for a reason, after all. Now, that said, we currently have an orange tabby who is just as sweet as could be.
Agree with you!! I couldn’t understand why Tabby’s weren’t in the top 10!! I have adopted now my 3rd STRAY Tabby which the 1st two were black & brownish gray, stripped of course like Vall Tabby’s, & now have a gray with little black stripes & pure white underneath is the sweetest of all & so smart, she is small about 1, & get in bed & sleeps with me, even coming back after her trip to litter box & she will follow me & watch what I do & jump Vin my lap when I’m not doing anything & is even polite & obeys!! The last two I thought dogs do. I believe she is a gift from God! Bc I been depressed & have PTSD
I had a beautiful grey Somali with gorgeous green eyes. This little guy was stray in my neighborhood at 6 months old (previous owners couldn’t handle his energy and acrobatics and dropped him). He ran 2 miles with me at my ankle the whole way. When I got to my driveway I sat down trying to decide what to do and he curled in my lap and purred, then followed me inside and never left!! Even if the door was wide open, he wouldn’t even explore. He stayed with me 100% of the time. He waited at the door when I got home, was in my lap, snuggling on the bed, pulling at my hands to pet him 100% of the time. He would stand on his hind legs and wrap his front paws around my leg and rub his face on my knee if I was standing at the counter etc. He tolerated my tuxedo cat and the dogs I would bring home to dog sit, but if anyone got too friendly with me he bullied them away. He was curious, affectionate, athletic and so loving. Truly a special cat and from what I can read, a special breed.
How would you describe my cat. Pure white, with one green eye and one blue eye. Beautiful cat, a stray.
Brenda, search for Turkish Angora. You will get your answer. They’re wonderful pets.
Interesting. My personal experience is that the orange tabby has the best personality.
I found a stray orange tiger cat under a bush and he eats like a dog, comes when called, catches and bats balls and follows me like a dog!
I don’t have any sweet kitties. but I did had one. His name was Taffy. a big beautiful off white domestic shorthair with light brown streaks in his beautiful face. he was the sweetest cat I ever had. I miss him so much! and he was an older cat. very smart and just adorable. he went to the beat of his own drum I just tagged along, making sure I had his din din when he came home or waited for me when I came home. I told myself the next time I get another cat he will be an older kitty.
I’m glad you had one of the greatest experiences in life as I once had too.
I have also found Maine Coons to be the CHATTIEST little buggers! Lots and lots of chit chat! <3
When we lost our beloved dog Pepe out of nowhere comes along this young orange and pure white part meine coon cat with a diseased tail. At that time my Brother in law had a double transplant and we had to be careful, so he said if you want it it needs to be taken to the Vet to see what is wrong with him. He had to have his tail amputated. Needless to say he is ours he looks like a huge bunny rabbit. We love him so much. He is a lap cat. Live him to pieces.
I have two Russian Blues, C0Co and Loui. After 6 months of searching for a rescue Blue, I gave in and bought them. They are siblings; my intention was to only buy one; that lasted about 5 minutes. They are both pure love; CoCo Chanel is a princess who can not get or give enough affection. Louis Armstrong: “What a Wonderful World” says it all.
I have a Russian Blue female long hair named Princess Woo-woo and she’s the Biggest Lover I’ve ever seen! She absolutely loves her tummy rubbed and has tons of love to give!
I have two tabbies ,one is 14yrs and the other is 8 yrs. I’ve had the eldest since 4months and the other since a year old.
I love them and they act like dogs when people enter the house. They sit a watch. They are good company.
I have a six month old female siamese she can be very loving but at times she will bite and scratch me for no reason. I love her to pieces but she is very unpridictable and has a big attitude. Its her way or no way.
She is very smart I play fetch with her. She is very virbal.
All cats are friendly unless traumatized by some event – you really shouldn’t showcase ‘breeds’ – the shelters are full of mixed breed cats that are loving and need a forever home. I have 3 cats adopted from a shelter, and believe me they show their gratitude constantly.
you are so right
Totally agree
Yes you are absolutely right I totally agree I have 4 cats all were dumped and I took them in they are all tabby mixed breed and are so loving and very affectionate adopt cats that really need a home it’s the way to do it
Not necessarily so for all cats. I have grown up with cats and they’re all different with affection. My friend has two black kitties (not related) one is aloof but will allow petting or will hop up on your lap, the other one we all call Bella the _itch because she would rather smack you and hiss than let anybody or anything near her. She was adopted as s kitten and always was that way. When I went to the shelter to pick out my kitty love, Walter was the first one to crawl right up on my lap, two of the others did not come near. Not ALL cats are affectionate
I agree that they are not all the same; born with different personalities.
Not necessarily true, I have had cats since I was little, my friends have. Are; some live affection and others don’t want to be bothered with it at all and have actually been mean. All were raised from kitten hood in loving homes.
I’m surprised too the Persian is mentioned . I have rehomed ex show cat Persian girl. She is very affectionate and loves attention and cuddles. I also have a stray white moggy and a blue/white female rescued as a kitten from an elderly ladies garden. She doesn’t like to be handled and is not very loving but a very quiet nature. I also have a beautiful long haired tabby adopted as a kitten from an SPCA animal centre. He has the most gentle loving nature. I suspect there is Mine Coon in his breeding. My previous long haired tabby was a Norwegian Forest mix, a beautiful cat but would sometimes lash out with his claws. Unfortunately he died from cancer so I suspect that may be the reason for his unpredictable nature as he must be in pain and I didn’t realise it until a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.
We have 2 kitties – BB is 5-1/2 yrs old and Stanley is 2-1/2 – both rescues and both males – adopted as babies. BB is a shorthair and Stanley is half Bengal. (The people at the Bengal site wanted nothing to do with me!!!) Despite 3 cat trees and numerous toys, they’d rather play with a cardboard box any day.
As a Kindergarten child, my parents realized three out of four of us kids were allergic to cats – after our father brought a red tabby cat home. Sadly, we had to find a new home for ‘Tigger.’ I avoided cats my whole life till… Fast-forward 55+ years, and here I am, living with three WONDERFUL cats (and my dogs) whom I do NOT seem to be allergic to! All three live outside, yet I seem to have lucked out in the feline personality department! After reading this article, it’s no wonder my cats are WONDERFUL: They are a mix of ragdoll and Maine Coon cat!! Ohhh, I never dreamed I’d ever be a dog AND a cat lady!
I’ve known several Siamese and all of them were really mean. They would bite, scratch, and hiss at you if you even looked or got close to them. Currently I own a calico that I think may have some Siamese in her because of he voice and the fact that she is a talker. I also have her litter mate who is also a calico and is much more of a talker. Both of them are the sweetest cats you can imagine. One of them is currently occupying my lap.
Surprising no Himalayans on the list or Persian. I guess being lovable is not the same as friendly. Ours are very friendly and our two boys love meeting people at the cat shows, they purr and milktread when you hold them.
We have had three gray Charteux cats. Everyone agrees they are super friendly and are the cat versions of Labrador dogs. They never scratch or bite, and they follow you from room to room. They are very talkative, except their meow is so soft, it’s amusing, not annoying. When I work in our home office, they are always there beside me. I call them my watch cats since they are in the way of anyone entering the room!
The friendliest cats are mix-ups. Also, it depends on personality, not the cat. (But british cats are always so mean.)
I own a pet sitting service and have had 3 Maine Coons as clients. Two of them were the most aloof, unfriendly cats I may have ever cared for, which surprised me. They would acknowledge me only upon arrival, “the food lady is here”, but then remove themselves to another room for the duration of my visit. I don’t know if it makes a difference, but both of these were of the brown tabby coloration, one male and one female. The 3rd one is black & white and quite a lover. He’s standoffish when I first arrive, but once he and his companions are fed, he will not stay out of my lap, out of my face and follows me from floor to floor. The friendliest, most loving cats that I have ever personally been owned by were both male, domestic short hair, brown mackerel tabbies who’d run to the door when the doorbell rang. If my visitor wasn’t enamored with cats, Thomas or Tabba would have to be incarcerated in my bedroom as they were not going to leave my visitor alone.
Our two beautiful Norwegian Forest Cats are the friendliest cats I have ever met. Their behaviour seems to match that described for the Maine Coon. They are brother and sister and unique from each other in colouring and in personality, but both are very loving.
Our very large 20 lb. orange tabby is the most loving and people-oriented cat I have been around. Adopted from a no kill shelter several months after we sadly lost our best cat friend and companion of 14 years. From the day he arrived, he accepted and demonstrated his gratitude and love for us , our senior calico kitty and his new home wholeheartedly He loves all who come into his presence, stretching and purring on my husbands lap nightly. Mr. Dillon was family from day 1!
My recently adopted ginger tom is very friendly. Greets strangers, Curious and loves to play . Good company for me.
As a professional cat caregiver with almost 2000 cat clients, we have met pretty much every breed. I have found that Siamese is not usually that friendly at the beginning but once it warms up, you have a good friend. My list would include: Tuxedo, Russian blue, Ragdoll, Maine coon, Rex, Tabby and Burman. Even the most friendly cats can be unfriendly based on how they are raised but if you are patient, most cats will become your friend once that trust is gained.
Yes Rescued is the best breed of all! But I had it all with my Tyler. He was a Maine Coon mix rescue. I love all of my rescue cats but Tyler was so special. My constant companion, my snuggle buddy and my best friend. He crossed the Rainbow Bridge in May, at 18 years old. His brothers and sister and I miss him excruciatingly. His sister and brothers try to fill his place and I love the for that but no one can take Tyler’s special place in my heart. Love you forever and ever, Little Buddy!
Samuel Adams is part Maine Coon. Has all the traits, but only about 13lbs. He loves to go to church…sits on the pew and holds court for all his friends! Did discover that the congregation “eats something at communion”, now he needs a treat also. Folds his paws and listens to the sermon.
He is eight and never been home alone. Travels extremely well…when he thinks we haven’t left the house in a few days he gets in his carrier.
All of our three rascals are rescues.
With two Siamese and one Snowshoe cat, here’s my observations.
Simon, the Snowshoe is a big mouth and the Siamese are almost taciturn.
Maybe it’s because they are inexpensive kitties????
We share our house with an adorable 6 year old Munchkin whose name is “Moxie the Munchkin”. She is by far the friendliest and most loving cat we have ever had, and gets along very well with other cats and dogs as long as they are not in HER house. She eats a tablespoon of wet food for breakfast and supper ( pate only, please, and preferably seafood.) She also has about 1/2 cup of dry food available to munch on all day. She is strictly an indoor cat, but enjoys going out on our deck with us every evening where she can glare down at the neighbor’s large male tuxedo cat, and let him know he’s not welcome in HER yard.
I have 2 tabby cats! They are friendly! Horatio loves talking to me! Nefi likes to cuddle sometimes.
The friendliest breed is rescue.
We have a aprox 11 month old that we believe is a Savanah. SOmeone has told us there use to be a couple pair owned by someone in the valley and they escaped and there is a colony of wild ones out there. He was found (or should I say he found her) by a friend who was cleaning a home out in the valley where the nearest house is almost 4 miles away. He followed her from window to window until she let him in and you could hold him in the palm of 2 hands held together so we figure he was about 6 – 8 wks and this was the week after Thanksgiving. Checked with every one in 10 miles and posted on Facebook Community page and no one claimed to have had a litter.
So we have listed his birthday as Oct 1st. He is now longer and taller than our part Main Coon Female, weighing in right now at 18lbs – slim and lean. He is the most loving cat we have ever had, He will jump into strangers arms when they come in and kiss them on the lips. He acts like a seeing eye cat when we walk thru the house and He has NEVER used his claws when he wraps arms around us, grabs our ankles or plays. He never minds me trimming his nails. He does however try to Mawl our heads with his teeth (not too hard) after wrapping his soft paws around our necks.
I have researched some blogs about Savannah’s and he is so much like them and we thought he was a grey tabby with Black-Black stripes that break into spots on his back and tummy but as he is growing his under fur is brown. He is a JOY!
An adult cat that has been rescued can be the friendliest cat of all. After he or she gets settled in and knows it’s forever they may become very friendly. My big guy did and I can’t say it enough times: #dontshopadopt!!!!
I had a Siamese and a Russian Blue (rescued together) and the differences in their personalities couldn’t have been more extreme. Simon, the Meezer, talked constantly in that funny, scratchy voice, and welcomed anyone to the house, hanging around to see what they were doing and telling them about his day. He was a lap cat, wherever he saw a lap. Blue Max, on the other hand, was aloof and dignified, staring visitors down from a distance and only accepting brushing and loving from me after a couple of months of residence. But the two of them were best friends and groomed and cuddled each other!
I have a friend who raises Maine Coons, but, I really like the look of the Sphynx. With all the cats in shelterd, I don’t think I could justify buying a pure bred cat, though.
hi. I have a very playful ,loving, talking, chattering, Bombay named Missy Meow. She is such a gossip. She is constantly talking to the ducks, herons, and cranes that come into our yard. She chatters with the squirrels and constantly wanting someone to play with her. She loves to play fight and hunt toes under covers. She has the strangest eyes. During the early morning her eyes are bright yellow. Afternoons they become a startling orange. Early evenings they become deep green. after dark they are a pale bluish almost silver. I have never seen a cat’s eyes change color like hers do. She is spayed and chipped. We got her from our local NO KILL rescue center when she was only 9 weeks old and she is now 4 years old this past August 8th. She is so spoiled. She has boxes of duck feather we found on the ground and hundreds of toys. Of course her favorite food is wet food by Friskies and she only likes the tuna and whitefish or the seafood medley. We also buy her the 16 pound bag of Friskies Seafood medley dry food. She gets the wet food for breakfast and the dry food for lunch and supper along with fresh icy water to drink throughout the day and night. Her vet says she is the healthiest cat she has seen in a long time. Yes we spoil her with games, love and twice a year vet checkups and her annual shots. ( She hates them) and will pout for 3 days afterwards. It is true that she looks like a mini panther. She stalks her toys that way too. Thanks for listening. Linda Burris (aka Krazy Kat Lover.)
two rescue cats, Burmese and domestic moggie. Totally different characters, almost shouldn’t be living together, as moggie tends to bully the Burmese, who is too trusting, too loving for a street fighter. Burmese are definitely balls of love, out to get their own way, headbutting me so I’ll give up my chair for him (it’s warm…) sneaking onto the bed and settling down with the noise of an outboard engine – so much for sleep… the other thing with Burmese is they are so dexterous, batting a paper ball around the floor for ages before ‘burying’ it under the furniture and then trying to get it back. They both get catnip toys but they’re ignored in favour of old catnip balls. We pile the toys into a huge wooden bowl, one of them will go over and pull out the balls, leaving everything else in there. It’s sort of, why buy toys? Like kids, they’ll play with a box rather than something we’ve paid for. Cardboard boxes are a joy, they sleep in them sometimes. The ones I get are from the café next door to my shop, they smell of baguettes…
So interesting to read the other replies. Keep them coming, cat lovers!