Are you considering expanding your family with a feline companion but unsure whether cats get along well with kids? Fortunately, cats and children can get along well, like peanut butter and jelly.
A cute kitty may be an excellent secret keeper, an adorable snuggler, and — most significantly for parents — they usually require little maintenance. Plus they may teach young children responsibility.
Any family would benefit from having a cat. They can infuse a home with love, personality, and excitement. However, if you have children, you must consider both the safety and happiness of your youngsters and the cat’s well-being.
Read on to learn about some of the best family cat breeds if you want to add a new pet to your family.
Tip: Check out our guide to the cutest cat names for your adorable new family member.
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17 Best Family Cat Breeds
1. Abyssinian
Abyssinian cats are master manipulators when it comes to their owners, and they’ll have your family in the palm of their paws. They are excellent pets for families with older children since they are social, loyal, and active.
The “Aby-silly-ans,” as Abyssinians are known, are natural athletes with no fear of heights. While being caring and compassionate toward adults and older kids, they are also bright, clever, and swift enough to avoid toddlers.
2. American Shorthair
American Shorthair cats are a loving breed that makes friendly, easygoing, and gentle pets. The breed is at the top of the list of the best cats for kids, so people frequently choose them.
They are known for being extraordinarily independent and flexible, so if their owners cannot be at home for some hours each day, they can survive being left alone. With their laid-back personalities, they make lovely family cats for homes with kids, and they especially enjoy playing with interactive toys with their owners.
3. Bengal
Bengal cats are the ideal companion for families looking for uncommon, lovable, and non-wild playmates. This cat’s personality is just as endearing as its looks. The Bengal is friendly and playful and gets along well with both people and other animals of all ages.
These cats are active and enjoy jumping, so you should provide them access to a climbing tree and places where they can sit and look around the room.
Bengal cats also have a love of water that other domestic cats do not. So you should take extra care to prevent your aquarium from turning into a fishing pond. Allowing them access to a pool so they can swim is a great idea.
4. Birman
Birman cats are excellent pet companions for kids since they are friendly, lively, and easy to handle.
Since Birmans are incredibly gregarious, they frequently follow family members about the house while playing or even “helping” with chores — anything to get in on the fun. Your kids will enjoy teaching a Birman cat various tricks, such as how to walk on a leash.
They are friendly to grabby youngsters, get along with other household pets, and look forward to socializing with people. They enjoy being the center of attention, but aren’t overbearing.
5. British Shorthair
The British shorthair is calm and subdued if a little quiet. They are known for being sweet and cuddly without being cloying and excessively clingy, and they will grow to be devoted and caring family members.
The British shorthair is a great family cat because of its laid-back disposition and general good nature towards people of all ages and household pets. Until adulthood, British shorthairs can still be energetic and active like kittens, but they become calm and well-mannered once they mature.
6. Cornish Rex
The playful and energetic Cornish Rex cats enjoy playing fetch. They are incredibly affectionate, adore being around people, and sometimes even demand company.
Cornish Rex cats are a fantastic choice for households with children, other pets, or regular visitors because of their lively and outgoing personalities. They are very generous with their love and will do anything to show it to the entire family.
They are renowned for being intelligent and curious with a hint of mischief. They frequently leap onto high places to assess their environment and will open almost any door or cabinet.
7. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is distinguished by its triangular face, enormous, low-set ears, and large eyes, which give them an alien look. These cats communicate through their lively personalities and active activity, even if they are not as noisy as other breeds.
Devon Rexes enjoy cuddling with their family’s pets as well as people. They complement any family structure and are fantastic playmates due to their athletic character.
This adorable, mischievous kitty is a real treasure. Although the Devon Rex’s voracious appetite can get them into trouble, they never intend any harm. Be sure to get them the tastiest cat food, so they don’t chew on your couch.
8. European Burmese
European Burmese cats are fearless and remain playful and sociable well into old age. They are sometimes called “Velcro cats” because they will stick as closely to their owner as possible. If you want to avoid a small cat following you around the house all day or if you spend a lot of time away from home, this may not be the breed for you.
They act as lap warmers and entertain you with their hilarious antics. Burmese cats have a dog-like mentality and a mischievous disposition. Children will play with Burmese cats for years to come.
9. Himalayan
Himalayan cats may appear threatening, although they’re anything but. Himalayan cats show their owners of all sizes a lot of love and affection. They are major cuddlers and always want to be with their humans no matter what they are doing.
Himalayan cats are among the world’s most affectionate cat breeds, making them excellent pets. They get along well with kids, so be ready for a cat that will form a lifelong attachment with your kids. The Himalayan, who is somewhat spirited, does like playing games and can be trained to play fetch with a ball or other small toy.
10. Maine Coon
These gentle giants who can weigh up to 20 pounds are adored for their playful, kitten-like personalities. Maine Coon cats are fantastic additions to homes and are incredibly well-liked as therapy cats due to their friendliness toward everyone.
Maine Coons have sterling hearts. They are pretty tolerant and easily adjust to children’s demands. They make great family pets because of their playful, loving, and sweet natures, and their sturdy stature makes them happy being handled by kids.
11. Manx
A Manx cat will ensure that there is never a dull moment in your home! These playful, canine-like cats love to fetch and bury toys and are enthralled by the water. Don’t be shocked if you discover your Manx cat observing you from the top of a door because they also enjoy heights.
Manx cats adore to curl up in their owners’ laps and will make every effort to follow them. Manx cats are renowned for lacking tails, which is only one of the reasons they are an excellent breed for kids since, without a tail, kids won’t be tempted to tug.
12. Persian
Low-maintenance Persian cats have a high-maintenance appearance. Although they have regal looks, they are kind and compassionate and can be lively or calm and relaxed.
Although they enjoy lazing around the house, they can also quickly adapt to busy households. They are not demanding and won’t follow you around the home, but they still enjoy cuddling and being petted.
Your kids can mistake them for stuffed animals due to their thick fur, which needs to be groomed often. However, they are known for being patient with rowdy kids and yearn for human company.
13. Ragamuffin
Ragamuffin cats have personalities that are as enormous as their massive, fluffy frames and are large, clinging, and affectionate. They have a lovely temperament and are docile and friendly.
Your Ragamuffin cat will frequently be waiting for you at the door and spend hours curled up on your lap. They are friendly and will unwind in your arms as you embrace them.
Ragamuffin cats develop close relationships with their families, making them the ideal companion animals. They make great pets for households with kids and other animals because of their amiable nature.
14. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is adored for their propensity to collapse into the arms of the person holding them, almost like a ragdoll. This easygoing breed genuinely appreciates human company and will frequently greet its owners at the door and follow them inside.
Since Ragdolls adore being picked up and carried about, they make a fantastic companion for families with young children. Because they are gentle, docile, and unlikely to hurt kids (including babies) ragdoll cats are preferred for homes with kids.
They instinctively know when to stop using their claws while playing; some even allow kids to dress them up and carry them in a stroller.
15. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold cat is a friendly, short-haired breed with folded ears, which is how it got its peculiar name. The cat has unusual ears that fold forward and downward, giving it an owl-like appearance.
This breed is renowned for its laid-back personality and overall sociability. It typically gets along well with other cats, cat-friendly dogs, and households with many pets. They can also pick up tricks.
The Scottish Fold’s loving attitude is both soothing and endearing to people of all ages. It will quickly become friends with children who are old enough to respect it and not handle it violently.
16. Siamese
Siamese cats are wonderful family companions. They are attention-seekers who form close, enduring bonds with their family members, but it could take them some time to warm up to you.
They’re also among the chattiest breeds around, so be ready to engage in lengthy conversations on most subjects. They’ll follow you about while meowing, or they’ll jump into your lap at the first opportunity.
Siamese cats are among the best breeds for households with young children since they adore human company. Siamese cats and children can become lifelong best companions.
17. Siberian
Siberian cats are loyal but not overbearing; they will follow you around the house and wait patiently for you to cuddle up with them on the couch. They are lovely additions to lively homes with children and other furry friends because of their laid-back nature.
However, the Siberian coat does need a lot of care, and it sheds a lot, so prepare to have a jacket covered in cat fur when you bring them home. Perhaps invest in some cat grooming tools if you decide on a Siberian cat.
So Which Breed Will You Get?
From playful kitties to furry creatures that lounge on your lap, there are a variety of amazing breeds that will perfectly fit into your family dynamic. The question is, which one will you choose? Check out these adorable blue-eyed kitties if you want to stare into a pair of irresistible eyes all day.
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.