Best breeds for your first cat
With so many cats to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. But some breeds of cats are particularly well suited to first-time owners thanks to their easygoing, calm, and loving nature.
The American Shorthair will love your company without overly demanding your time and attention, and many will tolerate children and other pets. While the Birman is a quiet breed known for being extremely gentle and affectionate, they have a high level of patience, making them perfect for a family environment.
The Cornish Rex is a playful companion who is highly adaptable and will happily live in a house with children and dogs. The Maine Coon is the gentle giant of the cat world, with a huge heart and a dependable nature; they make the perfect playmate for children.
Persian cats are remarkably calm and pretty low maintenance; they will mostly laze around with short playtime bursts. In contrast, the Ragdoll is a quiet breed that will happily play with you when prompted. And the Scottish Fold is a quirky and intelligent feline who is affectionate and adaptable to many different living conditions.
Most playful breeds
Thanks to their playful energy and mischievous nature, people often refer to the Abyssinian as the “clown of the cat world.” They have an impressive ability, and sharp mind and are a breed that will charm you.
One of the most playful cat breeds is the Japanese Bobtail, with its playful nature and energetic spirit. The Bobtail is the perfect kitty for families looking for a soccer or fetch companion.
Another exceptionally active cat is the Bengal. This mini leopard is curious, agile, and constantly on the move. If you get a Bengal, prepare yourself for plenty of high-energy adventures.
Munchkins are a friendly and playful breed that maintains a lifelong curiosity and playful nature. When you let a Munchkin into your home, no corner will go unexplored. While the Turkish Angora is a happy and playful breed, who will love to engage in all of your daily habits.
Other playful breeds include the Siamese, Manx, Siberian Forest, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Ocicat, and Turkish Van.
Best with children
Having a cat in the house is a great way to teach your children vital social skills such as patience and responsibility. And they make a great first-time pet thanks to their low-maintenance needs.
Thanks to its loyal and affectionate nature, the Abyssinian is a great companion for children. Their dynamic personalities will keep your kids entertained for hours, and they are intelligent enough to learn some tricks. Burmese cats are also well adjusted to a busy house and lifestyle and will love playing fetch-style games with children.
Ragdoll cats are so named for their ability to go limp when picked up; this gentle temperament makes them perfect companions for children. Similarly, the Maine Coon may be one of the largest cat breeds, but it also has one of the largest hearts and is incredibly soft and patient with children.
A Siamese cat is the perfect partner in crime for a mischievous child, and the pair can easily entertain each other with their intrigue and playfulness.
Other child-friendly cats include the Persian, Bengal, Himalayan, Manx, Ragamuffin, British Shorthair, Scottish Fold and Siberian.
Cat breeds on outdoor environment
If you live on a farm or homestead, you may want a cat who can double up as pest control. In addition, some breeds need outdoor space for their well-being.
Domestic and wild breed crosses such as the Bengal or Savannah cat need plenty of outdoor stimulation to satisfy the wild traits of their personality. They are excellent hunters with athletic and agile bodies who will thrive on time spent in their natural outdoor habitat.
The American Wirehair is another breed particularly well adapted to outdoor living thanks to its unusual coat that resembles a sheep’s wool. This breed is well suited for farm life, with a robust and muscular body that makes it the perfect hunter.
Chausie cats are impressive in size and can grow up to 25 pounds. In addition, they have remarkable agility, making them excellent hunters, while they are gentle and loving towards their owners.
The Maine Coon is another of the largest domestic cat species and is perfectly built for a life outdoors. They have a double layer coat to prevent them from the outdoor elements and a muscular body to aid their athletic pursuits.