20 Cat Breeds With the Best Personalities

Cats are individuals as much as people are and every cat will have their own distinct personality. Having said this, some breeds are genetically hardwired with definite predispositions when it comes to temperament. Some are fickle or aloof, and others may be instinctively wary of strangers or other animals.

When you’re considering the adoption of a cat, it’s important to take into consideration the type of personality that you’re hoping for, and go with a breed that is most likely to fit in with your family and your lifestyle. Some breeds are more inclined towards friendliness, affection and patience than others. Here are 20 cat breeds that are known for having the best personalities for your consideration.

1. Exotic Shorthair

The exotic shorthair is one of the best breeds to choose when you’re looking for a cat that will love to sit on your lap and cuddle. They make excellent companion cats for people who either live alone, or for families with calmer children who will give them love and affection. Exotic shorthairs are friendly cats who love to show affection.

They are also inquisitive and bond with their owners quickly. This cat will follow you wherever you go to find out what you’re up to. Don’t be alarmed if your cat takes a little while to warm up to children in the house, or strangers. They don’t like to be around a lot of noise or activity, but they do fine with children who are well behaved. If you live in a house that tends to be noisy or filled with rowdy inhabitants, this breed may not be the best choice, but its perfect for singles, couples or even families who live their home lives on side of being low key.

2. Abyssinian

We followed up on the exotic shorthair with the Abyssinian because, unlike the shorthair, this breed thoroughly enjoys living in an active house. By nature they are highly active. They are fond of playing games and have a high level of intelligence. While this breed isn’t going to be your lap kitty, they are affectionate and friendly. They love interacting with kids, adults and whoever will play a game with them. They tend to get along well with children and other animals. This cat will become your best friend if you’ll play a game with him. Abyssinians can also learn a trick or two because they’re really smart and easy to train.

3. Persian

Persians are related to exotic shorthairs, and this is where they get their fondness for sitting in your lap and cuddling. Persians are gentle cats and they don’t like rough handling or rowdy play. They are extremely affectionate when you make the first move. This is not an active cat but they do like to be among people, but if things become too loud or rambunctious, they will retreat into a calmer location, Be prepared to groom your Persian regularly because they do shed a lot. This is a cat with a friendly and laid back personality that does best with singles or couples and fairly well in households with calm children.

4. Russian Blue

Russian Blue cats have a big time tendency to assess the room before they enter. They are thinkers who like to know what they may be getting themselves into. If they’re new to the house, give them a little space to get to know you. Once they know you, they are loving and affectionate cats. In fact this cat will follow you around the house wherever you go. They truly love to play and Russian Blues will become your constant companions. You’ll soon discover how much they love sharing a bed with you. Your bed will become their bed. They form strong bonds with their loved one, but if you have a party going one, they’ll sit back and scan the room before joining in.

5. Burmese

Burmese are definitely people oriented. They actively seek out the attention of their owners and do so in a demanding manner that is so loaded with charm that they’re difficult to resist. Burmese are big talkers. They will sit on your lap for long periods of time and carry on a conversation with you. If you stop rubbing or scratching, they may verbally send you the message that they’d like a little more. Burmese are not shy cats and when you have guests, they will welcome these potential new friends and invite them in for a cuddle. These highly affectionate cats do the best when they are in the company of humans and other animals on a regular basis. If you’re a homebody or at least have other house pets such as a friendly dog or another cat, a Burmese will be right at home and highly content.

6. Siamese Cats

Siamese cats are much like the Burmese in that they are loving cats who crave the attention of their owners. They enjoy being at the center of what’s going on. When they’re not sitting in your lap getting cuddles and a little play time in, they’re following you around the house or yard, being nosy. They are highly curious cats who poke their nose directly into your business.

They have an adorable way of interjecting themselves into whatever is going on. You’ll have an assistant for whatever task you’re doing, even if it’s going to the bathroom or taking a shower. They get along with most people of all ages. They don’t mind a little rowdiness and may even join in. Siamese are known for their dog like temperaments. They are very smart cats who enjoy playing a game of fetch and will even tolerate a leash for going on walks with you.

7. Somali

Somalis are fun-loving cats that are very active. They truly love getting attention from their owners and they sometimes find animated ways of doing so. Somalis like to be in the company of people. They view every new person as a potential play mate. This highly intelligent breed also has a powerful store of energy so they require a lot of daily exercise.

They are easy to train and enjoy playing games that require thought before action. Somalis love to solve puzzles and they have an eagerness to play, and it doesn’t really matter who it is with. This extremely outgoing breed enjoys being the center of attention and will keep you entertained, but they don’t like to share their thunder with other animals, so this makes them a great choice if you want a cat with a big personality, but only want one household pet.

8. Ragdoll

Ragdolls are appropriately named because when you give them the attention that they desire, their entire bodies go limp. This sends them into a LaLa land of sheer ecstasy. This is a highly affectionate breed that is quick to form strong bonds with their owners. They’re not really into going out exploring on their own, but they do take an active interest in what their owners are doing. A ragdoll will follow you around the house from room to room and keep an eye on you wherever you go.

They stay close so there are no missed opportunities for giving and receiving affection. They are laid back and innocent cats who are not prone to mischief. When you give them a little training and the affection that they crave, ragdolls are content to lie around, playing now and then, but they’re not usually rowdy cats. They’re attention seekers who will do it in a laid back way, using their big eyes and a faint and barely audible “Mew” to get your attention. You won’t feel lonely if you own a ragdoll cat.

9. Birman

Birmans are among the most affectionate cats on the planet, but they are also extremely playful. They bond quickly with their owners and become attached very quickly. They are highly adaptable so whether you live in a sprawling mansion or a tiny apartment, your Birman will make himself at home. This breed is one that is prone to high activity phases.

They love to play games with children and wear themselves out being entertainers, as well as being entertained by you. When they’ve exhausted their moderate energy stores, they love nothing more than settling into your lap for a good cuddle. They may enjoy being active in play, but they are also definite lap cats. This breed has the ability to be independent for a while, entertaining themselves, but when they’re ready for some affection, they will seek you out and let you know it’s time for a little love. Birmans are good around children, other pets and around new people. They are flexible cats who develop well-rounded personalities in a loving environment.

10. Manx

Manx is a tailless breed that makes a spectacularly novel figure, but the lack of a tail has nothing to do with their social abilities. Manx are an intelligent cat breed who will quickly throw themselves into the fray at a social gathering. They absolutely love playing games and getting in on the action. They are somewhat like a dog in their temperament because they love playing games of fetch and are excited about getting a new toy and checking out all its possibilities.

They are a talkative breed and will go back and forth with you as if carrying on a regular conversation. They have their own language, but somehow, you just seem to know what they’re getting at when they talk. It’s not very difficult to gain the trust of a Manx, but once you have it, you’ll need to protect it. These are loyal cats that are completely devoted to their owners. Although they’d rather be joining in on a little fun and action, they will jump into your lap for some cuddling from time to time.

11. Maine Coon

Maine coons are one of the friendliest cat breeds around. They have a remarkable ability to get along with just about any person of any age, or other household animals. They adapt very well to changes and are suitable for city living or for living in the country. Small or large home, it doesn’t matter, as long as you love them and are willing to share in some lap time for cuddling throughout the day. Maine coons are smart cats who enjoy playing, but they are calm enough to make amazing travelling companions. They are easy to leash train and will go out on a walk with you, and be content to sit quietly in your lap when it’s time to settle down in the evening.

12. Sphynx

Sphynx are a unique cat breed that are hairless and have a quite novel appearance. Most Sphynx are friendly and affectionate cats with sweet and gentle personalities. They love cuddling because the additional warmth feels good to them because of their lack of a warm coat. They also crave the attention of their owners. They don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.

If you’re busing doing chores around the house, your Sphynx is likely to be your shadow. Don’t be surprised at all if your Sphynx does some off the wall things to get your attention. They like to stay engaged with their owners and if you’re not giving them the attention that they think they deserve, they’re going to find a way to get it. Not usually mischievous cats, they are creative in their approaches for getting attention, and sometimes they slip and commit a no-no.

13. Devon Rex

You can spot a Devon Rex by its wide eyes and curly fur. This breed is a real people lover. He loves to spend his time with you, when you’re around. It’s okay if you work outside of the home because he’ll walk you to the door on your way out, and be there to greet you at the end of the day. This highly affectionate cat is also very good natured and patient. He won’t be upset and tear things up while you’re gone. H’es not by nature a mischievous cat at all. He’s happy enough, even if he’s alone in the house all day. He’ll find things to occupy his time until you return, but he’ll make sure that you know how much he loves you when you get home.

14. Ragamuffin

The ragamuffin cat breed is a close relative of the ragdoll. They are among the most patient of all cats and they tend to have a happy and calm temperament. They are highly sociable cats that like to follow you around the house when you’re too busy to hold them. They are amazing lap cats and this is one of their favorite activities, but they’ll setting for being your shadow for a while. These incredibly patient cats dearly love children and they tolerate them very well. When children are actively playing with them, it’s okay. They enjoy the attention, and are willing to put up with a lot. Ragamuffins are amazing house pets for families with children.

15. Chartreux

Chartreux are a breed that will be anyone’s friend. They are genuinely nice cats who are exceptionally friendly to people and other animals as well. They love kids and dogs and will play with them all equally. It’s hard to find a person that this cat doesn’t like and won’t at least give a chance. They actually look like they’re smiling.

These highly adaptable cats are smart and like playing games with you. It doesn’t matter where you live as long as you shower them with love and affection, because they’ll do the same for you. These cats are best suited to households who have a person or animal around all the time because they crave companionship. They enjoy spending lap time and will purr you to sleep in the evening when the house is quiet and calm.

16. American Shorthair

American shorthair cats are a highly adaptable breed that is friendly and eager to please their family members. They are constantly on the lookout for attention, whether it’s a scratch on the head, an interactive game, or little lap time and cuddling. They are not an overly demanding cat, but they do make themselves available in case you have a little extra time to spend with them. They’re not particularly mischievous so you won’t need to worry about passive aggressive behaviors if you’re gone during the day. They’ll be waiting for you when you arrive back home and the two of you can pick up where you left off.

17. Munchkin

Munchkin cats are a friendly breed that is outgoing and happy to make a new acquaintance. They are energetic and well suited for families with children. They like to play with children and are tolerant of a little rough behavior. They also enjoy playing with other cats and even with the family dog. Munchkin cats are constantly on the move. They are smart end easy to teach new tricks. They also enjoy playing with puzzle toys. This can be helpful when you want to keep them distracted when you’re at out the house and they’re left alone for several hours.

18. Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds are a breed that is known for its tremendous curiosity. They are very friendly and have outgoing personalities. They form fast and strong bonds with their owners and like to maintain a close proximity to you wherever you are. If you own a Scottish fold, you will acquire a new shadow that will follow you from one room to another, just to keep tabs on where you’re at.

You might even say that a Scottish fold’s curiosity spills over into the territory of being nosy. They like to see what you’re doing and will frequently offer to lend a helping paw. They love to play and are very good at using their paws. They are known for their amazing dexterity and can even open cabinets so they can explore the inside. If you’re careful to give your Scottish fold lots of attention and affection while you’re with him, he is less likely to do something naughty while you’re gone. In the same regard, keep papers and tissues put up and out of his reach, just in case.

19. Tonkinese cats

Tonkinese cats are a combination of Burmese and Siamese breeds. They are one of the most affectionate cat breeds and they love to be the center of attention. These extremely friendly cats bond fast with their owners and they truly enjoy being a lap cat and getting tons of hugs and cuddles. Once a Tonkinese has bonded with you, it becomes your new shadow. When you’re not cuddling or playing with him, he’ll follow you all over the house and even around the yard. If you take a few moments to recline in your easy chair, he’ll jump on your lap. If there isn’t room on your lap, he’ll jump onto your shoulder and make a comfortable perch there. His big thing is spending time with you, regardless of what it is that you’re doing.

20. Balinese

The Balinese cat is playful and intelligent. These cats are highly active and if there isn’t something constructive for them to do, there is a high likelihood that they will do something on that he knows he shouldn’t do. A bored Balinese is a very bad thing. It’s good to supply him with lots of fun toys and especially puzzle toys. When you’re home, he’s among the neediest cat breeds in existence. Because they are so smart, they are easy to leash train and enjoy going on walks with you.

What this cat really wants is to first and foremost, get lots of attention from you. The second most important thing is to have something fun to do that keeps his highly active mind distracted from less desirable behaviors. Overall, the Balinese is a cat that has an amazing personality, but he can be a stinker from time to time. This is one of the best breeds to have if you’re a homebody ad you have time to devote to a house pet.

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• 20 Cat Breeds Perfect for Cold Weather