17 Friendliest Cat Breeds For First-Time Owners
By Mlbrun Team | On 16 April 2024 10:05 AM
Friendliness in cats can vary widely from one individual to another, but certain cat breeds are known for their friendly and sociable nature while others may be more reserved.
Even within the friendliest breed, some cats may naturally be more aloof or independent, which can make them appear unfriendly.
Cats need time to adjust to new surroundings and people regardless of breed. As a first-time owner, it is safe to adopt a new kitten that is of a breed reputed to be friendly. Here are 17 such friendliest breeds with pictures.
1. Ragdoll
Average lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Colors available: Seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, flame, cream, tortie, and lynx
Ragdoll cats are generally known to be friendly and gentle, making them suitable for first-time cat owners. They are known for their calm and affectionate nature, often enjoying being held and cuddled.
Ragdolls are also social and tend to get along well with other pets and children. However, like any pet, individual personalities can vary, so it's important to spend time with the specific cat you are considering to ensure a good match.
2. Maine Coon
Average lifespan: 12 and 15 years
Colors available: Brown tabby, black, red, tortoiseshell, silver, blue, cream, cameo, smoke, calico, and solid.
Maine Coons are often described as being affectionate, loving, and gentle with their human companions. Maine Coons are typically good with children and other pets, making them an excellent choice for families.
They enjoy being around people and are often referred to as "gentle giants" due to their large size and gentle temperament. Maine Coons are also known to be quite intelligent and can easily adapt to new environments and situations.
3. Scottish Fold
Average Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
Colors available: Silver, white, black, blue, cream, red, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, and tortoiseshell
Scottish Folds can be a good choice for first-time cat owners. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them great companions. They are also generally easygoing and adaptable, so they can adjust well to new environments and different living situations.
However, it's important to note that every cat is an individual, so it's always a good idea to spend some time getting to know the specific cat you are interested in before bringing it home.
4. Domestic Shorthair/ Longhair
Average lifespan: 12-15 years
Colors available: Black, white, gray, orange, calico, tortoiseshell, tabby, silver, cream, blue, brown, cinnamon, fawn
Domestic Shorthair and Longhair cats can both make great pets for first-time owners. Each cat, regardless of breed or coat type, will have its own unique personality. Some cats may be more independent and less inclined to be overly affectionate, while others may be extremely friendly and seek constant attention.
Domestic Shorthair cats are known for their friendly and adaptable nature. They tend to be outgoing, playful, and affectionate. Longhair cats, on the other hand, can have similar temperaments but may require more grooming and maintenance due to their longer fur.
5. Burmese
Average lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Colors available: Sable, champagne, blue, platinum, and lilac.
Burmese cats are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them a great choice for first-time cat owners. They are generally very social and enjoy being around people, including children and other pets. Burmese cats follow their owners around the house and greet them at the door.
These cats love attention and will often seek out cuddles and lap time with their owners. They are also quite playful and enjoy interactive toys and games. Burmese cats are intelligent and can be easily trained, making them adaptable to various living situations.
6. Birman
Average lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Colors available: Seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, tortie, lynx
Birmans are friendly, adaptable, and suitable for first-time cat owners. They have semi-long fur that requires regular grooming.
As these cat breeds are playful and social, they thrive on attention and form strong bonds with their owners. Early socialization is vital, and routine veterinary care is essential for their well-being.
7. Tonkinese
Average Lifespan: 12 and 16 years
Colors available: Blue, champagne, platinum, natural, cinnamon, fawn, red, cream
Tonkinese cats are friendly and adaptable, making them a good choice for first-time cat owners. Their affectionate and outgoing nature allows them to bond with their human companions easily, and they are generally friendly with other pets and children.
These playful felines enjoy interactive activities and require attention to stay happy. While they have short, low-maintenance fur, routine veterinary care is essential for their overall health and well-being.
8. Bengal
Average lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Colors available: Brown, silver, snow, charcoal, blue, melanistic
Bengal cats are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, but their friendliness can vary from one individual to another. Generally, Bengal cats are affectionate and enjoy being with their human companions. They often form strong bonds with their owners and are known for their playful and energetic nature.
However, they are also highly intelligent and active, which means they require mental stimulation and interactive play to stay happy. Proper socialization and early training can help ensure a well-rounded and friendly Bengal cat.
9. Sphynx
Average lifespan: 12 and 16 years
Colors available: White, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, and tortoiseshell.
Sphynx cats tend to be highly social and enjoy being the center of attention. They crave human interaction and thrive on companionship. Their lack of fur means they seek warmth from human contact, making them more inclined to snuggle and cuddle with their owners.
Sphynx cats are often vocal and will "talk" to their owners, engaging in conversations and making their presence known. It's important to note that individual cat personalities can vary, so not all Sphynx cats will exhibit the same level of friendliness.
10. Russian Blue
Average lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Colors available: Light silver-gray to a deep slate blue-gray
Russian Blues tend to have a gentle and calm demeanor. They are known for their reserved yet affectionate nature, making them well-suited for families and individuals seeking a quiet, friendly companion.
They are not overly vocal, but they will communicate with their owners gently and understatedly, adding to their friendly and easygoing nature.
11. British Shorthair
Average lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Colors available: Blue, black, white, cream, cinnamon, fawn, chocolate, lilac, silver, golden, tortoiseshell, tabby, smoke, shaded.
British Shorthairs have a generally calm and easygoing nature, which makes them more inclined to be friendly and approachable. They are not typically high-strung or overly energetic, so they are more likely to be relaxed and friendly with both familiar faces and strangers.
The breed's friendly disposition may be attributed to its breeding history. British Shorthairs were originally bred in Britain as companion cats, so their temperament was selectively developed to be friendly and affectionate towards their human owners.
12. Persian
Average lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Colors available: White, black, cream, blue, red, chocolate, lilac, silver, golden, tortoiseshell, and bi-color.
Persian cats are known for being friendly as they have a calm and gentle temperament. They are typically very affectionate and enjoy being around people. Persian cats also tend to be good with children and other pets, making them great companions for families.
Additionally, their long, luxurious coats and striking appearance often make them popular pets, which may contribute to their friendly nature as they are often well-socialized from a young age.
13. Manx
Average lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Colors available: Black, white, tabby, tortoiseshell, and calico.
Manx cats typically have a gentle and easygoing temperament. They are known for their calm and laid-back nature, making them approachable and enjoyable to be around.
While Manx cats are generally easygoing, they also have a playful side. They enjoy interactive play and may engage in games with toys or laser pointers, which can be entertaining for first-time cat owners.
14. Exotic Shorthair
Average lifespan: 12-15 years
Colors available: White, black, blue, cream, red, silver, and tortoiseshell.
Exotic Shorthairs are typically affectionate and enjoy spending time with their owners. They often form strong bonds and are known for their loving nature.
These cats are generally patient and tolerant, which can benefit families with children or other pets. Exotic Shorthairs tend to adapt well to changes in their environment and are often open to meeting new people.
15. Siamese
Average lifespan: 12-15 years
Colors available: Seal point, blue point, chocolate point, lilac point.
Siamese cats are known for being highly sociable and affectionate. They enjoy human company and are often described as "people-oriented" cats. Their friendly nature makes them suitable for individuals who are new to cat ownership and looking for a companionable pet.
Siamese cats are intelligent and quick learners, making them relatively easy to train. They can quickly pick up tricks, litter box training, and other basic commands. This trainability can be helpful for first-time owners.
16. Siberian
Average lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Colors available: Tabby, solid, tortoiseshell, colorpoint, and silver.
Siberian cats are known for their affectionate and loving personalities. They often enjoy being close to their human companions, forming strong bonds, and offering affectionate gestures like head bumps and purring.
These cats are robust and resilient, often demonstrating good overall health and longevity, which can provide peace of mind to first-time cat owners. Moreover, they are not typically very vocal, which can be appreciated by those who prefer quieter pets.
17. Devon Rex
Average lifespan: 9 to 15 years
Colors available: Black, white, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, caramel, tabby patterns, pointed, tortoiseshell and calico.
Devon Rex cats are generally friendly and sociable, which can make them suitable for first-time cat owners. They are known for their gentle and easygoing temperament. They are typically calm and are not prone to aggression.
These cats are exceptionally loving and often seek physical closeness with their human family members. They are known for their tendency to snuggle, cuddle, and even sleep on or near their owners.