Most Affectionate Cat Breeds: 15 Cuddly Cat Breeds

Cats are more affectionate than dogs. However, not all pets like long caresses from their owners. If you dream of having a cat but do not know which breed to choose, we advise you to keep reading to find out which cat breeds are the most affectionate. 

People who need communication and contact with a pet usually choose an affectionate cat breed. When a pet sits on your lap and gently purrs, you are immediately ready to forgive them any dirty trick. However, not all cats like close communication with their owner. Some breeds do not like to be picked up and prefer to keep their distance. While such pets do become attached to their owners, they are more restrained in showing their affection. If you are looking for an affectionate kitten that will grow into a friendly pet, pay attention to the breeds from our list.

Review of affectionate cat breeds

1. Ragdoll

Ragdoll cat give tenderness and love, and they are famous for their delicate, complacent nature. These pets are beautiful, and they have a gorgeous coats and a kind character. They are enjoying long hugs with their owners and do not require special care.

Height	11 to 13 inches
Weight	10 to 20 pounds
Colors and patterns	Coat patterns include bi-color, van, mitted, and colorpoint; coat colors include seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream; blue eyes
Life Expectancy	13 to 15 years

READ FULL ARTICLE: Ragdoll Breed Info and Characteristics

2. Maine Coon 

These cats may look harsh and dangerous, but, in fact, this breed is very affectionate. These cats quickly become attached to their owners and treat children well. They also easily tolerate loneliness and are not aggressive if there are other pets at home. Cats of this breed love to participate in all family activities. Maine Coons are not only affectionate but also very intelligent. Combing the fur of these pets is necessary every day. Maine Coons have a very thick undercoat that needs to be taken care of. ^[3]

Height	Up to 16 inches
Weight	9 to 17 pounds
Colors and patterns	Long, double coat with more than 75 color combinations and green, gold, or copper eyes
Life Expectancy	9 to 15 years

READ FULL ARTICLE: Maine Coon

3. Scottish Fold

Cats of this breed are usually good-natured, calm, and get along well with other animals. Often, these pets are very attached to their owners and are very playful, take good care of themselves, and are intelligent. They tolerate street walking well and love outdoor games. Unfortunately, Scottish folds do not tolerate prolonged loneliness, which can lead them into a depressive state.

Height	8 to 10 inches
Weight	5 to 13 pounds
Colors and patterns	Bred to have a coat in a variety of colors, commonly calico and tabby patterns
Life Expectancy	11 to 14 years

READ MORE: All About Scottish Fold

4. Persian

These long-haired pets are distinguished by a flattened muzzle with intelligent, expressive eyes. Cats of this breed are calm and affectionate, adore their owners and children, love to be petted, picked up, and combed. They easily tolerate loneliness and can adapt to unfamiliar surroundings. They are quiet, rarely meow, and don’t like noisy games. The wool of this breed requires constant care and combing. It is also necessary to monitor the health of their eyes, which need to be wiped every day with a special solution or a cotton pad moistened with warm water. Despite the thick coat, these pets are sensitive to drafts. ^[2]

Height	14 to 18 inches
Weight	7 to 12 pounds
Colors and patterns	White, black, cream, tabby, calico, bi-color, silver and gold, shaded and smoke
Life Expectancy	10 to 17 years

READ FULL ARTICLE: Persian Cat Breed

5. Birman

Birman cats have a bright appearance and a kind character. These pets are tactful and always know when their owner should not be disturbed. This breed has the ability to learn simple commands, has a friendly attitude to all household members (especially children), and peacefully coexist with other pets. 

Height	8 to 10 inches
Weight	10 to 12 pounds
Colors and patterns	Long and silky coat of seal, blue, red, chocolate, cream, and tortie colors. Point pattern
Life Expectancy	13 to 15 years

6. Russian Blue

Russian Blue cats have a gentle nature and communicate well with their owners. This breed is not cruel and is happy to sit with you by the fireplace. This breed is perfect for living with a family as it never lets out its claws. Conflicts can arise only in relationships with domestic dogs.

Height	9 to 11 inches
Weight	7 to 12 pounds
Colors and patterns	Gray-blue, with a pronounced silvery ending
Life Expectancy	15 to 20 years

READ MORE: 16 Gray Cat Breeds

7. Sphynx

The Sphynx is a hairless pet that behaves like a dog. These cats need attention, love interaction, like to sit on the lap, quickly gets along with other children and other animals in the house. According to most breeders, the Sphynx is considered a good babysitter. These animals do not tolerate loneliness well; to reduce the stress of frequent separation from their owners, Sphynxes needs the company of other people or animals. Keeping a pet in an empty house full-time is not recommended. 

Height	8 to 10 inches
Weight	6 to 14 pounds
Colors and patterns	Hairless; colors include white, black, red, chocolate, lavender, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, pointed, and mink
Life Expectancy	9 to 15 years

RELATED: All About Sphynx Cats

8. Abyssinian

The Abyssinian pet looks like a puma and, in fact, are distant relatives of the wild African cat. But the character of this breed is not predatory. Abyssinian cats have refined manners and will become a wonderful friend because it loves company and follows its owner with pleasure.

Height	8 to 10 inches
Weight	8 to 12 pounds
Colors and patterns	Short coat in ruddy, red, chocolate, brown, sable, blue, gray, fawn
Life Expectancy	9 to 15 years

9. Devon Rex

Pets of this breed are usually very active, playful and seek close contact with humans. They can jump to a considerable height. Most Devon Rexes are strongly attached to one person. These pets actively play at any age and can be taught to perform tricks and fetch items.

Height	10 to 12 inches
Weight	6 to 9 pounds
Colors and patterns	Coat in chocolate, brown, sable, cinnamon, lavender, orange, cream, beige, tan, gray, white, black, ebony, red
Life Expectancy	9 to 15 years

10. Domestic Shorthair

This pet has a calm temperament and is a perfect companion – it is affectionate and understanding. They are very intelligent, love attention, and enjoy being held, but they do not demand it, unlike other breeds.^[1]

Height	8 to 10 inches
Weight	10 to 15 pounds
Colors and patterns	Bi-color, solid, tabby, calico, tri-color
Life Expectancy	15 to 20 years

11. Siamese cats

Siamese cats are very active and cheerful animals and love outdoor games. The Siamese cat is known for its loud voice and unique appearance. By nature, these pets are noisy, active, and sociable. They do not tolerate loneliness and boredom. Siamese get along well others of its breed. 

Height	Up to 14 inches
Weight	6 to 14 pounds
Colors and patterns	Short coat in seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac with blue eyes
Life Expectancy	8 to 12 years

12. Bombay

Bombay cats are very obedient, careful, and attentive. These cats are very social and will get along well with adults, children and another pets in the house. These cats communicate well with children. These pets love their people.

Height	9 to 13 inches
Weight	6 to 11 pounds
Colors and patterns	Short, sleek coat, usually solid black; large, copper eyes
Life Expectancy	15 to 20 years

13. Tonkinese

The Tonkinese cats are sociable and active animal which can become very attached its owner. They love human attention and want to become family members – not just a pet. This breeds are very sociable, but they do not tolerate long periods of loneliness. If you are often away from home, this can become a problem, as they become depressed.

Height	7 to 10 inches
Weight	6 to 14 pounds
Colors and patterns	Coat can be seal, blue, lilac, or chocolate with points around the face, ears, paws, and tail
Life Expectancy	13 to 18 years

14. Chartreux

The Chartreux cat is unperturbed and very devoted to those it loves. The cat will follow its owner everywhere, support him in difficult moments and treat him during illness. The cat prefers to sleep next to its owner (and maybe on him). This pet adapts to any environment, tolerates loneliness and long-distance travel. Chartreux is not aggressive and gets along well with other cats, as well as children.

Height	8 to 11 inches
Weight	11 to 18 pounds
Colors and patterns	Luxurious coats with a unique woolly texture of blue-gray coloring
Life Expectancy	11 to 15 years

15. Burmese

These cats are very playful and sociable and are always close to their owner. These pets love to lie on their knees and purr. This breed is not recommended to be left alone. The Burmese cat is not suitable for people who are used to staying at work for a long time, as the pet will suffer.

Height	9 to 13 inches
Weight	8 to 15 pounds
Colors and patterns	Blue, gray, lavender, silver, chocolate, brown, sable, lilac
Life Expectancy	10 to 17 years

FAQ

Article Sources

1. Morris, Desmond (10 May 1999). Cat breeds of the world: A complete illustrated encyclopedia. Viking. p. 90. Retrieved 28 June 2012, https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Breeds-World-Illustrated-Encyclopedia/dp/075480030X
2. “Ultra-Typing – a Breed Too Far?” Breeding Ethics, Purported Breed Origins and Lost Breeds, messybeast.com/ultracat.htm.
3. “America’s First Show Cat – The Maine Coon Cat.” The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc, cfa.org/maine-coon-cat/maine-coon-cat-article/.