Many companies featured on Money advertise with us. Opinions are our own, but compensation and
in-depth research may determine where and how companies appear. Learn more about how we make money.

  1. Pets
  2. Pet Care

Nicest Cat Breeds

By: Víctor Rosario
Víctor Rosario, expert in Personal Finance, and Staff Writer at Money
Víctor Rosario
Staff Writer | Joined April 2024
Víctor Rosario is a Staff Writer at Money, where he writes and edits a wide range of topics related to personal finance. His work has been featured in publications like ConsumersAdvocate.org, the Miami Herald, the Sacramento Bee, and the Kansas City Star.
See full bio
Editor: José Omar Rodríguez
José Omar Rodríguez, expert in Personal Finance, Consumer Advocacy, Product Reviews, Company Reviews, and Content Manager at Money
José Omar Rodríguez
Content Manager | Joined April 2024
As an editor, José Omar specializes in personal finance topics and in-depth company reviews. He also writes The Money Section, a weekly newsletter highlighting the most important finance-related news.
See full bio
Published: Mar 20, 2024 3 min read

Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.AdAds by Money disclaimer
Embrace can help protect your furry friend with a policy that stays within your budget. Get a free quote today.

Cats have a reputation of being temperamental, not enjoying cuddles and generally being uptight. However, there are some affectionate cat breeds that play against type and have laid-back dispositions that enjoy snuggles.

Whether it’s current pet parents who are looking for a dog-like feline friend to add as a family member or cat lovers who are just researching a cuddly, docile option, friendly cat breeds are in big demand. Read on for our top picks for nicest cat breeds.

Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.AdAds by Money disclaimer
Protect your furry friend with Embrace Pet Insurance
Get up to 90% reimbursement on vet bills. Customized coverage is available. Select your state for a free quote.
HawaiiAlaskaFloridaSouth CarolinaGeorgiaAlabamaNorth CarolinaTennesseeRIRhode IslandCTConnecticutMAMassachusettsMaineNHNew HampshireVTVermontNew YorkNJNew JerseyDEDelawareMDMarylandWest VirginiaOhioMichiganArizonaNevadaUtahColoradoNew MexicoSouth DakotaIowaIndianaIllinoisMinnesotaWisconsinMissouriLouisianaVirginiaDCWashington DCIdahoCaliforniaNorth DakotaWashingtonOregonMontanaWyomingNebraskaKansasOklahomaPennsylvaniaKentuckyMississippiArkansasTexas
GET FREE QUOTE

Our top picks for nicest cat breeds

Maine Coon

Getty Images

Maine Coon cats are one of the most popular cat breeds. This long-haired feline has earned a reputation for being sweet natured and people-oriented. Maine coon cats are high-energy gentle giants that love playtime as much as they enjoy being the center of attention.

Ragdoll

Getty Images

Another extremely popular breed of cat, the ragdoll is more similar to certain dog breeds than to the average domestic cat. They love spending time with people and are usually very well-behaved lap cats. One of the friendliest cat breeds you’ll ever meet, ragdoll cats can be your best friend as much as a dog can.

Exotic Shorthair

Getty Images

Shorthair cats come in many varieties: American shorthair, British shorthair and Abyssinian, to name a few. However, exotic shorthair cats stand out from the pack for their quiet and gentle demeanor. Like the name ‘shorthair’ might suggest, this breed of cat has a short, dense coat that is easier to manage than their genetically similar counterpart, the Persian cat.

Siamese

Getty Images

The siamese cat is a highly energetic and interactive breed that’s known for its trademark blue eyes and distinctive profile. This chatty breed is often acquired in pairs in order for one to keep the other entertained for long periods of time. Expect a lot of meows and purrs from this breed as it is always the star of the show.

Sphynx

Getty Images

Bred to be hairless, sphynx cats are low-maintenance, hypoallergenic and bring minimum to no shedding to your household. For this reason and their calm demeanor, they happen to be one of the best cat breeds for people who don’t want some of the hassles that are usually associated with cats.

Birman

Getty Images

Birman cats are great family cats that have no problem interacting with other cats or being by themselves. As the legend goes, Birman cats originated in Burma and were the companions of Kittah priests, who shared a special spiritual bond with each cat that lived in their temple. With that kind of track record, you can depend on this breed to be peaceful.

Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.AdAds by Money disclaimer
The best pet deserves the best coverage
Get up to 90% reimbursement on vet bills with Embrace — quality coverage tailored to your pet’s needs. Get a quote now.
GET FREE QUOTE

Nicest cat breeds FAQs

What cat breed is the most cuddly?

chevron-down
chevron-up
Maine coon cats are fluffy, adorable cats that love to cuddle and socialize. Other long-haired cats with cuddly dispositions include ragdolls, Scottish fold cats and Siberian cats.

What breed of cat is the friendliest?

chevron-down
chevron-up
Sphynx cats are just one of the breeds known to be very friendly and are also known for being highly energetic and affectionate. They are usually compared to dogs in terms of behavior and demand a lot of attention from their owners.

Which cat breeds are known for being the most sociable and affectionate?

chevron-down
chevron-up
Contrary to popular belief, there are some cat breeds that are extremely sociable and affectionate when it comes to interacting with people and even other cats. Some of the cat breeds that fall under this category include Maine coons, ragdolls and Siamese cats.

Get expert advice on personal finance matters. Chat now.