10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds

Bred to be affectionate companions, Ragdoll cats are ideal for soon-to-be pet owners who are looking for a lovable and relatively low-maintenance animal. Ragdolls are known to follow their humans from room to room, greet them after a long day out of the house, and even play games like fetch. To boot, Ragdoll cats are extremely friendly around children and other pets. You couldn’t find a better furry friend to add to your family.

With this breed, it’s all about the ears. A random mutation happened naturally as the breed emerged—cats developed a gene that caused their ears to fold forward. Soon enough, the cats were recognized for their unique look and breeders began breeding Scottish Folds specifically for that trait. But their ears aren’t the only unique thing about them. Scottish Fold cats are very affectionate and social felines. They don’t love being left alone, so if you’re a working professional, this may not be the breed for you. But if you have time to love your cat unconditionally, you’ve found your match.

Because Sphynx cats have no hair, they are generally cold. That prompts them to find sources of heat. Do you see where we’re going with this? Sphynxes love humans, especially because of their body heat. Some people say that owning a Sphynx is like owning a living, breathing hot water bottle. They’re known to cuddle with you beneath the covers at night and fix themselves on your lap during the day.

Main Coons are considered native to America. Their history is mysterious, but some believe this breed is a cross between a domestic cat and a raccoon, giving them their name. But historians say it’s difficult to tell whether this theory is true or not. But one thing's for sure—this large cat breed is a true family member. They are affectionate towards people of all ages and they love being involved in all family happenings, whether that means lounging on the couch or sitting at the table for dinner. Besides their affectionate personalities, Maine Coon cats are noted for their hunting skills and high intelligence.

As one of the most popular cat breeds in North America, the Persian has a lot to live up to. They do so with ease. Persian cats not only look beautiful (hello, flowy coat), they also have a calm and affectionate temperament. Persians are not very energetic. They are happy lounging on the couch and getting pets from their humans. Persians are often portrayed in movies as the prissy, high-maintenance fur balls fit for royalty.

If you decide to bring a Siamese cat into your life, prepare to have long conversations. This breed is exceptionally social and tends to vocalize often. Siamese cats have a distinct look, showing off pale tan fur on their body with sharp black areas on their face, paws, ears, and tail. And their pale blue eyes are quite striking. Throughout history, this look has given them an edge that helped them gain popularity among cat-lovers across the world. Their affectionate personalities didn’t hurt either.

This breed is still relatively rare in North America, but it has a dedicated following. Bombay owners love the fact that these cats are so loving and people-oriented. They have good looks, too, which makes them stand out among some other breeds. Bombay cats have a sleek, black coat and stunning copper eyes. Once you meet a clever, cute and cuddly Bombay, you’ll be hooked.

Breeders wanted to create a loving, affectionate cat breed that was intelligent and a little less vocal than the Siamese cat. Thus, the Tonkinese was established by crossing the Siamese and Burmese breeds to get the best characteristics of both. Affectionately known as Tonks, these cats love their humans. They are known for being friendly, active, and exceptionally affectionate. They absolutely love attention. In fact, they will demand it.

If someone mentions “housecat,” you likely imagine an American Shorthair. They are extremely common pets in North America, largely due to their affectionate personality and distinct coats that come in a wide variety of colors. American Shorthairs are exceptionally adaptable, which makes them great pets for families with growing kids or those who are routinely on the move. The American Shorthair loves attention and loves to be held, but unlike other breeds, they do not demand it. They are always happy to lay perched in the sun when you don’t have time to give them love.

Birman cats are absolutely stunning. While showing off piercing, blue eyes and a silky long coat, Birmans exude elegance. Like the American Shorthair, this breed loves to be around people and is highly adaptable to any type of home. Birmans are friendly with anyone and everything, including other pets. They like companions to play with and love on, no matter their breed.