Best Cat Breeds For Kids – The Ultimate Guide

Are you looking for a furry companion for your little one but not sure where to start? Cats can make excellent companions for children, offering endless hours of play, snuggles, and love. With so many cat breeds to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the right fit for your family. But fear not! That’s why we’ve done the research and gathered a list of the 10 best cat breeds for kids that are guaranteed to steal your kids’ hearts (and yours). From loyal lap cats to energetic playmates, get ready to meet some of the most charming, loving, and adorable feline friends.

What cat personality traits should you look for when choosing a cat for kids?

The personality traits that a cat should possess that make it good company for children are: 

• to tolerate loud noises and sudden movements
• not be territorial 
• like to be held and petted without biting or clawing
• sociable and adaptable.

Such a cat can fit seamlessly into your family’s daily routine, build a strong bond with your children, and will become their best furry companion. 

Hold on to your whiskers! While the cat breeds we’ve rounded up have all the essential traits for being great with kids, keep in mind that every cat is unique and its personality can vary even within its breed. 

So before you make any hasty decisions, be sure to spend some quality time with your prospective kitty to ensure they’ll be a perfect fit for your family and lifestyle. Don’t forget that adopting a cat is a lifelong commitment – take the time to find your purr-fect match!

10 best cat breeds for kids

Maine Coon

These lovable kitties are big, affectionate, and just can’t get enough of kiddos. Meet the Main Coon, the gentle giant of the cat world. With its perfect coat for snuggling, this breed is a natural choice for families looking for a cuddly companion. Sure, they may require a little extra grooming, but the payoff is worth it! These outgoing and independent cats are playful, kind, and love spending time with people – especially children. And their size means they’re not afraid to be picked up and held by little hands.

Siamese 

Hey, did Disney’s “101 Dalmatians” movie about mean Siamese cats fool you? Well, it’s time to think about it! These fur babies may be mischievous, but they will bring endless fun and love into your life. They are extremely intelligent and can be easily trained. Siamese kittens have energy for days and are always ready to play. Plus, their talkativeness means you’ll never have to worry about running out of conversation topics.

British Shorthair

Hey there, parents! Are you worried that your children’s enthusiastic petting might scare your feline friend? Say hello to the purr-fect solution – the British Shorthair cat! With their calm and patient nature, these kitties are the ideal addition to any family with rambunctious kiddos. Unlike some grumpy cats who might hiss and scratch at every little thing, British Shorthairs are calm and can handle all the playful antics your kids can dish out. Plus, they’ll quickly become BFFs with your little ones in no time!

Manx

Stop worrying about your kid pulling on a cat’s tail! Say hello to the Manx, the tailless wonder of the feline world. The Manx is a fun-loving furball that enjoys playing fetch, jumping around, and climbing high up, without being too hyperactive. These affectionate and friendly felines are sweet-tempered and love to spend time with their human buddies. Get ready for some purr-fect family fun with the Manx!

Ragdoll 

Looking for a furry friend who will snuggle up with your kids as they do their homework? Look no further. Meet the Ragdoll, the ultimate purring bundle of love! The Ragdoll loves to stretch out and be carried around just like a floppy ragdoll. No wonder kids adore them! With their gentle and loving nature, these furry pals make the ideal companions for children, especially younger ones. They’ll happily snuggle up with your kids, but they’re not clingy or needy. 

Cornish Rex

Get ready for a cat-tastic adventure with the curious and playful Cornish Rex! This active breed loves to explore and is always up for some feline antics. They make purr-fect family pets because they love to entertain with their tricks and thrive on attention. The Cornish Rex is so dog-like, they’ll happily learn to play fetch with you! These kitties love to express themselves through their meows and purrs, so get ready for some lively conversation!

Birman

With their easy-going, gentle, and curious nature, Birman cats are sure to steal your heart. They love attention, but won’t pester you for it – they’re happy to lounge around the house with other pets, taking life at a relaxed pace.

But don’t let their laid-back demeanor fool you – Birman cats are still plenty playful! They love romping around with other pets and can adapt to any type of home. And if you have kids, they make the ideal companions. These easy-to-handle cats have gentle temperaments and are always up for a good play session. Plus, they’re super smart and can even be trained to walk on a leash!

Burmese

Burmese cats are perfect for families with children, thanks to their friendly, playful, and affectionate nature. 

These cats are happy to fit in with your busy lifestyle and will be patient with your little ones. They’ll follow you around the house or curl up on your lap for some quality snuggle time. Plus, they’re low maintenance when it comes to grooming, so you can focus on taking care of your kids (and yourself!) without worrying about a high-maintenance pet. What more could you ask for?

Abyssinian

Abyssinians are not just a playful and affectionate breed, they’re a whole lot of fun too! With their endless energy, they’re the perfect companions for older children who are always on the go. These curious cats love to climb and jump up high, so get ready for some high-flying entertainment! And the best part? They’re super smart, so you can even teach them some tricks! While they may not be the biggest fans of cuddles, they’ll stick by your side as loyal companions. And let’s not forget their sleek short coats, which make them a breeze to maintain. 

Ragamuffin 

The Ragamuffins are just giant balls of love, waiting for you to give them a warm lap to curl up on. And if you know a kid who’s struggling with anxiety or just needs a furry friend to snuggle with, these cats are the perfect comforting companions.

How to choose a kid-friendly cat from the local shelter?

Although this list offers guidance on cat temperaments by breed, keep in mind that tons of wonderful cats are also available at local shelters, waiting for their forever homes. Even if you don’t know a cat’s breed, you can still get a sense of its personality while you and your kids visit the shelter.

Look for a cat who approaches your kids readily and shows lots of affection (bonus points for purring!). And of course, make sure the cat doesn’t nip or scratch when handled.

But don’t just stop there – handle the cat yourself and give her a good petting all over to make sure she’s not a biter. And keep an eye out for any signs of skittishness or hiding – if the cat cringes at loud noises or hides in a corner, she might not be the best choice for a rowdy family.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best cat breed for kids, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a playful and energetic companion or a calm and gentle lap cat, there’s a furry friend out there for every family.