When it comes to owning a cat, there are several types and breeds that make for affectionate companions. While there are some types that like to cuddle and give kitty kisses, others tend to be independent and like to do their own thing. For this reason alone, some cats might not be so popular with kids and family members. Regardless of the type and breed of the cat, a cat’s attitude has a lot to do with its background and raising.
If you allowed the cat to socialize and play while they were young, chances are that it will grow up to have a very friendly personality. However, if it was kept isolated, then it is most likely to have any annoying attitude. Furthermore, you should also consider breeds that inherit the least number of health problems. With that being said, let us take a look at some of the most affectionate cat breeds for you to become familiar with, while you are out on the hunt for the best cuddle partner.
Ragdoll
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of a ragdoll is that they are simply adorable. If you have had a chance to interact with one, you will come to find about their remarkable friendly personality. Their name is a correct representation of their personality. While receiving affection, ragdolls tend to roll over, flip and flop, and do not get enough of your petting.
Furthermore, ragdolls are large in size but feature a great personality. It was in the 60s when ragdolls were introduced and originated in California. Ragdolls are identified by their long hair and Persian resemblance. Moreover, they usually come in grey color and have muscular bodies covered with silky coats.
Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds are identified by their distinctive ear folds that are a result of a dominant mutation. In addition to that, the Scottish Fold is a domestic cat that happens to be extremely loving and will usually sleep on their backs. This is another way of identifying them. Back in the day, they were called lop-eared or lop as they resembled the lop-eared rabbit. Furthermore, the Scottish Fold originated in Scotland and was introduced in 1966. Prior to their registration back in 1966, it was believed that the parent of the first Scottish Folds was a cat named Susie.
Inbreeding
The Scottish Fold comes with a concern across the globe. Owners and breeders have complained about inbreeding of some inheritable traits such as deafness and several other physical deformities. Today, the Scottish Fold is crossed with American Shorthairs and British Shorthairs to reduce the chances of genetically inherited health issues.
Birman
Also known as the “Sacred Cat of Burma” the Birman is identified by its blue eyes, beautiful coat, and color-pointed appearance. If you thought that the beautiful physical features were the only noticeable traits of this breed, you were wrong. Birman make excellent companions as well. Birmans tend to be fairly sociable and love to be lap cats. Furthermore, they also connect well with their human companions.
The Birman breed originated in France in 1925 and in 1967 was accepted by the Cat Fanciers Association in the United States. It was believed that the Birmans were the companions of priests in northern Burma. During WWII, Birmans had almost disappeared but the breeders did everything in their power to bring them back to life.
Kurilian Bobtail
The Kurilian Bobtail due to its resemblance to the Japanese Bobtail is thought to be related. Kurilian Bobtails originated in Eurasia and today it is promoted as a Russian breed to help it differentiate from the Japanese Bobtail. This breed loves to play with water and is known to be gentle, loving, and smart.
Kurilian Bobtails are identified by their fluffy short tail, cobby-type body, and medium-length hair. Furthermore, the rear legs of a Kurilian Bobtail are bigger than the front legs, the breed appears to have an arched appearance. Although, the Kurilian Bobtail is hard to find in the United States but they do have their place in the cat world. Not only is this breed affectionate and loyal but also makes for excellent companions.
Siamese
Siamese is known to be vocal but is also extremely playful and loving. Today, the Siamese breed is one of the most popular cat breeds in Europe and North America. Moreover, Siamese cats are identified by their unique triangular-shaped head with almond-shaped eyes that are usually blue in color. Furthermore, they feature an athletic build in addition to having pronounced ears. The Siamese breed has also been used to crossbreed with many other types of cats such as the Colorprint Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Balinese, and Himalayan Cat. These cats happen to be extremely smart, playful, and social. Moreover, they get along with other breeds and animals as well.
Maine Coon
Amongst the popular cat breeds, the Maine Coon tends to be the largest domestic cat as it can weigh upto more than 18 pounds and can reach more than 48 inches in length. Considering their size, these cats tend to be very friendly, loving, social, and easy to communicate with. They love playing fetch and like taking walks on the beach as well. Furthermore, this breed features excellent hunting skills as well and is amongst the oldest North American breeds.
Known as the “gentle giant”, Maine Coons have a bushy tail with rectangular-shaped bodies and two layers of coat. Furthermore, they come in a variety of colors and are loyal and playful. While compared to other cats, the Maine Coon is described as an above-average cat.
Persian
Although Persian cats tend to be high-maintenance and require a lot of grooming, they tend to be excellent household companions. Furthermore, Persian cats love to play on laps and like to lounge everyday as well. In addition to that, the breed comes along well with other pets and happens to be gentle and kind with kids.
Persian cats are identified by their luxurious long hair and round faces. Additionally, they are brachycephalic, which means that they have shortened muzzles. However, due to this feature, they tend to have issues with respiration. Originating in the Middle East, the Persian breed is also known as the ‘Shiraz’ or ‘Iranian’ cat.
Sphynx
The most noticeable feature of Sphynx cats is that they are hairless. This makes them the ultimate lap cat since they require warmth. Furthermore, the hairless feature is due to a genetic mutation that was achieved intentionally to keep them hairless since the 60s. Resembling the Siamese breed, Sphynx cats feature high cheekbones, along-shaped eyes, and an athletic build. In addition to that, the breed happens to be curious, lovable, intelligent, and introverted. While other breeds are slightly nervous around strangers, Sphynx is not. Instead, they are quite comfortable and do not panic as well. However, since they are hairless, Sphynx cats are more prone to skin cancer.
Tonkinese
The Tonkinese breed is a blended crossbreed of Burmese and Siamese origin. This breed loves to play outside, in nature, and is extremely social as well. Furthermore, this is also one of the most popular breeds in the world due to its playful and high energy demeanor. As compared to the Siamese, Tonkinese tends to be less vocal and feature a dog-like appearance. In addition to that, the Tonkinese breed comes in a variety of colors and feature a standard pointed coat pattern. Lastly, they have a long body and are medium-sized cats.
Mixed Breed Cats
The mixed-breed cat is one of the most affectionate cat breeds of all time. While inbreeding comes with a lot of risks associated with health, adopting a mixed breed cat is a win-win situation. As compared to a purebred cat, a mixed breed cat will be more loyal, friendly, and loving. With that being said, tuxedo and tabby cats tend to have an outgoing and intelligent personality while orange tabbies feature a cool vibe.
Final Word
Owning a cat is a fun and joyful experience. You get to see them grow in front of your eyes and even shape their personalities along the way. However, you need to be aware of the different breeds and the traits they carry. If you are someone who loves to socialize, then owning a breed that features the opposite is not going to be a good match. Therefore, consider the most popular breeds mentioned above to find the most suitable companion.