You may have heard this proverb about dogs: dogs are human best friends. Cats are the second most sought-after pet throughout the globe after dogs; still, they have not got any badge like “human’s best friend” or something like that. Rather cats are known for their independent, unwelcoming, self-sufficient, or ambivalent nature.
Though such notions are nothing more than stereotypes, much scientific data shows that cats develop strong bonds with their human companions, just like dogs or kids. However, instinctively cats are not as expressive as dogs and know for concealing their emotions, love (and even pain).
Though all cats are lovely, friendly, and affectionate, some cat breeds are more social, playful, caring, and expressive than others.
For the feline fanciers considering adopting a more sociable, friendly, and playful cat, we have covered some “Friendliest Cat Breeds” in this post. We hope this post will be helpful for you in finding the right companion.
Persians
If someone asks for an ultimate lap cat, the first name that comes to mind is “Persian.” Undoubtedly, Persian cats are renowned throughout the globe for their long fluffy coat, cute personalities, and mannerisms.
By nature, Persian cats are sweet, cool, well-behaved, calm, love to cuddle, playful, and always ready to jump in your lap. The Persian cats are usually not high maintenance, except they need regular brushing to avoid matting their long hairs.
Maine Coon
The gentle giants of the feline world are named so because of their relatively larger size than other cats (generally weighing up to 13 kgs). Maine coons are unique in that they have efficiently balanced their personality between their independent nature and being friendly and playful for their human companions.
These cats are usually a good option for families (especially with kids). Though Maine coons are not a genuine lap breed (due to their larger size), if you want, they will not mind sitting in your lap and enjoying being petted.
Another unique trait of Maine Coon cats is that they have a high IQ and can learn to respond to basic commands, and they need a lot of toys to be busy to avoid boredom. In addition, these cats may require more frequent brushing due to their long, shiny fur.
Exotic Shorthair
Keeping exotic short hair is a lovely experience due to their sweet, kind, and friendly personalities. These cats are a bit like Persian cats other than the fur (shorter than Persian cats).
Exotic shorthair cats are also called “lazy man’s Persian cats” because they look like Persian but need less frequent grooming or brushing due to their small fur size. These cats are known for not making too much noise; they only occasionally make high-pitched or whisper meows.
Siamese
The Siamese is for you if you are looking for a high-energy classic ‘people’s’ cat. These cats are highly social, playful, and active and like to spend time with all family members. In addition, The Siamese are known for their majestic stature and soulful blue eyes.
Siamese is attention seekers and very vocal felines than most cat breeds. They will continue making various sounds to attract your attention if you ignore them. However, despite their extroverted nature, Siamese cats may take some time to get familiar with strangers.
Scottish Fold
Know globally for their distinctive folded ears and odd poses, the Scottish folds are not only friendly, gorgeous, affectionate, and loving, they are highly adaptive. Due to their adaptive nature, they quickly become familiar with their new human friends and new environment.
These cats don’t like being left alone and prefer to be with their human friends all the time. Scottish fold is also a fabulous feline to adopt, even if you already have one or more cats (or even dogs) at home, because they will adapt quickly.
Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex, a breed belonging to Cornwell, England, is a highly active, social, playful, and friendly member of the canine community. Its characteristic features are a soft coat, broader ears (resembling a bat’s ear), petite stature, and big eyes.
Cornish Rex is not only an ideal breed for families, but it also goes great with dogs and other pets. Being an athletic feline, they need 20-30 minutes of play and exercise regularly, so if you can cope with their energy level, it’s fun to have a cat like Cornish Rex.
Devon Rex
Devon Rex resembles Cornish Rex and shares many personality traits, like being highly social and energetic, playing games, and looking for attention all the time. So it’s suitable for those with enough time to play with him daily.
If you don’t pay attention or don’t provide enough opportunities to make him tired and burn enough calories, they will become mischievous and will find ways to get rid of boredom that you may not like.
Ragdoll
Ragdoll is a perfect example of how strongly cats bond with humans. It will follow you everywhere in the house and run to meet you at the door when you return home from the office.
These cats are sweet, calm, like to sit in your lap, and superb felines to adopt for those living in small apartments or families with kids and grandparents.
Abyssinian
Abyssinian cats are centuries-old members of the feline community of the Egyptian era and are liked for their docile, calm, loving, and loyal personalities.
Since they are high-energy cats, they don’t make good lap cats; they are active and playful and enjoy playing with their owners.
Birman
As the name indicates, this member of the feline community belongs to Burma. Birman cats are a well-balanced mixer of active, playful, calm, and relaxed traits. Birman cats are gentle and patient enough to make a great playmates for kids.
These cats are good with humans as well as other pets in the house. Generally, these blue-eyed and sweet-natured cats are easy to keep than most cat breeds.
Burmese
Burmese is another highly active, polite, and confident cat breed that loves cuddling and will not leave you alone at any time. They will join you everywhere, in the kitchen, on the roof, at the laundry, watching TV, or doing office work at the table. These adorable cats are a good option for multi-pet families.
Sphynx
Sphynx are hairless members of the feline family. They may look a bit strange to most people due to their hairless skin, but Sphynx is one of the most social, friendly, and affectionate cats and make an excellent pet.
Despite many positives (like being active, loving, loyal, and highly social), Sphynx is high-maintenance felines due to their hairless skin.
Conclusion
So, what breed of cat do you have at home? Let us know in the comments. We’re curious to see if your feline friend is one of the friendliest breeds out there.
Remember, all cats are different; some may be more approachable than others. But we hope this article has helped you understand which breeds are typically more social and friendly towards people. And don’t forget – even if your cat doesn’t fall into any of these categories, they can still be a loving member of your family!
My Maine Coon is everything you said but also follows me everywhere. She’s very vocal like she’s trying to talk to me but her meow is very low and sweet. She is a runt so is small enough to always want to sit in my lap. She comes to her name and hates me to go away. She is very intelligent. Loves to chase pidgons on my patio from the window. She will spend hours watching them.
We have two Burmese girls, unbelievably chatty, demanding and needy, we love them to bits!