Friendliest Cat Breeds
If you want a cat who loves people, these breeds are known for being sociable and affectionate. Individual cats vary, and early handling matters a great deal.
-
1. Ragdoll
Calm, trusting and happy to be held.
Large · Usually 12 to 15 years
Read the Ragdoll guide → -
2. Birman
Gentle, sociable and good with children.
Medium to large · Usually 12 to 16 years
Read the Birman guide → -
3. Maine Coon
Friendly, patient and sociable.
Large · Usually 12 to 15 years
Read the Maine Coon guide → -
4. Burmese
Clingy, playful and people-focused.
Medium · Often 12 to 16 years
Read the Burmese guide → -
-
6. Siberian
Friendly, playful and dog-like.
Medium to large · Often 11 to 15 years
Read the Siberian guide → -
7. Selkirk Rex
Patient and cuddly.
Medium to large · Often 12 to 15 years
Read the Selkirk Rex guide → -
8. Abyssinian
Busy and sociable, though rarely a lap cat.
Medium, slim · Usually 12 to 15 years
Read the Abyssinian guide →
Breed is only part of the story: every cat is an individual, and most cats in the UK are moggies. Meet the cat before you decide, and think about rescue cats too. This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice.
Questions people ask
What is the friendliest cat breed?
The Ragdoll, Birman and Maine Coon are often described as the friendliest, but every cat is an individual.
Does breed decide how friendly a cat is?
Only partly. Early handling, upbringing and each cat’s own character matter just as much.
