11 Great Cat Breeds (Cats With Adorable Personalities)
Adding a special kitty to your family is always a great time for everyone, especially the kids.
Cats are not only cuddly and entertaining, but are also beautiful furry family members that will show you unending love and affection.
Why Worry About The Specific Breed?
Rather than just jumping in and getting any cat that pops up in front of you at the pet shop, it’s a great idea to think about what cat breeds will suit you and your family.
Whether you are looking for the biggest cat, cutest cat, quietest or most active cat – you can choose the best cat breed from a great variety according to the attributes you love most.
Some breeds require daily grooming while others require minimal care, some love being held, some are independent and full of purrrsonality!
If you have allergies, this can be a reason to steer toward breeds less likely to cause issues with excessive hair and dust.
There are around 40 generally recognized cat breeds in the world, although the International Cat Association recognizes over 70!
This gives you a great range of choices when looking for an appropriate fluffball to share your life with, so I encourage you to do some research before making your final decision.
Different breeds have different traits, so we have put together a list of breeds to give you a head-start, and get you thinking about what breeds might be a good option for you.
1. Persian (Best Cat Breeds for Kids)
Persians are the calmest cat breeds, and they have a wide range of colors and cute facial features.
- They are longhaired and require daily grooming.
- They are low energy and need to be shown lots of love and affection.
Persians are a perfect addition to a home with children.
Also, they are sweet and loving creatures, and they tend to choose one person in the family as their favorite, but will still show love to other family members.
2. Himalayan (Best Cat Breed for Families)
The Himalayan is a cross breed of Persian and Siamese cat breeds.
These cat breeds feature the Persian’s long-haired coat and the Siamese markings.
They are playful, calm and well-behaved cats.
Himalayans make an excellent choice for a family with small kids and other pets.
3. Exotic Shorthair
The exotic shorthair does not require much grooming, and helps lower the amount of hair sticking to clothes and furniture.
They are very affectionate and gentle creatures, and you will be often see them hanging around you for a cuddle.
You should provide them with a climbing tree to keep them active since they like showing off their athletic side.
4. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair has a shorthaired coat and does not require intensive grooming.
They are playful, but they still spend a lot of time cuddling.
The British Shorthair is generally smart and good with children and other pets.
5. Ragdoll (Best Indoor Cat Breed)
Is there someone who is wary of cats? Maybe you should add this special cat to the family.
They are bred to be affectionate and people-oriented.
Ragdoll cats have a medium length coat without an undercoat making them low maintenance compared to the longhaired breeds.
They are easy to live with, intelligent and comfortably fit in the family.
You should keep them indoors since they are not suited for outdoors.
6. Somali
Looking at a Somali breed for the first time may give you the wrong impression- it looks like a fox in its movements and color.
The Somali breed loves attention and will like to spend most of the time curled up in your lap or cuddled in your arms.
They are playful, quiet natured and affectionate and enjoy showing off love to their owners.
7. Abyssinian
Abyssinian’s are a beautiful looking cat, and are often referred to as the supermodel of cats due to their sleek bodies.
They are outgoing, friendly, intelligent and accepting of the people they meet.
Abys are loyal to their owners and will want to help with whatever task that you are doing. They will lavish you with affection.
They have a very distinctive wailing meow, and while entertaining for a true cat lover, may get on other peoples nerves!
8. Russian Blue
The Russian blue is one of the cutest cat breeds due to the beautiful but distinct appearance.
They have dense, thick and short coats that come in a blue color, hence the name.
Also, the Russian blue has bright green eyes that makes them unique.
9. Cornish Rex (Best for people with allergies)
The Cornish Rex cat breed has an egg-shaped head, erect ears, and large green-yellow eyes.
They have a soft, fine and short coat that grows in waves, and are extremely low-shedding.
The Cornish Rex is affectionate, playful and retains its kitten-like antics even in its adult life.
They love to cuddle-up and sit on your lap, since to them you a big hot water bottle to keep them warm.
They are not well suited to cold climates.
10. Bobtail (Best Cat Breed for the Elderly)
The Bobtail has dog-like personalities, and are devoted to their owners.
They have a dense coat and a naturally occurring bobbed tail.
They are well-behaved and have been used as therapy cats in treatment programs.
Bobtail’s are sensitive to people in distress and can make an excellent companion to ailing or aged persons.
11. Scottish Fold
This cat breed has very distinctive drooping ears and a big round face, and are an all-time American favorite.
The Scottish Fold can come with either a short or long haired coat, with the long coat requiring more care and maintenance.
They are an affectionate family-loving cat, with a medium level of activity.
Care should be taken handling their tail, especially as they age, since they often develop stiffness and arthritis than can cause pain bending their tail.
