Best Cat Breeds for Kids: Finding the Perfect Cat Breed for Your Kids
Children and cats can be the perfect companions for one another. Cats are playful, gentle, and loving animals that can provide hours of amusement and love for kids. And with so many different breeds of cats to choose from, this list of the best cat breeds for kids is a must.
This list of the best cat breeds for kids will highlight the top options when it comes to finding the perfect cat breed for kids. Whether you’re looking for a gentle and calm kitty, or a more independent and playful breed, there’s something on this list that can suit your family.
Enjoy this list of Best Cat breeds for Kids!
Top 10 Cat Breeds for Kids:
1. American Shorthair
Size: 11 – 15 pounds
About Cat Breed: Laidback and easygoing, these sturdy felines are built for family life. The breed tops the list of the Best Cat Breeds for Kids—and they’re one of the most popular picks. These sweet cats are low-maintenance and tend to get along well with anyone, human or pet; they also usually live long, healthy lives.
Bonus: With roots as working cats, American shorthairs are skilled at catching rodents, so they’ll pull their own weight in the family. The American Shorthair truly exemplifies the qualities of the Best Cat Breeds for Kids with its adaptability and friendly nature.
2. Abyssinian
Size: 6 – 10 pounds
About Cat Breed: The Abyssinian is often a colorful cat with a distinctly ticked coat, medium in size and regal in appearance; lithe, hard, and muscular, showing eager activity and lively interest in their surroundings. They are often well balanced temperamentally and physically. Abyssinians, affectionately known as Abys, are affectionate, loyal, and normally mix well with children and other pets.
Known for their curiosity, playfulness, and need to explore their surroundings, Abyssinians are people-oriented cats who like to participate in the activities taking place around them. Their engaging personalities make them one of the Best Cat Breeds for Kids.
3. Burmese
Size: 8 – 12 pounds
About Cat Breed: Playful and affectionate, the Burmese is at ease in a busy household and actively enjoys love and attention. They can even learn how to play fetch, like a pet dog. Fearless European Burmese cats remain playful and friendly well into their senior years.
These cats love being around their humans, and they tend to follow family members—including kids and even dogs—everywhere they go. Their social and interactive nature makes the Burmese one of the Best Cat Breeds for Kids, perfect for families seeking an engaging and loving pet.
4. Birman
Size: 7 – 12 pounds
About Cat Breed: The Cat Fanciers’ Association describes the Birman cat as “mystical, magical, and enchanting.” These felines, with their striking blue eyes and sweet faces, are known for being easygoing, gentle, loving, and curious, making them some of the Best Cat Breeds for Kids.
Birmans are as sociable as they come and are likely to follow family members around the house, playing and even “helping” with chores—anything to be a part of the action. Their affectionate nature ensures they are a delightful addition to any family.
5. Maine Coon
Size: 11 – 25 pounds
About Cat Breed: The Maine Coon is solid, rugged, and can endure a harsh climate. A distinctive characteristic of this cat is the smooth, shaggy coat. This breed is well-proportioned, has a balanced appearance, and has adapted to varied environments.
Friendly, furry, and intelligent are general attributes of many cat breeds, but Maine Coon cats are especially friendly, furry, and intelligent. In fact, they’re quite adaptable and seem to get along with everyone. These qualities make the Maine Coon one of the Best Cat Breeds for Kids, offering both companionship and fun.
6. Manx
Size: 8 – 12 pounds
About Cat Breed: Manx cats are famous for the thing they don’t have – a tail! This actually makes them perfect for younger children, as there is no tail to pull. Like the Burmese, they can be taught to play fetch. Playful and devoted, the Manx, who originated on the Isle of Man, is another one of the Best Cat Breeds for Kids. With the stock of working cats, these medium-sized, rounded felines—who are often tail-less—are active, but not overly so, making them ideal for family life.
7. Ragdoll
Size: 15 – 20 pounds
About Cat Breed: For families seeking a pet akin to a baby doll, the Ragdoll may be your best bet. These cats, who tend to be fairly large and have bright blue eyes, are loved for their habits of collapsing into the arms of the person holding them, just like a ragdoll.
This laidback breed truly enjoys human companionship, and they’ll often greet their humans at the door and follow them around the home. Smart and playful, Ragdoll cats are content to curl up at your side at night or learn a new trick or two by day. Their gentle and loving nature makes them one of the Best Cat Breeds for Kids.
8. Himalayan
Size: 7-12 pounds
About Cat Breed: A cross between the Siamese and Persian, the Himalayan is known to have the best characteristics of both breeds. These cats are sweet and playful by nature and are no strangers to warm laps. With their entrancing appearances (round faces, blue eyes, pouty mouths, and snub noses) and delightful temperaments, Himalayans are a frequent family pick. Their calm and affectionate demeanor ensures they are among the Best Cat Breeds for Kids.
9. Siamese
Size: 8-10 pounds
About Cat Breed: As one of the most affectionate and social breeds of cat, Siamese cats are renowned for following their owner around the house. They’re typically very playful and active and can be a great pet for families with children due to their gentle nature.
Playful, sweet-natured, and sociable, the Siamese has had a bad press on the strength of the sly specimens portrayed in the classic Disney film Lady and the Tramp. They are very entertaining and love to play with toys and explore every corner of the house. Their engaging and interactive personality makes them one of the Best Cat Breeds for Kids.
10. Persian
Size: 7 – 13 pounds
About Cat Breed: Due to their calm, tranquil nature, Persians are a great family pet. They’re good with children, very patient, and tolerant of loud, active kids. They will make efforts to move away and seclude themselves if everything gets too much, but remember, every cat has its limits.
They are playful, but not demanding; their patience and social nature make them a great companion for households with children and other pets. Their calm and affectionate nature makes them one of the Best Cat Breeds for Kids, ensuring a peaceful and loving environment.
Best Cat Breeds for Kids Conclusion
There are a variety of cat breeds that make great companions for kids. If you’re looking for a furry friend for your child, consider one of these best cat breeds for kids.
From playful to loving, there’s sure to be a perfect match for your family.
Do you have experience with any of these cat breeds and kids? If you do, please feel free to share that below in the comments.
