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

Home > Cats > Top 9 Friendliest Cat Breeds – Complete Guide (With Pictures)

Top 9 Friendliest Cat Breeds – Complete Guide (With Pictures)

Sphynx Cat

Cats have a reputation for having an attitude (or “catitude”). Despite this misconception, furry (and sometimes not so furry) felines have been living with people for centuries, causing many cat breeds to absolutely adore humans.

Although some cats are independent and standoffish at times, others are super friendly, making them great furry companions to invite into your home. Here are the nine friendliest cat breeds that just about everyone will adore, including you, your children, and other pets.divider-cat

The 9 Friendliest Cat Breeds

1. Maine Coon

maine coon
Image Credit: fcja99, Pixabay
Weight: 7.9–18 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 13–14 years
Coat Length: Long haired

Don’t let this cat’s size fool you. They are nothing more than a gentle giant. With the nickname “America’s cat,” the Maine Coon is easily the friendliest breed on this list.

Whether you have a household with children or dogs, the Maine Coon will fit in perfectly. Between their large size and gentle demeanor, the Maine Coon is one of the best family cats to add to a home. These cats are also independent and have quirky personalities.


2. Ragdoll

ragdoll kitten
Image Credit: cath5, Shutterstock
Weight: 8–20 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 15 years
Coat Length: Long haired

For those who live in an apartment, the Ragdoll is a great cat. This friendly feline is super affectionate toward humans and often becomes attached to their owners rather quickly. Their cute name comes from the fact that these cats go limp like ragdolls when they’re carried around.

Ragdolls are ideal if you have young children. Since this cat is so gentle, they will get along with your children perfectly and become attached in no time. You may even find your Ragdoll greeting you at the door or following you around during chores.


3. Burmese

Burmese_ge-hall, Pixabay
Image Credit: ge-hall, Pixabay
Weight: 6–14 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 16–18 years
Coat Length: Short hair

If you want a cat that is friendly and curious, you will love the Burmese. These cats love sitting in the window, staring at the world around them. At the same time, Burmese love interacting with their owners, even being curious about their whereabouts.

For those who want privacy, a Burmese may not be for you. This cat loves people so much that they will likely disrupt your “you” time. Whether you’re scrolling through your phone or changing your clothes, your Burmese may be watching. When they are not being curious, the Burmese will love cuddling up to you and snuggling.


4. Persian

Persian
Image Credit: deliabertola, Pixabay
Weight: 7–12 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 10–17 years
Coat Length: Long hair

For the ultimate lap cat, look no further than the Persian. Whenever you sit down, your Persian will likely be waiting for you, just so that they can quickly jump into your lap and cuddle. You’ll certainly steal a Persian’s heart with pets.

Whenever you’re not petting your Persian, they won’t act as interested, but they will remain friendly and relaxed. Certain Persians are even known to suddenly act kitten-like without any warning, making them a super fun breed to have in your home.


5. Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold
Image Credit: Sophkins, Pixabay
Weight: 16–13 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 11–15 years
Coat Length: Short hair

From the second that you see a Scottish Fold, your heart will absolutely melt. Their little folded ears and unique ability to sit up make them endearing on sight. Their friendly personality makes any human gleefully squeal with cuteness overload.

Scottish Folds love being with humans. In fact, many Scottish Fold owners joke that their cats do not even realize that they are not human themselves. As you maintain a routine for Scottish Folds, you will have a uniquely strong bond with your feline friend.


6. Birman

Birman_Antranias, Pixabay
Image Credit: Antranias, Pixabay
Weight: 6- 15 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 14 years
Coat Length: Long hair

The Birman is one of the most loved cat breeds worldwide. As their name suggests, this breed originated in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. With blue eyes and an earthy coat, the Birman is loyal and will bond with their owners.

The Birman cat has a great nature, making them perfect for multi-pet or single households. Whether you have multiple cats or dogs, the Birman will likely want to make friends with all of them, in hopes of having more playmates. That said, a Birman won’t need animal companions so long as they have you.


7. Siamese

siamese-cats-pixabay
Credit: MLARANDA, Pixabay
Weight: 8–15 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 10–13 years
Coat Length: Short hair

Beyond their beautiful appearance, the Siamese cat is quite friendly. This breed is one of the most quintessentially “people” cats. They will want to be with you at all times, including sitting on your lap, lying with you in bed, and eating with you at the table.

Something that’s unique about a Siamese cat is that they actually communicate well with humans. If your cat is hungry or irritated with you, they will let you know. This is something that many new cat owners appreciate in Siamese cats.


8. Sphynx

Sphynx
Image Credit: Pexels, Pixabay
Weight: 6–12 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 8–14 years
Coat Length: Hairless

Even though Sphynx is not necessarily the most attractive cat, they are incredibly friendly. This cat loves humans so much that they sometimes act as though their entire purpose is to please you. At the same time, they are super energetic, making them fun to play with.

The Sphynx feels comfortable around humans. They will likely snuggle up to guests when they arrive at your house. When the party is over, the cat will likely follow you around as you are cleaning up and doing other miscellaneous chores.


9. Abyssinian

Abyssinian_tsapenkodg, Pixabay
Image Credit: tsapenkodg, Pixabay
Weight: 9–17 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 15 years
Coat Length: Short hair

The Abyssinian isn’t necessarily the cuddliest of cats, but they love people and tend to be quite social. They nap hard and play hard, making them a great breed for just about any household.

Interestingly, Abyssinians are typically divided into two different categories: racer or languor. This goes back to the fact that this breed can be super playful or really chill. In either case, Abyssinians love people and are as friendly as friendly can be.divider-cat

Final Thoughts

Even though some cats certainly do come with an attitude, the nine breeds on this list are known for their fun-loving personalities. These cats really do break the stereotype that felines don’t care about their owners. Many cats absolutely adore human attention and can’t wait for cuddles, just like dogs.


Featured image credit: Igor Lukin from Pixabay

Our vets

Want to talk to a vet online?

Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers!

Our vets