Breeds · 12 entries

Cat breeds that are good with children

Tolerant, sociable cats for a busy home.

How we chose: Cat breeds rated 4 or 5 out of 5 for being good with children.

1

Burmese

Affectionate, playful, people-focused · 3–6 kg (7–13 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Barking / vocal

Burmese are sometimes called "dogs in cat suits": they follow their people around, greet visitors at the door and often learn to fetch. Their short, glossy coat needs almost no grooming, and they are…
The full Burmese profile
2

Maine Coon

Gentle giant, sociable, playful · 4.5–8 kg (10–18 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Barking / vocal

The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds, with a shaggy coat, tufted ears and a big bushy tail built for harsh winters. Despite their size they are gentle and sociable,…
The full Maine Coon profile
3

Ragdoll

Placid, affectionate, people-oriented · 4.5–9 kg (10–20 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Barking / vocal

Ragdolls are famous for going limp when picked up. They are calm, gentle cats that suit families and quieter homes, and they generally dislike being left alone for long periods.Kittens are born white and…
The full Ragdoll profile
4

Sphynx

Extrovert, warm, attention-seeking · 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Barking / vocal

The Sphynx is not truly hairless — most have a fine peach-fuzz — and they are not hypoallergenic, because allergens are in saliva and skin. They are some of the most affectionate, sociable cats…
The full Sphynx profile
5

Abyssinian

Curious, active, people-oriented · 3–5 kg (7–11 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Barking / vocal

Abyssinians are among the most active cat breeds: they are on the top of the fridge, in the shopping bag and supervising every task. Their ticked coat, where each hair has bands of colour,…
The full Abyssinian profile
6

Bengal

Energetic, curious, athletic · 3.5–7 kg (8–15 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Barking / vocal

Bengals were developed by crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat, and they keep a wild look and a lot of energy. They suit experienced owners who can offer plenty of play and…
The full Bengal profile
7

Birman

Gentle, sociable, quiet · 3–7 kg (7–15 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Barking / vocal

The "sacred cat of Burma" has blue eyes, a colour-pointed coat and four pure white "gloves" on its paws. Birmans are gentle, people-oriented cats that enjoy company and usually get along well with children…
The full Birman profile
8

British Shorthair

Calm, independent, dignified · 4–8 kg (9–18 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Barking / vocal

With their round faces and dense "blue" coat, British Shorthairs look like teddy bears. They are affectionate but not clingy and usually prefer sitting beside you to sitting on you.They are one of the…
The full British Shorthair profile
9

Devon Rex

Mischievous, playful, affectionate · 2.5–4.5 kg (6–10 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Barking / vocal

With huge ears, a pixie face and a coat of soft waves, the Devon Rex is one of the most unusual-looking cats. Their personality matches: playful, curious and fond of perching on shoulders. They…
The full Devon Rex profile
10

Norwegian Forest Cat

Friendly, calm, adventurous · 4–8 kg (9–18 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Barking / vocal

Built for Scandinavian winters, the "Wegie" has a double coat with a water-resistant top layer and a thick ruff. They are sociable without being demanding and are among the best climbers of all cat…
The full Norwegian Forest Cat profile
11

Scottish Fold

Calm, sweet, adaptable · 3–6 kg (7–13 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Barking / vocal

The folded ears that give the Scottish Fold its owl-like look come from a gene that affects cartilage throughout the body. Research shows that all folded cats are affected to some degree by osteochondrodysplasia,…
The full Scottish Fold profile
12

Siamese

Vocal, social, intelligent · 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb)

Good with children
Good with other pets
Barking / vocal

Siamese cats are among the most talkative of breeds and will tell you exactly what they think. They are affectionate, clever and demanding of attention.The modern show Siamese is slim with a wedge-shaped head,…
The full Siamese profile

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