10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds

Written by
Lauren Murphy
Lauren Murphy is a freelance writer and photography enthusiast who loves to create. She’s written about a variety of subjects, including crafts and pets.
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Lauren Murphy
Published 06/02/20
A large gray cat with pointed ears looking at the camera.

  Alexandra Jursova / Getty Images

So, you’re looking for your next furry, four-legged pet. First things first—do you want a cat or a dog? It’s a big question, and plenty of arguments can be made for both. A common argument used against cats is that they just aren’t all that affectionate. People say dogs, on the other hand, are always absolute love bugs. Actually, the truth may lie somewhere in the middle. While some felines could care less about their owners, others absolutely love social interaction with their favorite humans.

Here are 10 affectionate cat breeds for those who want a day-and-night cuddler.

Tip

Affectionate cats often have high social needs. Cat owners often love spending time socializing with their feline friends, but sometimes, it’s not welcome (like if you’re working from home). Always have an interactive cat toy at the ready to keep them entertained while you’re busy. The best toys to buy are ones they can utilize themselves.

  • 01 of 10

    Ragdoll

    A long-haired white and tan cat with blue eyes looking at the camera standing in front of white curtains.

    Alex Barlow / Getty Images

    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.

    Breed Overview

    Length: 17 to 21 inches

    Weight: 10 to 20 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Plush coat; dazzling blue eyes; light-colored body with a darker face, legs, tail, and ears; large, broad head; rounded muzzle; medium-size ears; coat patterns include bi-color, van, mitted, and colorpoint; coat colors include seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream

  • 02 of 10

    Scottish Fold

    A grey striped cat with ears folded forward laying on the couch.

    Brian Lusby / Getty Images

    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.

    Breed Overview

    Length: 14 to 16 inches

    Weight: 6 to 14 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Ears folded forward and downward; medium-size body; bred to have a white coat but can be seen in a variety of colors; can have short or relatively long hair

  • 03 of 10

    Sphynx

    A hairless Sphynx cat laying on a bed looking at the camera while upside down.

    Cavan Images / Getty Images

    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.

    Breed Overview

    Length: 13 to 15 inches

    Weight: 10 to 12 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Medium to large size body; muscular and heavy; typically hairless with varying skin colors; large ears; round, wide-set eyes

  • 04 of 10

    Maine Coon

    A large gray cat with pointed ears looking at the camera.

    Alexandra Jursova / Getty Images

    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.

    Breed Overview

    Length: Up to 14 inches

    Weight: 6 to 14 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Medium-sized with long, tapered legs, the Siamese cat can be described as graceful; coat can come in seal, blue, lilac, and chocolate with points around the face, ears, paws, and tail

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Persian

    An orange cat with a smushed face sprawled out on a chair.

    Photo by Rafa Elias / Getty Images

    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.

    Breed Overview

    Length: 14 to 18 inches

    Weight: 9 to 13 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Medium size body; sweet facial expression; long, silky coat that comes in a wide variety of colors including black, blue, cream, and gray; short muzzle; large, round head; small ears; short tail

  • 06 of 10

    Siamese

    A Siamese cat with a dark face and blue eyes standing in front of a teal wall.

    Laura Drake / EyeEm / Getty Images 

    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.

    Breed Overview

    Length: 11.5 to 14 inches

    Weight: 8 to 10 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Slim body; sharp blue eyes; lighter-colored body with dark spots on face, ears, tail, and feet; muscular body; wedge-shaped head; long, thin tail

  • 07 of 10

    Bombay

    A small black cat with large eyes staring at the camera while sitting on a planter.

    Ed-Ni-Photo / Getty Images

    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.

    Breed Overview

    Length: 13 to 20 inches

    Weight: 6 to 11 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Usually have a solid black coat; medium size, muscular body; large, copper eyes; short, sleek coat; rounded head; medium-length tail

  • 08 of 10

    Tonkinese

    A cat with perked ears, blue eyes, and a dark face sitting in front of a couch.

    igorcorovic / Getty Images

    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.

    Breed Overview

    Length: Up to 14 inches

    Weight: 6 to 14 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Medium-sized with long, tapered legs, the Siamese cat can be described as graceful; coat can come in seal, blue, lilac, and chocolate with points around the face, ears, paws, and tail

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    American Shorthair

    A grey, striped cat with green eyes rolling on its side.

    skaman306 / Getty Images

    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.

    Breed Overview

    Length: 12 to 15 inches

    Weight: 10 to 15 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Muscular body; soft, short coat; medium size, wedge-shaped head; green, almond-shaped eyes; coat colors include mink, blue, and brown; often have light-colored bodies with darker spots on ears, face, feet, and tail

  • 10 of 10

    Birman

    A long-haired cat with a black face and blue eyes sitting on a windowsill.

    Nico De Pasquale Photography / Getty Images

    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.

    Breed Overview

    Length: Up to 14 inches

    Weight: 6 to 14 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Long, silky coat; colors include blue, brown, seal, red, cream, cinnamon, lilac, and fawn; patterns include pointed and mitted; striking blue eyes; long body; triangular head; medium-sized ears; distinct markings, including white feet